MotorDeets

2011 Buick Lucerne: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Buick Lucerne: 2 recalls, 49 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
49owner complaints
3mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2011 Buick Lucerne
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #10V553000 · 2010 · 13,780 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Electrical Vehicle recall #14V355000 · 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles

What's wrong: 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,…

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical23
Speed control / throttle5
Fuel & propulsion4
Brakes4
Engine & cooling3
Transmission & drivetrain3
Engine3
Visibility (wipers, glass)2

What owners describe

The 2011 Buick Lucerne has 49 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 6 Lucerne model years for complaints (well below the 157 average). Complaints peaked in 2011 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 38,740 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (54 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.9 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172621Gasoline or E85
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive152318Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Buick Lucerne.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 Buick Lucerne manual

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FAQ

Does the 2011 Buick Lucerne have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Buick Lucerne. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Buick Lucerne problems?

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (23), speed control / throttle (5), fuel & propulsion (4).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Buick Lucerne get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.9 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Buick Lucerne repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Lucerne years

200620072008200920102011