2011 Buick LaCrosse

2011 Buick LaCrosse

The 2011 Buick LaCrosse is a full-size sedan that was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and refined design. However, like any vehicle, it has its fair share of problems.

The LaCrosse is available with three engine options: a 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 3.0L V6, and a 3.6L V6. The 2.4L engine produces 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0L V6 produces 263 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line 3.6L V6 makes 304 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.4L 4-cylinder (LX, CX)

• Intake Valve Sticking
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake valves can become stuck in the open position, causing a loss of power and fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the intake valve assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch and break, causing catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6 (CXS)

• Cylinder Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cylinder head gaskets can fail, causing coolant leaks and engine overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Piston Ring Sticking
  • Description/Symptoms: The piston rings can become stuck in the piston grooves, causing excessive oil consumption and loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the pistons and piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6 (CXS, CXL)

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The fuel injectors can fail, causing a rough idle, misfires, and poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 6-speed Automatic (All Models)

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The shift solenoids can fail, causing erratic shifting or the transmission to get stuck in one gear.
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can develop a shudder during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Struts and Shock Absorbers Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts and shock absorbers can wear out prematurely, causing a rough ride and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the struts and shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely due to a parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge properly.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators can fail, causing the doors to not lock or unlock properly.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tail Light Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The tail lights can fail due to a faulty wiring harness.
  • Solution: Replace the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heater core can leak, causing coolant to enter the passenger compartment.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning compressor can fail, causing the AC to not work properly.
  • Solution: Replace the air conditioning compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Buick LaCrosse has a number of potential issues that can affect its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components. While some of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more serious and costly. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues vary depending on the specific problem and the severity of the damage.