repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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.
2011 Buick LucerneProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 49 owner complaints about the 2011 Buick Lucerne, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-355 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Buick Lucerne has problems
49 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
5Vehicle speed control2 crash/fire/injury
4Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
4Service brakes
3Power train
3Engine
3Engine and engine cooling
2Steering
2Structure
1410 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 23 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 14 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2011 Buick Lucerne recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Buick.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Lucerne year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Lucerne median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Buick Lucerne safety ratings
2011 Buick Lucerne 4 DR FWD Later Release in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Lucerne owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Vehicle purchased used through Carvana. Battery installed at purchase was approximately 10 years old and later failed, causing starting issues and an instance of power loss while driving that left the vehicle stranded. Battery has been replaced and original battery retained.
The vehicle’s instrument cluster appears to be a non-original unit that may not be correct for the model year. The cluster is responsible for displaying the odometer and communicating with other vehicle systems. After purchase, I observed that diagnostic scan tools could not consistently access or…
Fuel pump relay is overheating to dangerously high temperatures. At least 211 F degrees. Causes the fuel pump fuse to melt leaving me stranded. Immediate replacement of the 20 AMP fuse is necessary to get the car running again. The fuel pump relay gets really hot even if the AC is not on. Waited…
Own a 2011 Lucerne?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.