2011 Buick Lucerne problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2011 Buick Lucerne is among the quieter years of the Lucerne on NHTSA's books: 66 complaints (68% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (35% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2011 compare to other Lucerne years?

Lucerne NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lucerne years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Buick Lucerne problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	23	35%	— flat
Engine	6	9%	— flat
Brakes	6	9%	— flat
Fuel System	6	9%	▼ down
Speed Control	5	8%	— flat
Other	4	6%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	3	5%	— flat
Transmission	3	5%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	2	3%	▼ down
Steering	2	3%	▼ down
Body & Structure	2	3%	▼ down
Seats	1	2%	▼ down
Seat Belts	1	2%	— flat
Airbags	1	2%	▼ down
Suspension	1	2%	— flat

Does the 2011 Buick Lucerne have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V355000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 units

Defect

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. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

10V553000Electrical SystemNovember 5, 2010 · 13,780 units

Defect

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 POWER STEERING RETURN LINE, THE CABLE COULD WEAR THROUGH THE LINE, CAUSING A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

A POWER STEERING LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND/OR THE LEAK ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL SECURE AND IF NECESSARY REROUTE THE LINES TO PREVENT CONTACT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY HAD OVERHEATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2017 · fire

“2011 BUICK LUCERNE. CONSUMER STATES ISSUES WITH VEHICLE AND DESCRIBES A CRASH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A VERY LOUD NOISE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH LASTED ABOUT 30 TO 60 SECONDS. TWO DAYS LATER, THE NOISE RETURNED, BUT IT SOUNDED AS THOUGH STEEL WAS BREAKING. A WEEK LATER, THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 4, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY HAD OVERHEATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 15, 2017 · fire

“NEW BUICK LUCERNE DOES NOT HAVE ROOM FOR A SIZE 12 SHOE TO PROPERLY OPERATE THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE PANEL UNDER THE DASHBOARD IS IN THE CORRECT POSITION. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. AT TIMES, THE SITUATION PREVENTS PROPER APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. *TT”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 20, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 BUICK LUCERNE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT 3 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 90 MPH. HE MADE A ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DEGREE TURN AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT INJURED HIS KNEE AND HAND ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 17, 2012 · crash

2011 Buick Lucerne — common questions

Is the 2011 Buick Lucerne reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 66 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Lucerne year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2011 Lucerne problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (23 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2011 Buick Lucerne have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Buick Lucerne. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick Lucerne years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lucerne years to avoid are 2006, 2008. The cleanest record among Lucerne years belongs to 2011.

How safe is the 2011 Buick Lucerne?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2011 Buick Lucerne earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2011 compare to other Lucerne years?

What are the most common 2011 Buick Lucerne problems?

Does the 2011 Buick Lucerne have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 Buick Lucerne — common questions

Is the 2011 Buick Lucerne reliable?

What are the most common 2011 Lucerne problems?

Does the 2011 Buick Lucerne have recalls?

Which Buick Lucerne years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2011 Buick Lucerne?

Related