2011 Buick LaCrosse Radio Navigation Problems

[InfiniteImp]

I would add that even though replacing the head unit fixed the issue at the time, it did return. I had this happen for the first time a year into ownership and at that time they weren't reprogramming, just swapping out the radio. It worked for about a year then started doing the same stuff again. They then reprogrammed it and it was fine for a couple of years and started again recently. Interestingly enough, it also stopped on its own recently. It gave problems for a couple of weeks then stopped and has been working fine since. I really hope it stays that way a while.

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Please continue to keep us updated on your LaCrosse, InfiniteImp. We understand it can be disheartening having issues reappear. If there is anything we can do to assist in the future feel free to contact us via private message with your VIN and contact information.

Amber N.
Buick Customer Care

 

[sadlacrosse]

Like other owners here, I've had countless problems with the nav/entertainment system in my 2011 Lacrosse. The biggest remaining issues are that all hard drive favorites (saved in any category) will mysteriously disappear after a few days, and the radio will randomly return to the USB input selection and start playing the first song alphabetically regardless of what you were last listening to.

The original unit was re-programmed several times, and eventually swapped out *twice* for a total of three head units by GM. The second unit was also reprogrammed to try and fix the problems with no luck. After the 3rd unit, I eventually gave up because the solution that was offered was "replace the radio" again!

A few months ago I received a recall notice for a "reprogramming" that was supposed to fix the issues. When taken to the dealer I was told that my latest radio was already running the "recall firmware" and there was nothing that they could do other than replace the radio. I asked that Buick replace the radio with a *different*, more recent unit from a newer model year, as the units from this model were clearly defective and not fixable.

After many discussions with Buick representatives, they offered me a rebate on a new vehicle. After I declined that offer, and asked for a new radio or a refund for the radio, they eventually "cut me loose." The Buick representatives stopped returning my calls, and eventually told me that my only option was to go buy a new radio from GM. Not a "new" radio mind you, but the *same* version of the radio that had already been put in my vehicle 3 times before.

I wrote a letter to Buick/GM about a month ago, and have heard nothing since.

If anyone knows ---
Is it possible to install a radio from a newer model year in my 2011 Lacrosse? The Buick rep says no, it can't be done because of "wiring" issues, but I've seen folks online doing it.

Also, has anyone had a permanent fix for any of these issues, or is trying to get this fixed a lost cause?

I'm really upset over this whole thing. This radio system was a really expensive upgrade in my vehicle, and it's turned out to be nothing but a piece of junk.

Thanks for any help or advice!

 

[CarbonBlackCXS]

Also, has anyone had a permanent fix for any of these issues, or is trying to get this fixed a lost cause?

Thanks for any help or advice!

Since new I've had some of the radio/nav issues you had and a few different ones such as the clock but the last software update fixed everything. Is your battery still the original? Since putting in a higher capacity battery I've had zero issues with my car. Changed it out about 3 months ago. I only mention it as something to consider. The new cars seem much more sensitive to marginal batteries.

 

[sadlacrosse]

Thanks for the input.

I do have a new battery in the vehicle. The original died when the car was roughly 3 years old. It's funny that you mention a "power" issue, because this always seemed like it had something to do with the car going into a "power saving" or "sleep" mode of some kind. It seems very odd that the settings just disappear after working as expected for a few days.

I wonder if this has nothing to do directly with the radio, and is somehow related to some other system in the vehicle. Maybe that's why Buick is treating me so poorly with regard to this issue. If this is a bigger engineering issue that's not directly related to a safety issue, I imagine that the costs to fix it would be significant.

Even though this has been going on since day 1 with the car, they keep saying that they'll do nothing for me since the car is out of warranty. That's got me pretty angry, to the point where I'm considering a small claims court. I have a feeling that this is the first and last Buick that I'll own. Unfortunate that they'll lose a lifetime customer for something as "simple" as a radio repair...

Thanks again!

 

[CarbonBlackCXS]

Thanks for the input.

I do have a new battery in the vehicle. The original died when the car was roughly 3 years old. It's funny that you mention a "power" issue, because this always seemed like it had something to do with the car going into a "power saving" or "sleep" mode of some kind. It seems very odd that the settings just disappear after working as expected for a few days.

I wonder if this has nothing to do directly with the radio, and is somehow related to some other system in the vehicle. Maybe that's why Buick is treating me so poorly with regard to this issue. If this is a bigger engineering issue that's not directly related to a safety issue, I imagine that the costs to fix it would be significant.

Even though this has been going on since day 1 with the car, they keep saying that they'll do nothing for me since the car is out of warranty. That's got me pretty angry, to the point where I'm considering a small claims court. I have a feeling that this is the first and last Buick that I'll own. Unfortunate that they'll lose a lifetime customer for something as "simple" as a radio repair...

Thanks again!

They might be right in saying there's nothing they can do. When I was having problems I read some newer cars can take as long as 30 minutes to shut down various systems and many have a high key-off current draw as well. When I began to suspect the battery I started using a small battery maintainer to keep the battery topped up. That's when the problems I was having immediately went away. I came to the conclusion the OEM battery was marginal in capacity to keep the car 'alive'. With the new battery I've not had one problem and no longer use the maintainer. There was an episode on Jay Leno's Garage that talked about this. He said some cars like the new Corvettes and some Mercedes come supplied with battery maintainers from the factory. For $30 bucks or so it might be worth a try and a cheap fix to boot.

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Like other owners here, I've had countless problems with the nav/entertainment system in my 2011 Lacrosse. The biggest remaining issues are that all hard drive favorites (saved in any category) will mysteriously disappear after a few days, and the radio will randomly return to the USB input selection and start playing the first song alphabetically regardless of what you were last listening to.

The original unit was re-programmed several times, and eventually swapped out *twice* for a total of three head units by GM. The second unit was also reprogrammed to try and fix the problems with no luck. After the 3rd unit, I eventually gave up because the solution that was offered was "replace the radio" again!

A few months ago I received a recall notice for a "reprogramming" that was supposed to fix the issues. When taken to the dealer I was told that my latest radio was already running the "recall firmware" and there was nothing that they could do other than replace the radio. I asked that Buick replace the radio with a *different*, more recent unit from a newer model year, as the units from this model were clearly defective and not fixable.

After many discussions with Buick representatives, they offered me a rebate on a new vehicle. After I declined that offer, and asked for a new radio or a refund for the radio, they eventually "cut me loose." The Buick representatives stopped returning my calls, and eventually told me that my only option was to go buy a new radio from GM. Not a "new" radio mind you, but the *same* version of the radio that had already been put in my vehicle 3 times before.

I wrote a letter to Buick/GM about a month ago, and have heard nothing since.

If anyone knows ---
Is it possible to install a radio from a newer model year in my 2011 Lacrosse? The Buick rep says no, it can't be done because of "wiring" issues, but I've seen folks online doing it.

Also, has anyone had a permanent fix for any of these issues, or is trying to get this fixed a lost cause?

I'm really upset over this whole thing. This radio system was a really expensive upgrade in my vehicle, and it's turned out to be nothing but a piece of junk.

Thanks for any help or advice!

Thanks for the input.

I do have a new battery in the vehicle. The original died when the car was roughly 3 years old. It's funny that you mention a "power" issue, because this always seemed like it had something to do with the car going into a "power saving" or "sleep" mode of some kind. It seems very odd that the settings just disappear after working as expected for a few days.

I wonder if this has nothing to do directly with the radio, and is somehow related to some other system in the vehicle. Maybe that's why Buick is treating me so poorly with regard to this issue. If this is a bigger engineering issue that's not directly related to a safety issue, I imagine that the costs to fix it would be significant.

Even though this has been going on since day 1 with the car, they keep saying that they'll do nothing for me since the car is out of warranty. That's got me pretty angry, to the point where I'm considering a small claims court. I have a feeling that this is the first and last Buick that I'll own. Unfortunate that they'll lose a lifetime customer for something as "simple" as a radio repair...

Thanks again!

Hello sadlacrosse,

I certainly understand why this issue with your LaCrosse's radio is frustrating, and truly apologize for the inconveniences caused. My team and I are always able to provide another set of eyes on your case file if it interests you. To do so, we would just need your VIN or reference number sent to us via private message. Additionally, we are happy to double-check our resources to confirm whether a newer model year radio could be installed by a dealership on your 2011 LaCrosse.

Either way, we hope your radio issue is resolved and appreciate you taking the time to reach out about this concern. Thank you.

Amanda K.
Buick Customer Care

 

[gramjaeger]

I am new to this forum. However, I too have just found out that I will need a new radio navigation system put into my 2011 Lacrosse. I went to the dealer because my set radio stations weren't staying on and the time wasn't staying on when set nor temperature. I thought I did something wrong. By the time I brought it in to be looked at my warranty had just expired. The dealer offered to replace the radio for $400 and said it is originally $1200 to replace. I had to replace the battery last year and mentioned that maybe it could be the battery that caused this this to happen. He said no. I don't know whether it is worth $400 for this radio, and will it lose trade-in value. I think there should have been a recall on the 2011 navigation systems, especially after paying close to $2,000 for them.

 

[douger]

I am new to this forum. However, I too have just found out that I will need a new radio navigation system put into my 2011 Lacrosse. I went to the dealer because my set radio stations weren't staying on and the time wasn't staying on when set nor temperature. I thought I did something wrong. By the time I brought it in to be looked at my warranty had just expired. The dealer offered to replace the radio for $400 and said it is originally $1200 to replace. I had to replace the battery last year and mentioned that maybe it could be the battery that caused this this to happen. He said no. I don't know whether it is worth $400 for this radio, and will it lose trade-in value. I think there should have been a recall on the 2011 navigation systems, especially after paying close to $2,000 for them.

Well... if you were to buy a radio outright through dealership sources, it might cost $1200. At this stage of the game, the odds of it being new are not in your favor.

Dealers get their repair radios from GM approved repair centers for warranty service on an exchange basis. These same service centers will sell exchange radio units for out of warranty repairs. Usually, the dealer's cost for one of these units is in the $200 plus range.

Is it worth $400? Your options are extremely limited. It would cost more than that for labor alone to install an aftermarket head unit, if it could even be done. You'd be certain to lose functionality, since the integration is fairly deep.

Recalls tend to address safety issues and are directed by the feds or are issued to head off action by the feds. Most manufacturers have special warranty policy adjustments to help customers with expensive issues that are widespread across the product line such as the timing chain problem in 3.6 engines.

If your vehicle has a documented history of infotainment issues and you are the original owner, your dealer and Buick may be able to work together to get you some relief. It would likely involve a contribution towards the repair cost on your part. Start with your dealer and if you can't get help there, call customer assistance. There are no guarantees that this approach will work.

 

[Cindy Robinson-Ritter]

I purchased a 2010 Buick LaCrosse about 6 months ago. I have just recently tried adding my own address book to the navigation system. I deleted the previous owners addresses and added my addresses. When I started the car the next day all my addresses were gone and the previous addresses were back. What I have been reading on this forum makes me think I need a firmware update? Is that correct?

 

[Dbec]

I’m having a similar issue, everytime i restart my car after resetting the clock it always resets to showing 9:42? I have been having previous issues too, such as i cant erase saved addresses from my nav, save new addresses, etc. Does anyone know now much a new unit would cost?

 

[Fcar1953]

I’m having a similar issue, everytime i restart my car after resetting the clock it always resets to showing 9:42? I have been having previous issues too, such as i cant erase saved addresses from my nav, save new addresses, etc. Does anyone know now much a new unit would cost?

I had a similar issue in a 11 Equinox. The radio lost its memory and was replaced under warranty. Sorry, i don't know what it will cost to replace.