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2011 Buick LaCrosse

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Buick LaCrosse
Pictured: 2010 Buick LaCrosse 2 -- 09-07-2009. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Cx FWD, 4dr Sedan Cxl AWD, 4dr Sedan Cxl/Cxs FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 19 city / 29 hwy
Length
196.9 in
Curb weight
3,818–4,198 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Buick LaCrosse is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,818 lb (4dr Sedan Cx FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 29 highway), 1% worse than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Cx FWD196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,818 lb58/42
4dr Sedan Cxl AWD196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,198 lb57/43
4dr Sedan Cxl/Cxs FWD196.9 in73.2 in59.1 in111.8 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,017 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
LaCrosse2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 29 / 23-1%$2,900386
LaCrosse3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 27 / 20-14%$3,350444
LaCrosse AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 26 / 20-14%$3,350444
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse.

Similar 2011 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Buick LaCrosse (this car)23 MPGNot rated4
2011 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated4
2011 Honda Accord26 MPGNot rated9
2011 Chevrolet Impala23 MPGNot rated2
2011 Toyota Camry33 MPGNot rated5
2011 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated2
2011 Dodge Charger21 MPGNot rated12

Recalls (4)

Suspension › Rear · Dec 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00F000 · 4,271 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal, and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received an improper amount of electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212346640. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recalls 20V-764 and 21V-633.
Suspension › Rear · Dec 21, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V764000 · 220,006 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Buick Regal, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2010-2013 Buick Lacrosse vehicles sold or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. These vehicles may have rear toe links that received excessive electrocoating (e-coat) corrosion protection, which could cause the e-coat to become brittle and break away when contacted by road debris. Over time, the e-coat may chip away, exposing the metal toe link and making it more susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion may eventually cause the toe link to thin and ultimately to fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture may reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on January 27, 2021, and April 15, 2021. A third notification was mailed on August 19, 201. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202308930.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element · Mar 4, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V149000 · 10,179 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 BUICK LACROSSE AND CADILLAC SRX VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS". ON THESE VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE IN THE ELECTRONIC CLIMATE CONTROL (ECC) MODULE MAY DISABLE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM SETTINGS. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION FOR THE VEHICLE.
Risk
IF THIS CONDITION AFFECTS THE DEFROST SYSTEM WHEN IT IS REQUIRED, IT MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Buick LaCrosse is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

121Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
72,700 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine26
Suspension22
Electrical System19
Power Train14
Service Brakes13
Visibility/Wiper13
Unknown Or Other11
Steering9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/01: 121/02: 221/03: 121/04: 321/05: 521/07: 521/09: 121/10: 221/11: 122/02: 222/03: 122/09: 122/10: 122/12: 123/01: 123/02: 223/03: 123/07: 124/01: 124/05: 125/09: 125/10: 126/04: 126/07: 121/0121/0421/0922/0222/1023/0224/0125/10max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Buick LaCrosse buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 26 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Suspension — 22 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  4. Electrical System — 19 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,700 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other LaCrosse years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 LaCrosse29197.6 in★★★★★27
2018 LaCrosse29197.6 in★★★★★312
2017 LaCrosse25197.6 inNot rated236
2016 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated248
2015 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated344
2014 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated561
2013 LaCrosse29196.9 inNot rated5116
2012 LaCrosse28196.9 inNot rated5160

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →