2008 Buick Enclave

Above average

Owners filed 536 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 6 times.

Avoid One of the Buick Enclave years to avoid: 3.4× the complaints of a typical Enclave year. Which Buick Enclave years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
81,700 milesMedian miles at failure

450 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Buick Enclave problems

103 of the 536 complaints (19%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train · transmission92
101
Air Bags · airbags90
404
Steering75
200
Electrical System51
010
Engine41
161
Structure › Body · body and frame29
017
Unknown or Other19
024
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control17
200
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · body and frame14
002
Structure · body and frame10
000

2008 Buick Enclave transmission problems

19% of all complaints

103 of the 536 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:

  • turns on the check engine light20% · 21
  • sets off warning lights on the dash20% · 21
  • shifts hard, late or not at all15% · 15
  • slips or will not engage a gear9% · 9
  • jerks, lurches or bucks9% · 9
  • hesitates before moving or accelerating8% · 8

Share of the 103 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
82,800 mi
median of 96 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
38 transmission complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the transmission
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick enclave. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate beyond 40 MPH and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 8, 2019
“Transmission failed while in motion at 116,000 miles. Began shuddering / slipping while driving uphill. Eventually jammed in 2nd gear and will not shift, with check engine light (code p0700). Gm will not replace it because it is 6 months past the "extended coverage" of their service bulletin. (10 years / 120,000 miles) . I am now having to pay $3,800 to have certified transmission replace the transmission.”
Owner complaint, filed May 29, 2018 at 116,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2007: 6 complaints, 0 about the transmission'072008: 13 complaints, 1 about the transmission2009: 21 complaints, 4 about the transmission'092010: 22 complaints, 4 about the transmission2011: 21 complaints, 0 about the transmission'112012: 13 complaints, 1 about the transmission2013: 51 complaints, 10 about the transmission'132014: 106 complaints, 38 about the transmission2015: 73 complaints, 18 about the transmission'152016: 58 complaints, 11 about the transmission2017: 38 complaints, 4 about the transmission'172018: 37 complaints, 5 about the transmission2019: 32 complaints, 4 about the transmission'192020: 18 complaints, 1 about the transmission2021: 8 complaints, 1 about the transmission'212022: 9 complaints, 1 about the transmission2023: 3 complaints, 0 about the transmission'232024: 4 complaints, 0 about the transmission2025: 3 complaints, 0 about the transmission'25Recall 08V410000 (visibility)Recall 08V441000 (electrical system)Recall 10V240000 (electrical system)Recall 14V118000 (airbags)Recall 15V415000 (body and frame)Recall 21V782000 (airbags)
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2008 Enclave peaked in 2014, with 106 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 19% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 3 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal21V782000
Filed Oct 7, 2021555 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212349040.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate15V415000
Filed Jun 30, 2015691,144 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk. If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

Air Bags › Side/Window14V118000
Filed Mar 17, 20141,176,407 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

Electrical System10V240000
Filed Jun 4, 20101,365,070 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.

Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Electrical System08V441000
Filed Aug 28, 2008857,735 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.

Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages08V410000
Filed Aug 14, 200888,809 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 88,809 MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE, AND MY 2007-2008 GMC ACADIA AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IF A BUILDUP OF SNOW OR ICE ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPERS RESTRICTS THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE MOTOR SHAFT AND THE WIPERS MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIPER CRANK ARM, DRIVER'S SIDE LINK, AND A CRANK ARM NUT. THE RECALL BEGAN O OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2008 Enclave.

NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEngineering analysis EA08010Closed
Opened Jun 12, 2008Closed Sep 8, 2008Led to recall 08V441000electrical system

In a letter dated august 27, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population. According to GM, a short circuit on the printed circuit board for the windshield washer fluid heater module may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical …

Technical service bulletins

1,117 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2008 Enclave. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 380electrical system 169engine 157transmission 73equipment adaptive/mobility 54fuel system 40visibility 34wheels 28
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

08-07-30-026IService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 16, 2024transmission

This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.

24-NA-141Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 24, 2024transmission

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

08-07-30-035HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 16, 2024transmission

This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.

16-NA-338Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2, 2024transmission

This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.

17-NA-281Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 6, 2023transmission

This service bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics When Using the Pico Scope.

23-NA-153Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2023transmission

The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.

Showing the newest 6 of 73 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2008 Buick Enclave 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★15.5%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seats
Filed Nov 4, 2025OH

Dealer Jeff Wyler Chevrolet replaced car cabin battery & failed to vent battery gas hose to the vehicle exterior. Hose is laying in well of battery compartment & filling the vehicle with hydrogen gas. General Motors has been informed & car is not safe to drive. Dealer installed a date altered dead cell battery (fully documented) creating a toxic & dangerous situation with no immediate assistance to resolve or reimburse. My grandbabys car seat is located above this battery compartment & we can’t use our car. Is my car now combustible or explosive?

Electrical System
Filed May 22, 2025200,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start intermittently. The contact stated that upon attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that her husband, who was a mechanic, had inspected underneath the hood and noticed that the wiring harness underneath the engine was melting. The contact's husband scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes that indicated a computer module failure. The contact's husband purchased the module, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the module was installed and flashed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact's husband diagnosed that the wiring harness failure had caused the battery to overcharge and fail. The contact's husband replaced the battery and the alternator; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the liftgate struts had failed, causing the lift gate to close unintendedly after being lifted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 21, 2025GA

Electric issues, the recall for the sunroof was not disclosed and was not inspected properly…water and debris get clogged and goes into the in the engine.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 2024MO

1st incident was 6/29/24 my driver seat airbag deployed. 2nd incident happened 8/3/24 when the airbag on the driver side deployed the whole side from the front to the back of the trunk.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2024NY

Unknown

Steering
Filed May 7, 2024MN

I was driving fine until i slowed down and tried to turn, the steering wheel was hard to turn and making a grinding noise. it works fine going on the highway. i noticed this was a big issue with the enclave and wondering why this isnt recalled? ive spent enough money on this that i didnt have and cant afford another expense. i do not have a warranty on it. no check engines light and fluids are good

Air Bags
Filed May 2, 2024TX

I didn’t have any accidents but I when to many mechanics shops and each saying that it is an electrical problem with my 2008 Buick enclave CXL 3.6 also an issue with the airbag on the dash it showing service airbag soon I brought this car a couple of years ago and the airbag light was on when I brought it. VIN [XXX] I can be reach at [XXX] [XXX] or email me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure
Filed Oct 11, 202353,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed that water was leaking inside the vehicle through the sunroof. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there were several unknown point of entry of water, and mold had developed in the parts of the vehicle that were mostly affected by the water intrusion. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures due to water damage. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were operating erratically and other unknown electrical parts had failed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. There was no further information provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 11, 2023WA

ASB

Air Bags
Filed Jul 15, 2023CA

At 65,000 Transmission went out 100,000 Electrical issue due to lose ground wire under fuse box 121,000 Electrical issue caused battery to drain and vehicle not turn off. Even if key out of ignition 121,000 Driver Side Curtain Airbags deployed when battery replaced

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Sep 24, 2022IN

Apparently the catalytic converter has gone defective. Plus, the backup camera stopped working.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 2022LA

My airbags driver side and the passenger front all exploded while sitting in my driveway nobody in the vehicle

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2022UT

Passenger airbag will disable randomly while driving for random periods of time ranging from a few seconds to a few hours despite there being a 140+ lb passenger. This will happen every few minutes.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2022IL

Sunroof messing up electrical system clogs up easily radio and everything else don't work right electrical all messed up because it clogging sunroof crankshaft won't relearn

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed May 29, 2022TN

Traction control and abs. Acceleration jerking

EngineFire
Filed May 17, 2022160,000 milesTX

The contact owned a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, a warning message indicating that the vehicle was overheated illuminated. The contact pulled into a nearby parking lot. The contact then opened the hood of the vehicle by engaging the power release button inside of the vehicle. The contact saw black smoke and flames coming out from underneath the hood. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle remained at the scene. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V240000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Steering
Filed May 10, 2022125,637 milesCA

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 3-5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to continue driving the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,637.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Apr 27, 2022124,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light1 injured
Filed Jan 22, 2022MD

1.Passenger airbag- warning light gives me a daily message to service the airbag. I worry about whether the airbag will deploy at any moment or may not deploy if an accident occurs as I travel with my children daily. 2.Power steering- My power steering locked as I was driving 2 years ago. The auto shop has replaced/repaired the power steering system multiple times, however steering continues to whine and rub. 3.Trunk liftgate- The liftgate has abruptly lowered as my children and I have tried to get items in and out of the back. This resulted in one of them getting hit in the head. The back liftgate button has stopped engaging.

Power Train
Filed Dec 30, 2021108,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 2021FL

I purchased this vehicle several years ago used and everything was working fine. Several months later, whenever a "passenger" sits in the front passenger seat, the check airbag and seat belt system message appears in the dashboard. After the seat becomes unoccupied, the message remains on...sometimes for a couple of days, sometimes for a week, and sometimes for a month or two. Then it may stop showing the message until a person sits there again. This also happened when the vehicle was not running and the key was in my pocket. I went and applied pressure to the passenger seat and when I started the vehicle with an empty passenger seat, the message appeared again. I took my vehicle to the dealer and they were going to charge me an arm and a leg for the repair and I was thinking this should be a covered repair. What I am saying is the message appears that something is wrong and when someone sits in the seat.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 2021OH

Vehicles Timing Chain keeps going out had it replaced 3 times and the problem the vehicle is having still consists the vehicle constantly hesitates to start.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Jun 28, 2021OK

My toddler is able to easily with one hand unbuckle the car seat. At the time I thought maybe my toddler was the only one but I have three other friends experiencing the same problem. Graco told us to just tell them not to unbuckle it or to have an adult sit back there with them. I believe that Graco should start making buckles that aren't so easily undone by a small toddler.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2021200,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the air bag sensor light had illuminated and the message "service air bag" had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the failure was due to water corrosion in the air bag system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Structure › Body › Trunk Lid1 injured
Filed Mar 26, 2021130,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PRESSING THE BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, AFTER A SHORT WHILE, THE TRUNK WOULD INDEPENDENTLY CLOSE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISE ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER FROM THE INADVERTENT CLOSING OF THE TRUNK. THERE WAS NO MEDICAL ATTENTION SOUGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

EngineFire
Filed Mar 3, 202195,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND WAS DRIVING UP A HILL AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED, A FLAME HAD IGNITED FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. HER BOYFRIEND EXITED THE VEHICLE, CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. A FELLOW MOTORIST WITNESSED THE SITUATION AND ASSISTED HER DAUGHTERS BOYFRIEND BY GIVING HIM A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHICH THE BOYFRIEND USED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER HAD THE VEHICLE INITIALLY TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME WHERE IT WAS THEN TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO A "MECHANICAL DEFECT" AND WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR A REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 7, 2021FL

IT SAYS SERVICE AIRBAG

Steering
Filed Nov 7, 2020159,000 milesID

THE POWER STEERING ON MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN FAILING MORE FREQUENTLY TO THE POINT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I AM A POLIO SURVIVOR AND DEPEND ON THE FULL FUNCTION OF MY RIGHT ARM @ ALL TIMES. SINCE PURCHASING THE 2008 ENCLAVE IN JUNE 2019, THE POWER STEERING HAS BEGUN FAILING EVERY TIME I USE THE VEHICLE. THE WORST FAILURE WAS ON THE FREEWAY @ 80 MPH WHILE RETURNING HOME TO IDAHO, FROM THE DEATH OF MY FATHER IN TUSCON. THE STEERING FAILED WHILE I WAS NEGOTIATING A CURVE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OUT OF THE CURVE @ THE LAST MINUTE. IT SCARED ME HALF TO DEATH! OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, THE STEERING HAS BECOME MORE IMPOSSIBLE TO MANAGE, WHICH HAS CAUSED THE ROTATOR CUFF OF MY RIGHT ARM TO BECOME EXCEEDINGLY MORE PAINFUL. THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAS BEEN AN ON GOING ISSUE WITH THESE CARS TO THE POINT OF THE PUMP BEING REDESIGNED BY GMC. I FEEL THIS ISSUE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND WARRANTS A RECALL. SINCERELY, [XXX], RN (RETIRED) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

EngineFire
Filed Oct 15, 2020188,000 milesOH

THE ENGINE BLEW OUT TODAY. CAUGHT FIRE. SCARED THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF MY DAUGHTER. THE CAR MADE A JERKING MOTION AND NOISE WHILE ON THE HWY. THEN FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT....PULLED IT OVER IMMEDIATELY AND TURNED OFF. IT WAS SMOKING. THE POLICE OFFICER SAID THE LOWER PART OF THE ENGINE BLEW OUT ...IT LITERALLY WAS MISSING PIECES OF METAL.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 202098,000 milesMO

THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT IS ON IN MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE. I HAD NOTICED THAT AT FIRST, IT WOULD GO ON AND OFF IF I WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND SOMEONE ELSE WAS DRIVING. I ASSUMED IT WAS BECAUSE IT THOUGHT I WAS A CHILD SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT, AS I AM A 30 YEAR OLD FEMALE WHO BARELY WEIGHS 100 LBS. THE LIGHT IS NOW CONSTANTLY ON.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 202065,000 milesTN

THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT COME ON FOR NO REASON WHILE THERE IS A PASSENGER SEATED. WE REPLACE THE SEATBELT AND SEAT BELT SENSOR. THE NEXT CODE SAYS TO REPLACE THE SEAT SENSOR ITSELF. THAT'S A $1000 REPAIR. AND THAT DOES NOT ENSURE THAT THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE ISSUE. BASED ON THE CODES. WILL THE AIRBAG DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT? WE DO NOT KNOW. THIS OCCURS BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND/OR MOVING.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2020149,000 milesKS

LEFT MY HOUSE IT WAS FINE. I STOPPED AND TURNED IT OFF AND WAITED FOR MY FAMILY MEMBER TO COME OUT OF AN APPT. I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE AND WOULDN'T TURN OVER AND ONLY CLICKED LIKE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD,IT ALSO WOULDN'T LET ME REMOVE THE KEY. THEN I GOT A JUMP START AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. AFTER I WAS HOME I TRIED STARTING AGAIN AND IT DID. I JUST DON'T TRUST IT NOW.

Steering
Filed Jun 29, 2020160,000 milesIA

I HAVE OWN THIS CAR FOR 1 YEAR. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IT I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP MAKING VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN BUT IT WOULDN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME. IT SEEMS TO GET WORSE THE LONGER THE CAR IS RUNNING. IT IS NOW DOING IT PRETTY REGULARLY AND HAS CAUSED SOME PRETTY BAD SCARES WHEN ON AN OFF RAMP ETC. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VERY PROBLEM BUT IT SAYS MY CAR/VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT WHY? *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2020162,000 milesIL

AT 160,000 ENGINE POWER LOWERED COULD NOT GO OVER 30 MPH ON HIGHWAY SERVICE STABILITRAC WARNING CAME ON AND COMPLETELY STOPPED. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed May 25, 2020FL

THE LIFT GATE WILL GO ABOUT HALF WAY UP AND THEN SHUTS BACK DOWN EVERY TIME YOU TRY TO OPEN IT.

Steering
Filed May 7, 2020121,000 milesWI

THE POWER STEERING FAILS ON TURNS WITH NO WARNING. FROM WHAT I READ THIS IS COMMON ON BUICK ENCLAVES. I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT FROM THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. ONCE I WAS ON A 55 MPH HIGHWAY CHANGING LANES WHEN IT FAILED, THE REST ARE USUALLY WHEN TURNING. MY MECHANIC SAID THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 10, 202025 milesIL

BRAKE GRINDING CHANGED BRAKES AND ROTORS AND ALSO CONTROL ARM HUB BEARING AND STRUT

Air Bags
Filed Mar 19, 2020171,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 18, 202093,500 milesPA

STEERING MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND INTERMITTENTLY THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS A RATTLING NOISE WHEN FIRST STARTED AND RECENTLY THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN FIRST STARTED. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAS DECREASED HORSEPOWER AND THE MILEAGE LCD SCREEN HAS BEEN ACTING UP AND NOT ALWAYS SHOWING THE PRNDL AND ALSO THE TRANSMISSION ACTS UP WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3 AND 6 GEAR

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 17, 2020120,000 milesFL

THE A/C WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL IT DIDN'T AT ALL. I HAD RECHARGED IT, SIMPLE STUFF FIRST. AGAIN, WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. FINALLY, HAD IT LOOKED AT FOR LEAKS, COMPRESSOR, ETC. THE MECHANIC FOUND 2 ALUMINUM PIECES THAT CROSSED (ORIGINAL VEHICLE DESIGN) AND HAD WORN A GIANT WHOLE INTO EACH OTHER. HENCE, MY LEAK! I FEEL THIS IS AN BUICK ISSUES. AND WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE. THANK YOU

Air Bags
Filed Mar 4, 2020102,500 milesNY

PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG HAS FAILED IN CAR AND WAS NOT DEPLOYED. DEALERSHIP HAS LOOKED INTO IT, FIXED CONNECTIONS AND STILL IT IS DISPLAYING THAT IT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED. SIGNAL STARTED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED AFTER CONNECTIONS TO PASSENGER SEAT WERE REPAIRED.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 202090,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED ON OCCASIONS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HENDRICK BUICK GMC LOCATED AT CARY 115 TEAM HENDRICK WAY, CARY, NC 27511, (919) 234-7784 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IMPROPER DRAINAGE FROM THE ROOF ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILURE. THE DRAINAGE WAS CLEARED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE MOLDED CARPET AND POSSIBLE RESPIRATORY ISSUES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

EngineFire1 injured
Filed Jan 17, 2020150,000 milesUT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY MADE AN ABNORMAL LOW GEAR NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS EMITTING FIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, SHE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND NOTICED A CLOUD OF BLACK SMOKE, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SMOKE INHALATION BUT WAS NOT HOSPITALIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 14, 2020126,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING GEARS AT LOW RATES OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ABNORMALLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A DEALER BORCHERDING BUICK GMC (9737 KINGS AUTO MALL RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, (513) 677-9200) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 2, 2020GA

BLACK MOLD FOUND IN VEHICLE, RAIN LEAKED THRU SUNROOF, FOUND FLOOR BOARDS SOAKED IN WATER, MOLD AND MOISTURE PRESENT ON THE DASH, SEATS, AIR CONDITIONING VENTS, AND ALL OVER THE INTERIOR. BACK DOOR LIFTGATE DOESN'T WORK. WAS NOT INFORMED BY SELLER OF HEALTH DANGERS OF THIS VEHICLE, NOR DID HE INFORM US THAT IT HAD BEEN WRECKED BEFORE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 19, 2019127,000 milesIN

AIR BAGS LIGHT STAYS ON REAR WIPER STOP WORKING

Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2019125,000 milesMI

AT 125,000 MILES THE TIMING CHAIN IT'S GOING OUT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 24, 2019194,675 milesMI

2008 INTERMITTENTLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO MATTER THE SPEED. SOMETIMES 30MPH ON THE STREET, SOMETIMES 70MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY. SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP, SOMETIMES IT DOESNT. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY. CARS COST TOO MUCH TO BE PLAYING GUESS THE PROBLEM!! TAKE TO DEALER AT $100. A VISIT FOR THEM TO GUESS AND ULTIMATELY NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE A WEEK LATER THE VEHICLE IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING YOU TOOK IT IN FOR. I JUST WISH SOMEONE NEW WHAT THE REAL PROBLEM WAS. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN GM. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS, BUT IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE LOW END LUXURY. IT'S DANGEROUS AND I GUESS PEOPLE HAVE TO START DYING AND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST GM WILL HAPPEN BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 21, 201956,000 milesNH

WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION, THE KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, AND THE KEY TURNS TOWARD THE OFF POSITION BUT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS LIGHTED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN TO THE OFF POSITION SO THAT IT MAY BE REMOVED. NOT A GOOD ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR CERTAIN! THE SHIFT LEVER CAN BE MOVED WHEN THE "STUCK KEY" ISSUE IS GOING ON AND THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL DOWN ANY INCLINE LARGE OR SMALL IF THE SHIFT LEVER MOVED FROM PARK. I HAVE HEARD OF "STUCK KEY" ISSUES WITH MANY OTHER GM VEHICLES AND AM WONDERING IF A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED. I CALLED A LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD NO INFORMATION REGARDING ANY RECALL FOR THE "STUCK KEY" ISSUE REGARDING MY VEHICLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 28, 2019CT

THE AIRBAG KEEP GOING OFF AND ON SERVICE AIRBAG AND WHEN I BRING IT TO GET IT CHECK THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT

Complaints 1-50 of 536, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202538000Routine
20247000Routine
202322000Routine
202214100Routine
202126200Routine
202061600Routine
201944110Routine
201866000Routine
2017179300Routine
2016141400Routine
2015171500Routine
2014292730Above average
201370410Routine
2012132600Routine
2011213630Above average
2010275610Above average
2009220860Above average
2008 — this page5366100Above average

Compare every Enclave year →

2008 Buick Enclave: questions buyers ask

Is the 2008 Buick Enclave a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Enclave years to avoid: owners filed 536 complaints, 3.4 times as many as a typical Enclave year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (19%).

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Buick Enclave?

The transmission: 103 of the 536 complaints (19%) are about it. Owners most often say it turns on the check engine light (20%), sets off warning lights on the dash (20%) and shifts hard, late or not at all (15%). The typical report comes at 82,800 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 Buick Enclave have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 7, 2021. The largest, 10V240000, covered 1,365,070 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2008 Buick Enclave problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 81,700 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 82,800 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2008 Buick Enclave?

Yes, once. EA08010 ("NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES") was opened Jun 12, 2008 and closed Sep 8, 2008.

Are there service bulletins for the 2008 Buick Enclave?

The manufacturer filed 1,117 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (169), the engine (157) and the transmission (73). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 7, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.