DecodedCars2011 Buick Lucerne
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD Cx/Cxl, 4dr Sedan FWD Super
- Engines
- 3.9L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 17 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 203.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,763–3,997 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints28 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 121 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Buick Lucerne is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.9L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 203 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,763 lb (4dr Sedan FWD Cx/Cxl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (17 city / 26 highway), 12% better than the 2011 large car average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Lucerne — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Lucerne →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD Cx/Cxl | 203.1 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 115.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,763 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Super | 203.1 in | 73.6 in | 57.9 in | 115.4 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 3,997 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucerne FFV | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Lucerne | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 494 |
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 Lucerne.
Similar 2011 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Buick Lucerne (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Impala | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2011 Dodge Challenger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Chrysler 300 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2011 Ford Taurus | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Toyota Avalon | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jun 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V355000 · 3,141,731 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Nov 5, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V553000 · 13,780 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DTS AND BUICK LUCERNE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES. THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE. IF EITHER THE STARTER OR ALTERNATOR CABLE IS CONTACTING THE POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COULD WEAR THROUGH THE LINE, CAUSING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
- Risk
- A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2011 Buick Lucerne is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Buick Lucerne buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 106,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 Lucerne. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Lucerne years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Lucerne | 20 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 38 |
| 2009 Lucerne | 21 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 101 |
| 2008 Lucerne | 19 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 125 |
| 2007 Lucerne | 20 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2006 Lucerne | 20 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 85 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →