2011 Buick Lacrosse Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 11%of 169 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,450miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Buick Lacrosse, 11% of the 169 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,450 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 later car is back in reduced power mode”
NHTSA complaint #11288482, filed 2019-12, 55,900 miles“Currently, my car has 62k miles on it. 2011 Buick lacross cxl awd 3.6 engine. The car is jerking forward during the low speeds between 2000-2500 RPM , when I move my foot off the accelerator, tranny shifts from 1st gear to 2nd or 3rd to 4th and this makes a very noticeable forward jerk. I have noticed this 6 months ago when it was not very noticeable but now it is getting worse. Specially in the city, during the stop and go traffic it is really very annoying and dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #10746241, filed 2015-08, 59,000 miles“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 now included in voluntary emissions recall 43180. Updates have been made to the part information, service procedure, and warranty transaction information sections. …”
NHTSA complaint #10935214, filed 2016-12, 29,750 miles“The transmission,with approx 89,000 miles burned up while I was on a road trip. I was 9 hours from my home and alone with a full car of vacation equipment. I was on interstate 24 in nashville tennessee. I pulled off and a service station checked why the engine light was on. They said the codes showed transmission problems. I should try to get to the nearest Buick dealer, in clarksville tennessee. They said it would make it. I was alone. Thank goodness for onstar. I had to spend the night in clarksville because the dealership was closed and it was getting dark. The car was barely moving by now. …”
NHTSA complaint #11085144, filed 2018-04, 89,000 miles“I noticed this problem not long after getting car when stopped in drive going from brake to gas car seems to act like its on oil slick then catches on with a sudden jerk. It will also when going from gas to brake even on incline will lunge forward it also will just suddenly speed up with out any acceleration its like the car is in cruise control. I have had car in several times and always they cant tell me anything I'm not the only person who notices this anyone who is in car asks what was that or what just happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10532433, filed 2013-07, 4,181 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 25% |
| 2017 | 9 | 25% |
| 2016 | 7 | 15% |
| 2015 | 2 | 5% |
| 2014 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 12 | 9% |
| 2012 | 24 | 12% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 17 | 9% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 4% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 19 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2011 Buick Lacrosse
32 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Buick Lacrosse
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology