2011 Buick LaCrosse

2011 Buick LaCrosse

Overview

The 2011 Buick LaCrosse, a mid-size luxury sedan, aimed to blend comfort, style, and performance. It offered a choice of powertrains, including a fuel-efficient 2.4L eAssist mild-hybrid and a more powerful 3.6L V6. The LaCrosse generally received positive reviews for its refined interior, quiet ride, and upscale features. However, like any vehicle, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This data focuses on common mechanical and electrical concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential reliability challenges for prospective buyers or current owners.

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Engine

2.4L eAssist (LLX)

Oil Leaks

• Symptoms: Visible oil stains under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
• Solution: Replacement of seals and gaskets (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
• Cost: $300 - $700

Stalling/Rough Idle

• Symptoms: Engine may stall unexpectedly, especially at low speeds or idle; rough running.
• Solution: Diagnosis and potential replacement of fuel injectors, spark plugs, or ignition coils.
• Cost: $400 - $900

3.6L V6 (LY7/LLT)

Timing Chain Issues

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
• Cost: $1200 - $2500

Intake Manifold Leaks

• Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, loss of power, check engine light with codes related to intake manifold runner control.
• Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold assembly.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6T70/6T75)

Harsh Shifting/Slipping

• Symptoms: Jerking or clunking during gear changes, delayed engagement, or slipping between gears.
• Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement; potential internal component repair or transmission rebuild.
• Cost: $500 - $3000+

Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure

• Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission warning lights, inability to shift gears.
• Solution: Replacement of the Transmission Control Module.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Struts/Shocks

• Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises over bumps.
• Solution: Replacement of front or rear struts/shocks.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Control Arm Bushing Wear

• Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially over uneven surfaces.
• Solution: Replacement of worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Electrical

Infotainment System

Touchscreen Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Unresponsive touch screen, freezing, or random reboots.
• Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit.
• Cost: $500 - $1500

Battery Drain

Intermittent Battery Drain

• Symptoms: Dead battery after sitting for a short period, electrical components not functioning correctly.
• Solution: Diagnosis to identify parasitic draw from modules (e.g., BCM, radio) and repair or replacement.
• Cost: $200 - $600

Exterior

Body Panels

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: N/A

Interior

Climate Control System

Blend Door Actuator Failure

• Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or direct airflow to specific vents.
• Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator(s).
• Cost: $200 - $500

Seat Heaters

Malfunctioning Seat Heaters

• Symptoms: One or both seat heaters not working or working intermittently.
• Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of heating elements or wiring.
• Cost: $300 - $700

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Summary Verdict

The 2011 Buick LaCrosse offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of specific reliability concerns. The 3.6L V6 engine is prone to timing chain issues and intake manifold leaks, while the 2.4L eAssist can experience oil leaks and stalling. Transmission problems, such as harsh shifting and TCM failures, are also noted. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and intermittent battery drain, can be frustrating. Suspension components like struts and bushings may require replacement. While the exterior is generally robust, interior climate control and seat heating elements can fail. Addressing these potential issues proactively can help maintain the LaCrosse’s overall reliability and enjoyment.