2011 Buick Lucerne Problems
Compared with other Buick Lucerne years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
35/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Buick Lucerne year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 13 of its 49 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (23 complaints, median 106,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 49filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,740miles, 36 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 3–4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.9L 6-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 17 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Buick Lucerne (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 2011 Buick Lucerne. The part named most often is electrical system, with 23 complaints (47% of the total), followed by fuel system (6) and brakes (5). 36 of the complaints include a mileage, and 56% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,740 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,137 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the cables and 231 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 51 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 3 Buick Lucerne model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 35 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system23 47%
- Fuel system6 12%
- Brakes5 10%
- Engine3 6.1%
- Engine cooling3 6.1%
- Other or unknown2 4.1%
- Steering2 4.1%
Also reported: Body and structure (2), Tires (2), Air bags (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “On march 28th, 2018 my vehicle a 2011 Buick Lucerne with 162,554 miles on it, would not restart after making a twenty-mile trip to take my grandchildren to school. I parked on the side of the road in front of my mother's house to visit, and upon my attempt to leave, the vehicle would not start. There were no warning indicators, strange noises, or smells that would lead me to believe the fuse box failure, leading to the box melting. …”
NHTSA complaint #11081971, filed 2018-03, 162,544 milesFuel system: “Fuel pump relay is overheating to dangerously high temperatures. At least 211 F degrees. Causes the fuel pump fuse to melt leaving me stranded. Immediate replacement of the 20 AMP fuse is necessary to get the car running again. The fuel pump relay gets really hot even if the AC is not on. Waited for hour and a half in near 100 F degree heat for a tow truck to it home. I’m lucky the car did not catch on fire. I know quite a few of the Buick Lucerne’s have had recalls regarding this item. Picture of the actual car is included. No police report was necessary as this was a breakdown situation. …”
NHTSA complaint #11727683, filed 2026-03Brakes: “Brake line experienced a catastrophic failure resulting in a rapid loss of all brake fluid and complete loss of brakes while on a city street. Car was towed to the repair shop where it was determined that all brake lines were severely rusted from the outside and one had failed. This car was always garage kept and very infrequently driven on salted streets. All brake had to be replaced. I think it is unreasonable that brake lines should rust out and cause such a failure. Someone could have been killed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11341636, filed 2020-07, 37,000 milesVehicle speed control: “The contact owns a 2011 Buick Lucerne. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The failure recurred two times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,400. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10682428, filed 2015-02, 19,400 milesMileage when problems were reported
56% of the 36 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 106,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Buick Lucerne. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucerne · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 2 | 4 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
| Lucerne · sedan FWD | ★★★☆☆ | 5 / 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2011 model year: forward collision warning not available, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Buick Lucerne version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucerne FWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Lucerne FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V355000Jun 23, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Buick Lucerne 2006–2011, Chevrolet Impala 2006–2014, Cadillac Deville 2000–2005 +3 more
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
- 10V553000Nov 5, 2010Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › CablesCovers: Buick Lucerne 2010–2011, Cadillac DTS 2010–2011
General motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 dts and buick lucerne vehicles equipped with v8 engines. The starter or alternator cable is in contact with the power steering return line. If either the starter or alternator cable is contacting the…
Recall details for the 2011 Buick Lucerne → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,137 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Buick Lucerne
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 49 | 38,740 | 2 | 3–4 | 21 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 54 | 56,576 | 2 | — | 20 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 128 | 79,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 218 | 66,386 | 3 | — | 18 | 80 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 164 | 49,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 330 | 50,596 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Buick Lucerne model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Buick Lucerne have?
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 2011 Buick Lucerne as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Buick Lucerne is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 23 complaints (47% of the total), followed by fuel system with 6.
Has the 2011 Buick Lucerne been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2011 Buick Lucerne do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2011 Buick Lucerne 3–4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Buick Lucerne get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Buick Lucerne (Lucerne, 3.9L 6-cyl · flex-fuel) at 21 mpg combined, 17 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Buick Lucerne reported?
Among the 36 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,740 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 106,000 miles; 56% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.