2011 Buick Enclave

Above average

Owners filed 213 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Buick Enclave years to avoid. Which Buick Enclave years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
55,606 milesMedian miles at failure

167 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2011 Buick Enclave problems

37 of the 213 complaints (17%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags37
1015
Steering32
100
Engine26
011
Power Train · transmission22
000
Structure › Body · body and frame14
105
Electrical System14
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control11
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
200
Service Brakes · brakes6
000
Unknown or Other5
003

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module21V782000
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.

Air Bags › Critical Fasteners21V246000
Filed Apr 8, 2021108 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk. Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

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.

Seat Belts14V266000
Filed May 20, 20141,339,355 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk. If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

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.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages12V151000
Filed Apr 9, 201247,846 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN 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. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, CAUSING THE WIPER ARM TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 12, 2026IL

The check engine light has been on for over 2 years now. It turns off and on, so it makes it hard to pass the emission test. I have replaced what shows on the emission testvas failed which are both catalyc converters, oxygen sensors and I also had to replace the engine in 2018. I have spent over $10k on the car and it still has the same codes appearing. I take it to different mechanics and they tell me they don't find anything because what the emission report states is not a problem on the vehicle. They don't understand why the light is on and they all tell me this is a huge problem with Buick Enclaves. Just get rid of it and never buy another one.

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026SC

I drove to work just fine on May 19th, 2020, when I got off work around 3pm. I started the car and as I was about to pull out on Brightleaf BLVD in smithfield, NC my car just stopped. I contacted OnStar and they pulled many codes P02AD,P0300 x2, P0305 x 2 at 126,362 miles with 73% oil life remaining. I contacted by Mechanic and was able to have it towed to his show for him to inspect it and the engine was totally seized. While I did research before purchasing this car the year before (I only average about 6k miles a year) I missed that this year and several others have a known issue that the engines can grenade themselves. I called my insurance company as I had full coverage and gap coverage they denied my claim and I was stuck with 1 $10k paperweight and no vehicle to get to and from work. GM does not care about their customers and should issue a recall on this engine for this issue. While I did not have this car long I did my routine maintenance for what little I drove it and it left me high and dry with nothing to show for it.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Apr 19, 2026CA

While driving, the Kenda Klever tire experienced a sudden and complete tread separation. The tread detached in one solid ring from the rest of the tire. The failure happened without warning. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and safely pull over. There were no injuries. Klever ST 255/60R19

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 2024LA

Ignition not acting like it’s in the right spot like not starting when turning key it moves like it’s loose and turned off while driving. Thankfully was driving very slow and coasted to the side of road when it died at first acted like it was going to start again but it did just drive back home. Just bought suv from mother in law and already replaced alternator last week

Tires
Filed Jun 18, 2024KS

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave equipped with Sentury Tires, Tire Line: National Commando HTS, Tire Size: 255/55/R20, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23T009000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tire was frequently flat. The contact stated that air was added to the tire several times; however, the failure recurred. The local dealer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The tire was not replaced. The tire was a replacement tire. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Jun 17, 2024WA

I have had my car looked at and my camshaft reductor wheel/valve is broken. This happened very unexpectedly and almost caused a serious accident at highway speeds. I was able to drift the car to the shoulder from the middle lane, but almost was hit by a semi when my car randomly stalled out in the middle of I-5. This is a problem I have sense researched and has happened to many others with the same car and model year.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 2023AL

Brakes are not stopping in time they are continuously scrubbing I have changed brakes and rotors and they are continuously scrubbing and not allowing me to stop in time nearly almost ran off the road I have got my brakes inspected but mechanic say there was nothing wrong the place I took it to but there is something wrong with the brakes. There is a electrical problem when it rains things stopped working inside the car every time it rains like my speakers my warning sensors things in that sort. There's also an acceleration issue it is not catching speed it's been doing this since I got the car how to basically mash it to the floor just for the vehicle to go

Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 2023150,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to an unknown recall. The mechanic contacted an unknown dealer and was informed that they could not assist because vehicle had previously been repaired under TSB Number: 15536. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2023180,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to make a beeping sound alert for nearby pedestrians. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system and the turn signals sound system had failed to operate while activated. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2023KY

While driving at 60 mph around a curve with an incoming semi, the car suddenly lost power and the steering locked up. By the grace of God, we were able to avoid the semi and get it off the road. Had it towed to mechanic who said the engine was blown. Regular maintenance always kept. Just had oil changed two weeks ago. This could have been deadly!!!

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 2, 2023MD

On February 27, 2023 while on the road in the morning heading to work I stopped at a red light. When the light turned green my 2011 Buick GMC Enclave hesitated when I proceeded to accelerate. My vehicle moved slightly then without notice it stopped in the middle of a busy road as several cars backed up behind me as my check engine light came on. Also, while my foot was on the brakes, my vehicle was rolling backwards. In lieu to this hazard to myself and other drivers I placed my vehicle in park. My vehicle was towed at my own out of pocket expense of $125.00 in addition to $16.99 for a Lyft ride home. Two days later the auto shop informed me they checked my battery and alternator and both was good. They continued to tell me they drove my vehicle and it did not cut off or stop running. I informed them I DON’T FEEL SAFE KNOWING MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT NOTICE could they check it again. They kept my vehicle another day and they stated NO CODES SHOWED UP AGAIN THAT THEY CAN POINT TO A SPECIFIC ISSUE. Again, another out of pocket diagnostic expense of $125.00. On 02/28/23 I contacted AutoNation Buick GMC Laurel to inquire if there has been a RECALL in place. The representative stated there WAS NO RECALL IN PLACE. After extensive research and review to my ultimate shocking surprise I see numerous complaints have been expressed with Buick GMC from consumers and previous customers outlining their concerns and this hazardous life threatening situation of THEIR BUICK STOPPING WITHOU

Air Bags
Filed Nov 29, 2022IN

Airbag light keeps coming on and going off

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Sep 27, 2022TX

I was driving and the other person ran the stop light and hit my car making me go in and hit another car from the other side.

Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2022NC

The check engine light comes on and off. The dealer pulled code P0008. Engine position system performance bank. There is a bulletin out for this code, indicating the crankshaft moves and gets out of time. They said the only fix is to replace the crankshaft. The dealer advised replacing the engine, since the cost is about the same, $9,864.21. I have kept up the maintenance on the vehicle, and it has only 132,820 miles.

Steering
Filed Aug 22, 2022NV

At low speed all power steering is lost. Almost ran into a parked car. When pulling from a driveway onto the roadway almost hit another car head on. My wife will no longer drive the car because of this.

Engine
Filed Feb 16, 2022123,825 milesMD

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,825.

Seats
Filed Jan 6, 2022SC

Driver's seat plastic frame components came apart from one another on left side. This area contains electric seat wiring and motors and connectors. Parts of plastic connectors have broken and seat must be held together with strapping tape. This was (several years ago) "repaired" twice under warranty but continues to fail. I fear the electrical components within the seat frame are at risk. The right passenger front seat is showing similar signs of coming apart.

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Aug 2, 2021MN

The power lift trunk closes unexpectedly. It has been doing it a few times and it is very dangerous as it does not stop when something stops it. It closed on my head and pushed me inside the vehicle - it injured my head with the impact drawing blood. It is scary how dangerous this is!!

Power Train
Filed Jul 9, 2021KS

While driving at highway speeds, with cruise control set the vehicle started to violently shake almost causing me to lose control of the vehicle. After having the vehicle inspected I was informed that the transmission is known to have an issue with the 3rd and 5th clutch pack causing the vehicle to shake when they are trying to engage. This is no lights on the dash and no other warning signs of said issue. I have an appointment to have the issue resolved which entails to have the transmission either rebuild or replaced.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 17, 2021150,000 milesGA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.????

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 15, 202199,000 milesTX

THE REAR LIFT GATE GAVE OUT AND AND WILL NO LONGER GO UP OR DOWN AUTOMATICALLY OR STAY UP WHEN OPEN, THE DOOR WILL SHUT ON YOU.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 5, 2021138,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL. DURING THE FAILURE, THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER CARL BLACK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (11500 EAST COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32817) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 2020150,000 milesMN

CODES P0017 AND P0008 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND CRANKSHAFT POSITION KEEPS COMING ON DRIVING AND PARKED RUNNING. EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE SENSOR.

Power Train
Filed Nov 11, 2020150,000 milesMI

TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED AT 160,000, ISSUE BEEN GOIN ON FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR OR 10,000 MILES HAS HAD OIL LEAKS, HAVE HAD TO FILL FUILD UP REGULARLY, SEEMS LIKE ALL OF THESE GM, CHEVY, BUICK AND SATURN'S ALL HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH TRANSMISSIONS

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 18, 202028,000 milesIN

THE BRAKE SLIDE IS ALUMINUM BLOCKS WITH STAINLESS STEEL PINS. THIS IS IMPROPER DESIGN SINCE A CATALYST ACTION CORRODES THE ALUMINUM CAUSING ALUMINUM OXIDE TO FREEZE THE PINS MAKING THE BRAKES TO SEIZE AGAINST THE ROTOR. THIS BURNS THE PADS AND CAUSED BREAKING AWAY OF PAD MATERIAL. I HAVE ONLY 28000 MILES AND THE BRAKES ARE GONE. ALSO RESULTS IN LOW FUEL MILAGE. POSSIBLE CAUSE OF HIGHWAY ACCIDENT SUCH AS HAPPENED IN SPRING KILLING A WOMAN ON I-65 SOUTH OF INDIANAPOLIS. I WAS FORTUNATE NO PERSONAL ACCIDENT OCCURRED. WROTE GM AND WAS BRUSHED OFF. VEHICLE USED ONLY ON TRIPS WITH MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES. BUT BRAKES ARE GONE SO REPLACED BUT WILL NOT FIX GM PROBLEM. BLACK AND POLISHED LIKE BLACK ONYX STONE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 2020AL

IN 2017 THE TIMING BELT FAILED WITH LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT WAS OVER 2000 DOLLARS. 2018 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON INDIA STING AN ISSUE WITH THE CAYTALIC CONVERTER. HAVE NOT REPAIRED BUT VEHICLE WILL DYE WHILE DRIVING. IT QUIT WORKING ON INTERSTATE AND I HAD TO COAST ACROSS FIVE LANES TO SHOULDER, WHERE I WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON 2 LANE HIGHWAY. 2020 AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, STAYED ON FOR A FEW DAYS AND WENT OUT. HIT BUMP IN ROAD AIRBAG LIGHT RETURNS.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 19, 2020MI

I RECEIVED A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT CARD, STATING A GM RECALL #14V118, RECALL DATE 3/31/2014 WAS ON MY VEHICLE; I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT "GM IGNITION SWITCH ECONOMIC SETTLEMENT CLAIMS CENTER", BUT MY VIN WAS STATED AS EFFECTED. I'M CONCERNED I HAVE AN UNSAFE SITUATION.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 3, 2020OH

WE PURCHASED A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE FOR WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A GREAT DEAL. WE WERE PREPARED TO PAY FOR BASIC MAINTENANCE RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I NOTICED LOSS OF POWER WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL(SET AT 65MPH) AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING. I NOTICED THE RPM JUMPING FROM 1 TO 2 . WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BUICK FOR REPAIRS. WE HAD A TUNE UP, 2 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACED, 3 O2 SENSORS REPLACED ALONG WITH ONE OTHER ONE THAT I'M NOT SURE THE NAME, OIL CHANGE, STRUTS AND SHOCKS, REAR SWAY BAR LINKS, AIR FILTER, AND A GASKET MANIFOLD. WE HAVE NOT HAD THIS VEHICLE LONGER THAN 2 MONTHS. THE VEHICLE IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. TODAY AFTER WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE SHOP(NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) WE DROVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOW THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON ALONG WITH STABILITRAK CONTROL. WE HAVE 6 CHILDREN. THIS IS DANGEROUS. WHAT ARE WE TO DO? *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 21, 202087,000 milesGA

SERVICE AIR BAG/WARNING LIGHT KEEP COMING ON. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 16, 2020IL

THE POWER LIFTGATE DOOR OPENS 75% OF THE WAY WHEN I PUSH BUTTON OR MANUALLY BUT THEN STARTS TO CLOSES AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN HIT BY THE DOOR SEVERAL TIMES ALREADY DUE TO DOOR CLOSING. ALSO DAY LIGHT ON PASSENGER FRONT GOES ON AND OFF. IT WILL WORK FOR A FEW DAYS THEN NOT WORK FOR WEEKS. HAVE HAD LIGHT BULB REPLACED AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2020105,256 milesDE

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AROUND 65 MPH AND ALL OF SUDDEN L LOSS ALL ENGINE POWER. I COULD BARELY STEER THE SUV OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ALMOST GOT HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER DRIVER. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THE MOTOR SEIZED UP.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 20, 2020128,000 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AT ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR WHEN MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL AND MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 15 MPH. DASH SAID SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL.

Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2019114,054 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL WINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. JOHNNY LONDOFF CHEVROLET (1375 DUNN RD, FLORISSANT, MO 63031, (314) 227-1437) WAS CONTACTED AND SCHEDULED A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT FOR DECEMBER 5, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114,054.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 19, 201948,076 milesTX

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 11/4/19. THE DEALERSHIP, SALESMAN OR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. DIDN'T INFORM ME OR PUT IT IN WRITING THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS FAULTY ON THE VEHICLE. JOHN EAGLE ACURA DIDN'T CONSIDER SAFETY FIRST. ON 11/7/19 AT 48,076 MILES THE VEHICLE WON'T CRANK. IT WAS COLD AND RAINY SO I DIDN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE. ON 11/17/19 I DROVE THE VEHICLE TO CHURCH AT 48,124 MILES. WHEN I GOT OUT OF CHURCH IT WON'T CRANK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ON 11/18/19 AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE VEHICLE. THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN. I BROUGHT IT IN ON 11/19/19 AT 3P.M. I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WON'T CRANK. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. I TOLD THE SALESMAN THAT YOU KNEW IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND YOU PUT MY SAFETY AT RISK. BECAUSE YOU AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND DEALERSHIP KNEW THAT THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND MY SAFETY WAS AT RISK. HE SAID TO ME AND MY HUSBAND THAT HE KNEW AND SAID THAT HE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN ME A LOANER CAR. BUT HE NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT IT.

Steering
Filed Nov 4, 2019AR

2011 BUICK ENCLAVE MAKES A WHINING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING, TURNING AND SLOWING DOWN. DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT CAR IS "COLD" AND NEEDS WARMING UP BECAUSE TEMPERATURE HAS CHANGED. HOWEVER, MY CAR WAS MAKING THIS NOISE JUST NOT AS BAD DURING THE SUMMER. I ASKED IF IT WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP OR IF I NEEDED FLUID. THEY INFORMED ME THEY CAPPED OFF THE FLUID DURING EACH OF MY SERVICE VISITS BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE. NOW I'M GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR A SECOND OPINION AFTER READING OTHER PEOPLE'S ISSUES WITH THEIR ENCLAVE. MY ISSUE IS ALWAYS DURING START UP, TURNING AND STOPPING WHICH IS A HUGE PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN ESCALATING FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS. IT'S WORST NOW.

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 201974,000 milesIA

MY REGULARLY SERVICED 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE WITH APPROXIMATELY 75,000 MILES ON IT BEGAN OVERHEATING LAST SUMMER TO THE POINT WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE THE RADIATOR FAN KEPT RUNNING. MY SERVICING BUSINESS WAS CONTINUALLY ADDING THE RECOMMENDED RADIATOR COOLANT IN AMOUNTS THAT TOTALED 3.7 GAL. BETWEEN MID JUNE, '18 TO SEPT '19. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THE RADIATOR HOLDS 14.2 QTS OF COOLANT WHICH IS 3.5 GAL. SO IT LOST OVER ITS TOTAL CAPACITY. IT DID THE SAME OVERHEATING WITH THE RADIATOR FAN RUNNING AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF THIS PAST SUMMER. THERE IS A RECALL 13091 ON THIS ISSUE OF A LEAKY WATER PUMP FOR 2008-2010 BUICK ENCLAVES AS WELL AS SIMILAR YEARS FOR TRAVERSES, ACADIAS, AND OUTLOOK ON HFV6 ENGINES (LY7,LLT) I WAS TOLD THAT GM DID NOT CHANGE THE FAULTY WATER PUMP UNTIL 2013 ON THE BUICK ENCLAVES. THE CAR SHOWED NO ERROR MESSAGE OF OVERHEATING OR LOW COOLANT ON THE DISPLAY PANEL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE WATER PUMPS GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING IT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO BLOW WITH A POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE, UNSAFE FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGERS.

Engine
Filed Sep 20, 201945,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCGUIRE BUICK GMC (1625 US-46, LITTLE FALLS, NJ 07424, (973) 200-6609) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 19, 2019100,000 milesFL

DRIVING ON HWY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR AND SUDDEN ENGINE REDUCE POWER AND STABILITY TRACK LIGHT ARE ON. CAN DRIVE CAR MORE THAN 30 MILES PER HOUR NOW. AND OCCASIONALLY A BACK FIRE.

Engine
Filed Sep 19, 2019160,530 milesSD

DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAS ROUGH ACCELERATION AND DEACCELERATION, WHEN IDEALING SOMETIMES WILL RATTLE, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF, INCREASED GAS USE

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2019110,000 milesLA

CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHEN I'M DRIVING AND THERE'S A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. (CITY STREET)

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 13, 2019140,000 milesIL

TIMING BELT ISSUES AT 140000 MILES SHOULD COVERED SINCE IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM

Air Bags
Filed Aug 20, 2019120,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 18, 2019111,200 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING YESTERDAY AND STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. I STARTED TO PULL OUT FROM THE STOP SIGN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND AC SHUT DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE TURN BY PULLING HARD AND THEN IT STARTING WORKING RIGHT AGAIN. VERY UPSETTING. TOOK CAR TO BOKMANS IN OLEAN, NY. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 2019TN

ALL RECALLS AND UP-TO-DATE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE POWER STEERING IS HARD TO TURN HATCHBACK COMING UP WHEN SHE'LL WIPER VEHICLE IS HARD TO PULL RATTLING NOISE

Steering
Filed Jun 17, 2019178,000 milesOH

AT SLOWER SPEEDS WHILE NOT ACCELERATING OR ON UNEVEN SURFACE, THE POWER STEERING FAILS REVERTING TO MANUAL STEERING. MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN

Air Bags
Filed Apr 19, 201996,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 17, 201988,000 milesGA

ON 3 OCCASIONS, WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN, THE CAR STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING. ON ALL THREE OCCASION, THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, CARL BLACK ROSWELL. THEY REPLACED THE STARTER AND REPLACED ALL THE FUEL INJECTOR. 2-3 DAYS AFTER THE CAR WAS PICKED UP, THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR KIDS TO SCHOOL AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THIS TIME, THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE FUSE BLOCK. A FEW DAYS AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN WHILE IT WAS DRIVEN AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START AFTER IT STOPPED. THE CAR AGAIN WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER. THEY THEN SAID THEY FIXED THE GROUND WIRE. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE ME THAT THE ISSUE WILL NOT RE-OCCUR. I WAS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE AND KIDS SINCE MY WIFE USES THE CAR TO DROP OFF AND PICK UP MY KIDS TO/FROM SCHOOL. I CONTACTED GM (THROUGH EMAIL TO THE CEO, MARY). GM REACHED OUT TO ME AND THEIR CLAIMS DEPARTMENT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. GM INDICATED THAT THEY HAD APPROVED ALL THE 3 REPAIRS (INCLUDING THE 2 REPAIRS THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE) AND ASKED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO. I ASKED FOR A GUARANTEE THE ISSUE WILL NOT RE-OCCUR AND GM SAID THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE ME THAT THE ISSUE WILL NOT REOCCUR. I THEN REACHED OUT TO GM'S CEO VIA EMAIL AGAIN AND ASKED FOR A GUARANTEE OR REPLACEMENT OF THE CAR WITH A CERTIFIED USED BUICK ENCLAVE OR NEW BUICK ENCLAVE. ITS BE

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate1 injured
Filed Apr 1, 2019112,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE DROPPED DOWN AND STRUCK THE CONTACT ON THE HEAD. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MARIO D'ADDARIO BUICK GMC (329 BRIDGEPORT AVE, SHELTON, CT 06484, (203) 242-0172) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V415000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 5, 201993,000 milesPA

HELLO - I AM WRITING AS A CONCERNED CONSUMER. I CURRENTLY OWN A 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE. TWO WEEKS AGO, WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IT STARTED MAKING A VERY LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. THE CAR THEN COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND BECAME INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL. WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE INABILITY TO RESTART THE ENGINE IT BECAME A DANGEROUS SITUATION TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED AND SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ISSUE WAS A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THIS REPAIR REQUIRED THE REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN. RESEARCH INTO BUICK HAS SHOWN THAT THERE IS A BULLETIN OUT FOR THIS VERY ISSUE BUT ONLY FOR THE 2009 MODEL YEAR. MY 2011 WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2010. FOR THIS VERY ISSUE, BUICK HAS EXTENDED THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY TO 120K OR 7YRS. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS TIMING CHAIN ISSUE IS NOT EXCLUSIVE TO THE 2009 AS OWNERS OF OTHER MODEL YEARS ARE EXPRESSING THE SAME CONCERNS. I AM WRITING TO FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT, AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT BUICK REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THE FAILURE OF THIS TIMING CHAIN LEAD TO A SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK AND POSSIBLE INJURY. I HAVE CONTACTED BUICK SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY REFUSE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR THE REPAIRS AND REFUSE TO INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER. THEIR RESPONSE IS SIMPLY, THERE IS NO BULLETIN SO THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE FOR ME.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 15, 201970,000 milesFL

DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS. LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE LIGHTS GO OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAD TWO SIDE REPLACE THE THE OTHER SIDE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. LIGHTS COME ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS, THEN WILL GO OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON SOMETIMES WHILE RUNNING SOMETIMES NOT. HAS HAPPEND ON AND OFF SINCE 2014.

Complaints 1-50 of 213, 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
2011 — this page213630Above average
2010275610Above average
2009220860Above average
20085366100Above average

Compare every Enclave year →

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.