Problems · by component
2011 Buick Lacrosse engine problems
30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2011 Buick Lacrosse cite engine, 18% of all 169 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
30
18% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I am reporting a serious safety defect involving a 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXL. The vehicle has repeatedly shut off while being driven, creating a dangerous situation. The issue first occurred in January 2026. The vehicle was later towed for repair in February 2026, and I was told the issue had been fixed and picked up the vehicle 3/20/2026 and gave 1600. However, on April 9, 2026, the vehicle shut off again while driving. This issue has occurred multiple times and persists despite repair attempts. When the vehicle shuts off, it creates a loss of power and poses a significant safety risk in traffic. I am concerned that this may be a broader safety issue and am requesting that this defect be documented and investigated.”
“The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that the engine misfired while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was a defective valve in the engine which caused the misfire. The contact was informed that the failure was related to a manufacturer defect. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”
“Car been smelling like gas for awhile engine light pop on and off. My car will not start I have replace the fuel pump car still won’t get gas . Replaced battery numerous of times battery keep won’t stay charge . I have a recall on my car I believe the suspension is under recall as well. I also had to replace my windshield wiper motor a few times slapped against my windshield and cracked windshield.”
“I noticed today as I was stopped at a red light with my foot on brake the vehicle was kinda jumping like it was trying to go while foot was on brake. I drove a little further and the service stabilitrak light came on followed by the reduced engine power. The car proceeded to die in the middle of a busy street. After a few minutes it did restart and I was able to get it home. This seems to be a common problem with 2011 buick lacrosse. Ihave seen several complaints about this same issue.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LACROSSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KYLE EDWARDS BUICK GMC LOCATED AT (1600 N MAIN ST, MUSKOGEE, OK 74401) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CEASED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
“OUR FAMILY'S 2011 BUICK LACROSSE ONLY HAS 57K MILES ON IT, AND THE ENGINE ALREADY HAS PERMANENT IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE FROM A MANUFACTURER OVERSIGHT IN WHICH THE TIMING CHAIN "SKIPS TIME." WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR UNPREDICTABLY LOST ALL POWER, INCLUDING POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. I QUICKLY MUSCLED THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, BUT THIS CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR OUR FAMILY AS WE WERE FORCED TO CROSS TRAFFIC, AT SPEED, TO REACH THE ROAD SHOULDER. A DAY PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WENT INTO "REDUCED POWER" MODE WHILE TRAVELING UPHILL, CUTTING SPEED FROM 55MPH TO 35MPH, BACKING UP TRAFFIC. CARS WERE PASSING AND HONKING IN A DOUBLE YELLOW-LINED STRETCH OF ROAD. WE SUBSEQUENTLY SHOULDERED THE CAR, SHUT OFF ITS POWER AND IT SEEMED TO BE OPERATING PROPERLY UNTIL OUR DESTINATION, BUT WE ONLY HAD 3 MILES LEFT TO TRAVEL. THE TIMING GEAR IS PRESSED-ON INSTEAD OF KEYED-ON. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TIMING CHAIN TO "SKIP TIME," DAMAGING THE ENGINE AND CAUSING ERRATIC ENGINE BEHAVIOR. OUR MECHANIC HAS SEEN OUR EXACT ENGINE ISSUE WITH THE 3.6L 6-CYL ENGINES IN VARIOUS OTHER GM VEHICLES. THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ENOUGH TO…”
Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.