2011 Buick Lucerne

The 2011 Buick Lucerne is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and quiet cabin. Engine options included a 3.9L V6 (173 hp, 237 lb-ft of torque) and a 4.6L Northstar V8 (292 hp, 288 lb-ft of torque). Both engines were paired with a 4T65E 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Lucerne for its smooth ride and ease of driving, but some disliked the dated interior and fuel economy, especially with the V8.

Engine

3.9L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfire, rough idle, coolant loss, and possible overheating. Can cause coolant to enter the oil, leading to engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket with an updated design.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leak - Valve Cover Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto exhaust manifold causing burning smell, visible oil on the engine, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.6L Northstar V8

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level, burning oil smell, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: This is a common issue with Northstar engines. Possible solutions include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or, in severe cases, engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (depending on the severity and chosen repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, visible leaks around the engine. Northstar engines are prone to head gasket leaks.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the leak and replace the affected components (e.g., water pump, hoses, head gasket).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+ (depending on the severity and chosen repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65E (Both Engines)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, hard shifts, or failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when going over bumps, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, the compressor running constantly, or “Service Ride Control” message on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor. Consider replacing air springs at the same time, if applicable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, slow or jerky movement.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems such as power windows not working, door locks malfunctioning, or lighting issues.
  • Solution: Diagnose the BCM for faults. This could involve reprogramming or replacing the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, hazy or yellowed headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+ (depending on the chosen solution)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Driver Information Center (DIC) Pixelation/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Missing or unreadable pixels on the DIC screen.
  • Solution: Replace the DIC screen or instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One side of the car blows hot air while the other blows cold, or the temperature cannot be adjusted correctly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty climate control actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Buick Lucerne can be a comfortable and reliable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. Engine problems, especially oil consumption with the 4.6L V8, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues with the 4T65E can also arise. Suspension and electrical issues are also common and should be checked. Overall, be prepared for potential repairs costing anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the problem. A thorough inspection before purchase is highly recommended.