Buick recall 11V149 covers 10,179 2011 Lacrosse and SRX vehicles for ECC software that disables HVAC controls. Repair is free at any franchised Buick dealer.
Buick is recalling 10,179 2011 Lacrosse and SRX vehicles because electronic climate control software can block the driver from adjusting heating, cooling, ventilation, and defrost settings. If defrost is needed, lost HVAC control can reduce visibility and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The electronic climate control module in affected 2011 Lacrosse and SRX vehicles is the computer that takes your climate-control inputs and tells the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system what to do. It controls cabin heat, cooling, airflow direction, fan operation, and the windshield defrost and defog functions.
On these vehicles, the module software can disable the driver's ability to adjust the HVAC settings. When that happens, the system no longer responds normally to control changes. The driver cannot set heat, cooling, or ventilation as needed, including the airflow used to clear the windshield.
An owner would notice the problem when the climate controls stop changing the air temperature, fan output, or airflow direction. There is no warning sign before failure. If the system locks up while the windshield needs clearing, the driver loses normal defrost and defog control until the fault is repaired.
Who's affected?
Covers the Lacrosse sedan and SRX SUV from the 2011 model year, both tied to the same windshield defroster electrical heating element.
| 2011 Buick Lacrosse | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2011 Cadillac SRX | visibility component |
| Units affected | 10,179 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the defrost system is needed, this fault can leave the windshield harder to clear, reducing the driver's visibility and increasing crash risk. If defrost performance is poor, limit driving in fog, rain, snow, or cold conditions and arrange service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Buick dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Buick Lacrosse or Cadillac SRX is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Buick or Cadillac dealer to ask about the free ECC module reprogramming that restores HVAC and defroster control.
- Reference recall number 11V149 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or give the dealer your VIN so the service desk can confirm the open recall.
- Use extra caution in cold or wet weather until the repair is complete because the defroster control problem affects visibility.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Buick technician reprograms the electronic climate control module, the computer that controls heating, cooling, ventilation, and defogging settings. The work is done free of charge under the recall. The recall remedy began on March 11, 2011, so ask the service desk to confirm the VIN is included in campaign 11V149 before the vehicle is written up for repair. The reprogramming is meant to keep the HVAC controls available so the driver can control cabin airflow and windshield defogging.
Timeline
| March 4, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 11, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V149?
Recall 11V149 covers 10,179 2011 Buick Lacrosse and Cadillac SRX vehicles with electronic climate control module software that can block HVAC setting changes. If defrost control is affected, driver visibility can drop and crash risk increases. Dealers reprogram the module for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Buick Lacrosse or Cadillac SRX is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V149. If it is, contact a franchised Buick or Cadillac dealer and ask for the electronic climate control module reprogramming. Reference recall number 11V149 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the remedy for recall 11V149 is free. A franchised Buick or Cadillac dealer will reprogram the electronic climate control module without charging for parts or labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 11V149?
The safety risk is reduced windshield defrost control when the system is needed. If the electronic climate control module prevents HVAC adjustments, the driver can lose defrost, heating, cooling, or ventilation control. Reduced visibility increases crash risk.
What if I bought the 2011 Buick Lacrosse or Cadillac SRX used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Buick or Cadillac dealer and reference recall number 11V149.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V149000 |
|---|---|
| Buick customer service | 1-866-608-8080 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V149 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V149000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →