This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Buick LaCrosse electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Buick LaCrosse have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 72,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 LaCrosse | 69 |
| 2008 LaCrosse | 73 |
| 2009 LaCrosse | 30 |
| 2010 LaCrosse | 43 |
| 2011 LaCrosse (this page) | 30 |
| 2012 LaCrosse | 45 |
| 2013 LaCrosse | 35 |
| 2014 LaCrosse | 12 |
| 2015 LaCrosse | 7 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 30 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 LaCrosse electrical system spawns problems that hit hard and hit often. Owners describe multiple complete power losses while driving—engine dies, lights go out, steering locks, brakes fail—leaving drivers scrambling to coast to safety. Some vehicles stall without warning while moving or accelerating from stop; the check engine light later shows fault codes like P0014, and even dealer reprogramming doesn't stick. Others suffer intermittent no-start with a single click and dim lights pointing to chronic battery drain, terminal corrosion, and parasitic discharge that keeps recurring.
The keyless push-button start is unreliable: ignition works sporadically, sometimes requiring multiple presses with AC and radio disabled just to crank. Transmission locks in Park and won't budge, even following the manual's procedure—a trap if your battery dies and you need to move the car. Climate control software fails abruptly, disabling heat, AC, and defroster mid-drive, and dealer denial of recall coverage leaves owners stuck with $400+ repair bills.
Trunk pops open repeatedly while driving or sitting parked, body control module replacement doesn't fix it, and door locks quit responding to exterior handles, trapping occupants if battery power is lost in a crash. One owner reported finding burned wires under the hood; another's parked vehicle got so hot it triggered a basement CO alarm. Instrument clusters flicker into night mode during daylight, navigation and radio fail, and every system from anti-skid to memory seats suffers intermittent electrical ghosts. Dealers struggle to diagnose because failures often don't repeat during service visits. Extended warranties became necessary for owners just trying to keep the car running.
Same Buick LaCrosse electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission lever lock in Park (keyless start)
Push-button start vehicles cannot shift transmission out of Park using the manual lever release procedure described in the owner's manual. The procedure requires setting accessory mode (amber light), squeezing the transmission lever, and moving to Neutral for towing. This does not work on keyless-start models; the same procedure works on keyed-start vehicles by turning the key to ON (not ACCESSORY). Owners report the interlock between engine, brake, and transmission is not released in accessory mode, and there is no ON position for keyless ignition without starting the engine.
When: At rest; multiple ownership durations
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission lever cannot be moved out of Park; Amber accessory light illuminates but lever remains locked; Foot brake application does not help; Manual states procedure should work but does not
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; dealerships unable to resolve
Intermittent loss of engine power while driving
Vehicle loses power abruptly while driving at highway speeds (30–60 mph). Dashboard displays messages such as 'Stabilitrak Service Required' or 'Low Power Mode.' Engine power drops significantly, forcing owner to pull over. Vehicle may not restart on first attempts; turning engine off and restarting restores normal operation. Multiple occurrences reported, sometimes 3 times in short intervals, sometimes not at all during 30-mile trips. Check engine light illuminates with diagnostic codes P0014 (cam/crank timing), throttle position sensor codes, and power control module indicators.
When: While driving at various speeds (30–60 mph highway and local); intermittent, unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Dashboard displays 'Stabilitrak Service Required' or 'Low Power Mode'; Vehicle speed drops from 60 mph to 30 mph; Difficulty restarting; multiple restart attempts required; Check engine light illuminates after first occurrence; Low idle after restart; normalizes after turning off and on again; Multiple throttle position sensor fault messages
Codes mentioned: P0014, Throttle Position Sensor codes, Power Control Module indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Engine Control Module reprogramming attempted per service bulletin; does not resolve issue permanently. Multiple module updates applied (EBCM, BCM, ECM and approximately 27 modules) without confirmed fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued for Engine Control Module reprogramming. GM Customer Center contacted; unable to identify specific cause. Module updates performed as part of extended warranty after owner complaint.
Complete electrical system shutdown while driving
Engine shuts off completely while driving, with total loss of electrical power. All systems fail: engine, brakes, steering, lights, and instrument cluster. Windows retract and vehicle attempts automatic reboot sequence. After 3rd start attempt, vehicle restarts with no stored diagnostic codes. All instrument cluster data (mileage, oil life, trip meter) is cleared.
When: While driving, uphill in winter conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown mid-drive; Loss of all electrical power simultaneously; Brakes inoperative; Steering wheel locked; All lights extinguished; Automatic window cycling (down then up on multiple windows); Instrument cluster data loss (mileage, oil life, trip meter erased); Vehicle restarts on 3rd attempt
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented or performed after incident
Trunk latch failure and spontaneous opening
Trunk releases unexpectedly and pops open while vehicle is driving or parked. On keyed-start models, the trunk latch disengagement switch is positioned on the flip key; drivers inadvertently press it with thumb/index finger during key insertion and turning, disengaging the trunk latch without the trunk immediately opening. Trunk then opens during stopping or driving. On push-button models, trunk opens spontaneously multiple times in succession even after closing; body control module replacement does not permanently resolve. Trunk also opens unprompted while vehicle is parked in public lots.
When: While driving at various speeds; while parked; occurs multiple times in succession
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk pops open while driving; Trunk opens at traffic stops or during acceleration; Trunk latch disengages when flip key is inserted and turned (keyed models); Trunk opens multiple times in succession, reopening after closing; Trunk opens spontaneously while parked in public lots; Warning chime sounds (may indicate Park shift indicator error)
Repairs/costs cited: Body control module replacement attempted; does not permanently resolve issue. 'Part' replaced by GM dealer on one vehicle without confirmed resolution.
Push-button start intermittent failure and hard start
Ignition button produces only one click, then will not start engine. Vehicle requires pressing start button repeatedly while disabling AC, radio, and power systems to achieve start. Battery terminal corrosion (primarily positive terminal) recurs frequently and correlates with failures. One owner noted premature battery replacement (new battery already installed at 52K miles on 2011 model). Service bulletin PI-0412 references parasitic drain/discharge issue. Problem does not reproduce at dealership.
When: Intermittent; 10–15+ occasions reported; problem does not occur during dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Single click heard when pressing start button; no engine crank; Requires multiple button presses and disabling AC/radio/power to start; Rapid battery terminal corrosion (positive terminal primarily); Dim instrument and headlights; Problem occurs after vehicle sits parked; Intermittent; does not reproduce at dealership for diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Battery terminal cleaning and tightening provides temporary relief. Battery replaced under warranty on one vehicle. No permanent fix confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin PI-0412 issued for parasitic drain/discharge investigation. Three GM dealerships unable to diagnose or reproduce issue during service visits.
Complete vehicle electrical failure—total system dead
Vehicle becomes completely unresponsive with no ability to start. Multiple generic electrical warning messages display on attempt to start, but specific cause cannot be identified. Vehicle towed both times. After first incident, dealer performed no repairs. After second incident (20 days later), dealer updated approximately 27 electronic modules (EBCM, BCM, ECM, etc.) without identifying root cause. Owner reports 21 warranty repairs on low-mileage vehicle; extended warranty issued by GM due to frequency of issues.
When: Vehicle stationary; occurs twice within 20 days; low mileage (52,278 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle completely unresponsive, cannot start; Multiple generic electrical warning messages displayed; No diagnostic codes identify root cause; No ability to crank or spark
Repairs/costs cited: Approximately 27 electronic modules updated (EBCM, BCM, ECM, and others); no specific diagnosis determined. Owner notes module replacement cost several thousand dollars. No recurrence after updates except prior battery issue (already replaced under warranty).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty issued by GM due to high frequency of warranty repairs (21 fixes on low-mileage vehicle). Dealer contacted GM Customer Center; no specific cause-and-effect identified.
Climate control system failure (defroster, heat, AC inoperative)
Defroster, heating, air conditioning, fan speed, recirculation, and heated/cooled seat functions fail completely while driving in winter conditions. Software in electronic climate control module disables ability to adjust HVAC settings. This matches NHTSA recall #11V149000 language describing 'windshield defrosting and defogging systems' failure, but vehicle denied coverage due to VIN. Separate case: AC blows cool but never reaches full cold operation; multiple repair attempts unsuccessful.
When: While driving in snow storm (January); failure occurs suddenly; low mileage examples at 112K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Defroster inoperative; Heating inoperative; Air conditioning inoperative; Fan speed control fails; Recirculation control fails; Heated/cooled seat controls fail; No warning lights illuminated; AC blows cool but not cold (separate case)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $400+ for repair. One vehicle had electronic climate control module software issue requiring reprogramming.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall #11V149000 issued but some VINs excluded from coverage. GM Customer Care (representatives Asia and Leslie) stated GM could not help affected owner. Software module reprogramming may be required.
Door lock electrical failure and access hazard
Keyless entry fails; doors cannot be locked or unlocked using exterior handles or touch-sensitive lock spots. In accident scenario where battery loses power, electrically-operated door pull toggles retract completely into door frame with no external grip surface, trapping occupant inside vehicle. No manual override exists; windows cannot be operated without battery power. Design creates life-safety hazard in crash scenarios.
When: At rest (parked); also during/after accident with battery loss
Symptoms owners cite: Door cannot be locked by touching lock spot on exterior handle; Door cannot be unlocked by pulling handle when key is in pocket; Door pull toggles retract completely into door with no external surface; No manual override available if battery is disabled; Electric windows inoperable without battery power; Occupant trapped in vehicle after battery failure
Repairs/costs cited: No fix documented. Design issue; suggested solution is to extend pull toggles 3/4 inch longer to allow manual grip and pull even with electrical system disabled.
Driver seat memory function intermittent failure
Driver's memory seat repeatedly loses programmed settings. Sometimes one button loses memory; often both memory buttons fail simultaneously. Problem persists over vehicle ownership period (reported at 1 year 8 months).
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Memory seat position fails to recall; One or both memory buttons lose settings; Frequent loss of memory settings
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
OnStar system malfunction
OnStar phone button produces one-way audio: system hears caller but caller cannot hear system response. Occurs after multiple electrical events on same day.
When: During periods of other electrical failures
Symptoms owners cite: Caller hears busy signal when placing call via OnStar; Recipient hears incoming call and voice, but caller hears nothing in return; One-way audio communication failure
Instrument cluster display failure (navigation, radio, backup display)
Navigation system display switches from day mode to night mode in daylight conditions, rendering display unreadable for nearly an hour. Backup camera display also affected and becomes unusable. Radio station selection also inoperative during same failure. Display remains dark despite bright overcast daylight conditions.
When: While driving; 2+ hours after dawn; overcast conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation display switches to night mode in daylight; Display unreadable for extended period (nearly 1 hour); Backup display darkened and unusable; Radio station selection inoperative; Display brightness sensor appears to malfunction
Electrical fire under hood
Unknown wires found burned under hood, indicating fire occurrence. Vehicle was at dealership for unrelated repair when technician discovered visible fire damage. Manufacturer not notified; vehicle not repaired.
When: At 74,000 miles; discovered during service for other issue
Symptoms owners cite: Visible burned wires under hood; Evidence of fire under hood; No warning lights or alerts mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed
Carbon monoxide (CO) leak related to electrical system
Vehicle parked in garage reached 115°F internal temperature with engine unable to start. Under hood temperature reached 150°F. Carbon monoxide alarm in basement activated; fire department responded with CO monitors. No CO source found in home heating systems (dryer, water heater, stove inspected). Vehicle eventually traded in; cause never determined by dealership.
When: Vehicle parked for 5+ hours in garage
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme heat buildup inside and under vehicle hood; CO alarm activated in nearby home; Engine will not start; Fire department response required
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle traded in without repair or diagnosis
Push-button start unintended engagement
Engine starts unintentionally when start button is pressed to shut off engine. While walking away from vehicle, engine starts and remains running for 10 minutes (occurs on last two failures). Dealer states issue is 'computerized' with no remedy offered.
When: When attempting to shut off engine; vehicle runs for 10 minutes unintended
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts when push button should shut off vehicle; Vehicle runs for extended time without driver input; Problem repeats on at least two occasions
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer both state issue is 'computerized' and offered no assistance or remedy.
Parasitic electrical drain (battery discharge)
Battery drains while vehicle is parked, leaving vehicle unable to start after a few hours of non-use. Lights dim noticeably when attempting start; jumper start required to revive vehicle. Service bulletin PI-0412 addresses parasitic drain issue.
When: Vehicle parked for several hours; one instance within 5% incline in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely drained; Multiple clicks heard when attempting start; Lights noticeably dim; Requires jumper to start
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin PI-0412 issued for parasitic drain/discharge investigation.
Electrical suspension module (anti-skid) malfunction
Clicking noise heard from dashboard while electronic suspension warning light illuminates. Diagnostic identifies electrical suspension module failure. After repair, failure recurs.
When: At 29,988 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from dashboard; Electronic suspension warning light illuminated; Symptom recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Electrical suspension module repaired; failure recurred.
Anti-skid system unintended activation
Anti-skid/traction control device activates independently and causes braking without driver input or warning.
When: While driving; 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Braking occurs without driver activation; No warning before anti-skid engagement; Unintended vehicle deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Rodent wire damage (soy-based insulation)
Engine and battery wires damaged by rodent gnawing. Vehicle wires reportedly made with soy-based chemical coating that attracts rodents. First failure caused engine stall; second failure caused battery failure. Both incidents required wire replacement.
When: At approximately 96,000 miles; two separate failures
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall due to engine wire damage; Battery failure due to battery wire damage; Visual evidence of rodent gnawing on wires
Repairs/costs cited: Engine and battery wires replaced at George Matick Chevrolet and Taylor Chevrolet
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of rodent wire damage failures.
Sunroof shade control button failure
Sunroof shade button fails to retract shade as intended. Button defective and does not return shade to closed position.
When: At 124,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof shade does not retract when button pressed; Shade remains extended
Repairs/costs cited: Estimate provided by Jim Hudson Buick GMC but repair not performed by owner. Throttle position sensor also noted as failed on same vehicle.
Throttle position sensor failure
Throttle position sensor fails, affecting engine operation. Noted as secondary failure during sunroof shade inspection.
When: At 124,000 miles (noted during sunroof inspection)
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle position sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Identified but not repaired
Speedometer and tachometer reflection onto side mirror at night
Speedometer and tachometer needles/displays reflect through driver-side window onto exterior side mirror when driving at night, creating visual distraction and potential safety hazard. Design issue with windshield curvature and gauge cluster lighting.
When: While driving at night
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer reflected onto driver side mirror; Tachometer reflected onto driver side mirror; Reflection visible at night; Potential driver distraction
Total instrument cluster and electronics shutdown
All electronics in instrument cluster and vehicle systems go inoperative simultaneously while driving at highway speed. Speedometer, tachometer, instrument cluster, turn signals, navigation system, and radio all fail at once.
When: While cruising on highway at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer inoperative; Tachometer inoperative; Instrument cluster inoperative; Turn signals inoperative; Navigation system inoperative; Radio inoperative; All systems fail simultaneously
Engine stalling while driving—intermittent
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or accelerating from standstill. Vehicle maintains stored fault code P0014 (cam/crank timing); code reappears after each service attempt. Service bulletin exists for Engine Control Module reprogramming specific to vehicle VIN, but reprogramming does not resolve the issue. Vehicle shuts off at unpredictable intervals. Multiple owners report same problem.
When: While driving or taking off from standstill; intermittent and unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Occurs while driving or during acceleration from stop; Stored fault code P0014; Code recurs after service; Vehicle shuts off at moments notice; Multiple stall occurrences reported
Codes mentioned: P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Engine Control Module reprogramming attempted per service bulletin specific to VIN; does not resolve stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued for Engine Control Module reprogramming; ineffective solution.
Reduced engine power—instrument panel to body harness connector issue
Vehicle loses all power while driving on highway (I-84), forcing sudden lane change to avoid rear-end collision. Malfunction indicator lamp illuminates with reduced engine power message. Technical service bulletin #07-06-04-019F addresses repair of instrument panel to body harness connector.
When: While driving on I-84 highway
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power; Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated; Reduced engine power displayed; Loss of vehicle control requiring emergency lane change
Codes mentioned: P1...
Repairs/costs cited: Technical service bulletin #07-06-04-019F issued for instrument panel to body harness connector repair.
Total electrical system failure—intermittent complete loss of electrical power
Vehicle experiences intermittent complete loss of all electrical systems while driving. Radio, dash lights, headlights, and all instrumentation blink on and off repeatedly before vehicle dies completely. Problem occurs repeatedly during extended driving. Owner reports repair costs exceed vehicle value.
When: After driving for extended periods; intermittent episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of radio function; Dash lights inoperative; Headlights inoperative; All lights and displays blink and cycle; Vehicle dies (engine shuts off); Multiple episodes during single driving session
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as electrical issue; repair costs exceed vehicle value
Vehicle self-start and self-shutdown
Vehicle starts on its own while parked, runs unattended, and shuts down on its own without driver input. Roaring noise heard from vehicle during self-operation.
When: While parked; 72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts without key/button input; Vehicle runs unattended; Vehicle shuts down without driver action; Roaring noise heard from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the dashboard as the electronic suspension warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The…
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 Buick LaCrosse?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 Buick LaCrosse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 30 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 38,000 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 107,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Buick/LaCrosse.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.