Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick lacrosse. The contact stated that the vehicle began to leak fuel from under the housing unit. Whenever the contact attempted to accelerate from a stop, it would jerk and hesitate before accelerating. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure…
2011 Buick LaCrosse powertrain problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 18 powertrain 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
Among the 12 model years of Buick LaCrosse in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Buick LaCrosse has serious, documented powertrain issues including sudden neutral drops while turning, transmission jerking and complete failures as early as 89,000 miles, delayed shift engagement, and repeated electronic throttle/sensor failures that disable the vehicle. Multiple owners report these are safety hazards that dealers either cannot or will not fix reliably.
Owners describe a pattern of dangerous transmission behavior. Early failures include the transmission dropping into neutral during turns or acceleration from stops—sometimes multiple times in one trip. One new-car buyer's unit had a backwards-installed transmission module caught by the dealer. Later, transmissions jerk harshly in stop-and-go traffic, particularly between 2000–2500 RPM, with some owners needing to slam the brakes to regain control.
Complete transmission failures occur between 89,000 and 120,000 miles, with the car entering limp mode or stalling entirely. One owner faced a $4,500 repair bill and a stranded road trip.
Electronic throttle control is a repeat offender. The "Reduced Engine Power" warning appears on multiple vehicles; dealers clean or replace the throttle position sensor, but the light returns within 24 hours. One owner had this cycle twice at different dealerships.
The 2.4L engine's balance shaft chain shows early wear, causing noise, hard cold starts, and difficulty shutting off. A complex recall (12313, revised multiple times) doesn't cover all affected vehicles.
Beyond transmission, owners report sudden unintended acceleration during low-speed turns, causing multiple crashes. One vehicle reversed out of a parked garage with the engine off. Rear wheel bearings fail three times in 50,000 miles. Stalling, stuck brake pedals, overheating cooling fans, and fuel leaks round out the complaints.
Same Buick LaCrosse powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Shifts to Neutral Unexpectedly
Transmission drops into neutral while driving, particularly during turns or acceleration from stops. One case involved a backwards-installed transmission module at the factory.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (new car); occurs during turning maneuvers and acceleration from traffic stops
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into neutral while turning; Loss of drive power during acceleration from stop; Requires manual shift back to Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission module replaced (was installed backwards by manufacturer)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall or service campaign for backwards module installation
Transmission Jerking and Hard Shifts
Transmission exhibits harsh, jerky shifts particularly during low-speed city driving and stop-and-go traffic. Shifts occur abruptly when lifting off accelerator between 2000–2500 RPM.
When: At 62,000 miles; worsening over 6 months; during low-speed driving (10–20 MPH)
Symptoms owners cite: Forward jerking during gear shifts; Noticeable jerk when lifting off accelerator; Requires hard braking to stop in some instances; Worsens with prolonged driving
Transmission Failure and Complete Burnout
Transmission completely fails and becomes inoperable, rendering the vehicle unable to continue. One vehicle burned up at 89,000 miles; another at 120,000 miles with limp mode activation.
When: 89,000 to 120,000 miles; limp mode occurred twice before full failure
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illuminates; Transmission codes present; Vehicle enters limp mode; Car barely moves or stalls completely; No power to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement needed; costs cited at $4,500
Transmission Delayed Engagement
5–15 second delay between shifting from Park into Reverse or Drive, during which transmission does not respond to shift commands.
When: Occurrence mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: 5–15 second lag after selecting Reverse or Drive; Transmission slow to engage
Transmission Will Not Shift or Accelerate
Transmission locks up or refuses to shift, preventing the vehicle from accelerating beyond a low speed. One case involved 'Reduced Engine Power' warning light and throttle body malfunction.
When: 72,000 to 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into higher gears; Cannot accelerate beyond 20 MPH; Reduced Engine Power warning light; Traction Stability System warning; Hesitation and difficulty accelerating
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Ignition System Engine Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement (cost $500 in one case); power sensor replacement attempted but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin for throttle body (some cars covered, others denied warranty)
Balance Shaft Chain Wear and Engine Noise
Chrome layer on balance chain pins wears, allowing chain stretch. Causes engine noise and hard starting. Multiple service bulletins revised without clear coverage for all affected vehicles. Oil smells like gasoline; vehicle won't shut off properly.
When: Occurs on 2010–2011 model year vehicles with 2.4L LAF engine
Symptoms owners cite: Engine noise from worn balance shaft chain; Vehicle difficult to shut off (stays running); Oil smells like gasoline; Hard acceleration; Engine does not run right
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage Recall 12313 (revised to 12313B, then 12313C); coverage includes balance shaft chain, tensioner, and engine mount; high-pressure fuel pump removed from later revisions; 2011 LaCrosse with LAF engine not covered under Emissions Recall 43180 despite same symptoms
Sudden Unintended Acceleration in Turns
Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input, particularly during low-speed turns (tight left-hand turns, parking maneuvers, 90-degree driveway turns). Occurs when lifting foot off accelerator before pressing brake.
When: Mileage not specified; multiple incidents over time
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected acceleration during low-speed turns; Acceleration without driver input; Occurs when releasing accelerator before braking; Does not happen consistently in same turn
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle investigated by dealer; repair status unknown
Vehicle Rolls or Accelerates While Parked
Vehicle unexpectedly reverses or rolls while parked in garage with engine off, or shifts out of Park without driver input.
When: 9,142 miles (early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle reverses while parked with engine off; Vehicle rolls and crashes into garage door and curb; No driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Driver door damaged and required replacement; four rims damaged; dent above front passenger bumper
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer attributed failure to powertrain; manufacturer not notified
Stalling and Restart Failure
Engine stalls while driving at various speeds without warning. Vehicle may fail to restart. Multiple warning lights illuminate.
When: 72,000 to 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Vehicle fails to restart after stall; Multiple warning lights on dashboard; Vehicle cuts off on its own
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Ignition System Engine Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body and O2 sensor replacement recommended; power sensor replacement attempted
Stuck Brake Pedal and Brake Engagement Issues
Brake pedal sticks or remains engaged even after vehicle is shut off. Brake lights remain on continuously. Requires manual release by pulling pedal up while driving.
When: Occurred since purchase at 30,000 miles; ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sticks in engaged position; Brakes remain engaged after engine shutdown; Brake lights stay on continuously; Cannot release brakes normally; Cruise control will not engage due to stuck brake
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not duplicate issue; not repaired
Engine Overheating and Cooling Fan Issues
Engine overheats; cooling fan runs continuously even in extreme cold. AC warning light appears and AC stops working. Fan runs constantly from start to shutdown.
When: Ongoing at -1 degrees Fahrenheit in North Dakota
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Cooling fan runs continuously; AC will not work due to overheating; AC warning light on dash; Fan operates all day regardless of temperature
Codes mentioned: Cooling fan warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Repair attempted for cooling system issue; problem persists after repair
Fuel Leak and Hesitation
Vehicle leaks fuel from housing unit. Jerks and hesitates when accelerating from a stop.
When: 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel leak from under housing; Jerking during acceleration from stop; Hesitation before accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed by dealer but not repaired
Battery Drain and Reduced Power Mode
Vehicle exhibits repeated 'Reduced Engine Power' warning, battery light illuminates, and power delivery becomes severely limited. Throttle position sensor (TPS) or throttle body cleaning/replacement does not resolve the issue; warning returns within 24 hours.
When: Early in ownership (purchased day before first failure); recurs at 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced Engine Power warning light; Battery light on dash; Deceleration during driving; Cannot accelerate normally; Warning recurs shortly after repair
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Ignition System Engine Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: TPS cleaned (poor contact found); throttle position sensor replaced; throttle body replaced ($500 cost mentioned); issue recurs within 24 hours in multiple cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin available; repair covered under some cases, denied in others
Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure
Rear wheel bearings fail and require replacement multiple times within a short timespan. One vehicle needed three bearing replacements in less than 50,000 miles within 22 months of ownership.
When: Under 30,000 miles (18 months); again at 48,000 miles (22 months); three replacements total in under 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear wheel bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Left rear wheel bearing replaced at under 30,000 miles; both left and right rear bearings replaced again at 48,000 miles
Driver Seat Position Lock Failure
Power driver's seat fails to operate normally, moving all the way to the dash or all the way back without stopping at intermediate positions, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Seat moves to extreme positions (dash or all the way back); Seat does not stop at comfortable driving positions; Unsafe driving position results
Vehicle Lunging and Loss of Control
Vehicle lunges forward suddenly and unpredictably, particularly when braking or transitioning from acceleration to deceleration. Lunges are severe enough to create control hazards, especially on downhill grades.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; worsens with longer driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden forward lunge while braking; Lunge when lifting off accelerator; Lunge on downhill grades; Loss of vehicle control during lunge; No warning before lunge occurs
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My vehicle a 2011 Buick lacrosse cxl 2.4l engine rpo laf. I have a problem with the engine making noise due to balance shaft chain special coverage recall 12313 where back then they included in the recall the balance shaft chain, tensioner, and also the engine mount high pressure fuel pump, then to say this bulletin has been revised to remove special coverage adjustment for the fuel pump that is…
The car was just purchased on 112619 and the day I bought I got warning light on dash next day car is in reduced power mode, took back to carmax to have this issue resolved they cleaned tps adv it was dirty poor contact. Two days later the light is back on this time the car is sent to Buick dealership in gilbert they replaced the throttle position sensor and I was told issue is fixed 24 hours…
The component is the brakes and the brake pedal while not engaging the brakes they remained on even after the vehicle was shut off .the vehicle brake lights remained on this was not duplicated when I took the car in by the dealer of how the brake remains engaged we even when not being used I would have to release the break by pulling it up with my foot while driving . This was duplicated and…
Upon leaving dealership after purchase of new car, turned right to exit and transmission jumped into neutral, almost rear-ended. Thought I may have hit shifter. Another turn from stop and trans jumped into neutral during turn while entering traffic. Just missed being hit and perhaps killed. Manually returned to "d". Life threatening defect. Ret to dealer and demonstrated. Next day dealer advised…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Buick LaCrosse?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 74,930 miles, with the median around 55,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 74,930. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.