Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that while parked he attempted to start the vehicle but the ignition failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who unable to diagnosed the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000 and…
2011 Buick LaCrosse engine problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 20 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 9 model years of Buick LaCrosse in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Stay away from 2011 Buick LaCrosse 3.6L engines. Owners report widespread stalling without warning, power loss while driving, timing chain failure, engine seizure, excessive oil burn, and component failures—many occurring well before 100K miles and leaving owners stranded with complete engine loss and no manufacturer support.
The 2011 Buick LaCrosse has earned a bleak track record for engine reliability. Owners describe sudden, unannounced stalling at highway speeds (50–65 mph) and in traffic, with several reporting complete loss of power steering and brakes—a life-threatening scenario. One owner's car lost all power at 57K miles due to the timing gear pressing on instead of keying on, allowing the timing chain to skip and damage the engine beyond repair. Others hit 60K miles before needing complete engine replacement at $6,000–$9,000 due to rod seal failure, broken valves, or catastrophic internal damage.
Low mileage failures are common: stalling at 20K, 24K, and 48K miles; starting problems with popping sounds showing up at 1,087 miles. Intermittent power loss ("reduced power" mode) occurs unpredictably, and dealers consistently cannot diagnose or fix the problem despite multiple visits and computer reprogramming. One engine burned 3–4 quarts every 2,000 miles due to piston ring failure at 95K miles, with the manufacturer denying warranty coverage based on the manufacturing plant. Check engine lights illuminate repeatedly with catalytic converter and cam solenoid failures documented. Several owners' cars simply quit while parked or in motion and refused to restart, requiring towing and full engine replacement—all with manufacturers refusing recalls or warranty support.
Same Buick LaCrosse engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain slack / timing gear failure
Timing gear manufactured as pressed-on instead of keyed-on, allowing timing chain to skip. Causes engine damage, reduced power, stalling, and catastrophic loss of power steering and brakes while driving.
When: 57K miles; generally early in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of all power including power brakes and steering while driving; Reduced power mode limiting speed; Permanent engine damage
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuild required; aftermarket shops key-on timing gear instead of pressing it on. Estimated rebuild cost significant.
Engine stalling without warning
Vehicle stalls unpredictably while driving at various speeds. Affects restart and creates immediate safety hazard. Multiple owners report stalling at highway speeds and low speeds; some unable to be diagnosed or repaired by dealers.
When: Reported at 20K to 105K miles; varies widely
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling while driving at highway and city speeds; Loss of power steering and brakes when stalled; Vehicle coasts to shoulder; Check engine light may or may not illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Most instances not diagnosed or repaired by dealers. Some owners report needing new engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers stated vehicles not included in recalls
Cam solenoid failure
Intake and exhaust cam solenoid fails, causing engine misfire and stalling.
When: 48,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling at highway speed; Engine misfire; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Cam solenoid replaced by independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in recall
Defective engine valve
Valve defect causes engine misfire while driving. Owner states manufacturer defect.
When: 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire at various speeds; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; owner referred to dealer
Reduced power / power loss episodes
Engine loses power unpredictably, with dashboard warning 'Engine Losing Pressure' or 'Reduced Engine Power.' Vehicle speed drops dramatically; some incidents recur multiple times. Creates hazard when crossing traffic or at intersections.
When: 48K miles and earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power while driving; Speed drop (55 mph to 35 mph, or to 10 mph); Shaking out of control; Engine losing pressure dashboard warning; Vehicle difficult to control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose in several cases
Engine overheating / water pump and balance shaft chain failure
Engine shuts down with low oil pressure. Water pump and balance shaft chain wear or fail, accompanied by oil loss. Multiple recurrences.
When: Incidents in January–February; 60K miles context
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutdown while driving; Speed drops to 10 mph and shaking; Low oil (half quart found); Moisture in engine areas; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump and balance shaft chain replaced; moisture found in engine
Rod seal failure and engine damage
Faulty seal causes rod to break, leading to catastrophic engine damage and sudden stalling. Loss of power steering and brakes.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly stops while exiting highway; No restart capability; Loss of power steering and brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement; independent mechanic diagnosed faulty seal. Cost approximately $6,000.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns 3 to 4 quarts of oil every 2,000 miles or less due to piston and piston ring failure. Not covered under warranty.
When: 95,550 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil consumption; Vehicle runs rough when oil low; Oil light does not come on when oil critically low
Repairs/costs cited: Not covered under warranty; owner states significant ongoing expense
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied because engine not made at specific plant
Intermittent starting issue with popping sound
Engine pops upon cold start; vehicle will not start; no power. Issue is intermittent and dealership unable to replicate or diagnose. Dealers attempted computer reprogramming without resolution.
When: Early in vehicle life (1,087 miles at complaint)
Symptoms owners cite: Popping sound upon starting; Vehicle will not start intermittently; No electrical power; Intermittent failure; happens 8–9 times in 3 weeks
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reprogrammed 3 computers but could not fix. Dealership attributed to exhaust expansion creating poofing sound; told nothing more could be done.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to repair; Buick executive offices contacted but no resolution offered
Check engine light and catalytic converter failure
Check engine light illuminates; error codes appear and are cleared but failure recurs. Diagnosis eventually identifies catalytic converter failure requiring replacement. Multiple battery failures also reported with no diagnostic resolution.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Error codes that recur after clearing; Repeated battery failures; Transmission failure (separate incident)
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replaced; transmission repaired; battery replaced multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failures
Stalling when turning or crossing bumps
Engine shuts off when vehicle turns or goes over bumps. Steering locks up creating immediate safety hazard.
When: Mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off when turning; Engine shuts off when going over bumps; Steering lock-up
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2011 Buick lacrosse (60,000 miles - properly maintained by 73 year old man) broke down on interstate hwy. While vacationing in knoxville, tn - Buick begins to stall and the engine light came on (was flickering and no acceleration). We stopped immediately at a gas station and called aaa - who towed us to a certified aaa repair/tow company. We initially suspected it would be the fuel pump or…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2011 Buick LaCrosse?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 48,000 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 95,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.