2018 Buick Enclave

Routine

Owners filed 66 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
24,400 milesMedian miles at failure

33 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 20,000–30,000 miles.

Most common 2018 Buick Enclave problems

20 of the 66 complaints (30%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes19
200
Power Train · transmission10
100
Engine9
000
Unknown or Other6
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Electrical System2
000
Air Bags · airbags2
101
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 18, 2026MD

I am the original owner of this Buick Enclave Avenir. I have had two near accident occurences when the car started foring the breaks while I was accellarating on the highway and was not behind another vehicle. The car behind me nearly rerended me. On 10/17/26, my purge valve was replaced for the third time, making this the fourth purge valve the car has had. After getting gas, the car will not start, which is an indicator the part has gone bad and needs to be replaced. In June of 2025 I took my car to Anderson Buick over concerns while accellerating. They confirmed my transmission needed to be replaced. Our family shop suggested waiting until the end of summer since I wouldnt be driving daily and the replacement would cost nearly 10k. It could only be ordered through GM, making the part substantially higher in cost. When summer break ended and I needed to use my car daily we could not take the car to the dealer or our family shop because the part was no longer available. We could not get a clear time frame of when the part would be in stock, if at all. We had the transmission rebuilt with 166k miles. Nearly 4 months later the trasmission started to shudder again. We took it back to the same shop for repairs becuase it was under warranty. Nearly four months later, the issue began again. The shop said there is nothing I can do to stop it from happening, that the part is deffective and GM knows. I have opened a claim with GM and expect nothing will happen, but it is apparent tha

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 25, 2026AL

The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent but severe safety defect involving the StabiliTrak and Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) systems. While driving at operational speeds, the "Service StabiliTrak" warning light illuminates, immediately followed by the uncommanded, autonomous engagement of the electronic parking brake. When the defect occurs, the vehicle forcibly brakes itself and suffers a complete loss of throttle response, preventing acceleration. This creates a severe, immediate crash hazard, as the vehicle decelerates abruptly without warning to surrounding traffic, leaving the driver unable to accelerate out of harm's way.The vehicle was brought to an authorized General Motors dealership multiple times during the active warranty period for recurring StabiliTrak system warnings. The manufacturer failed to permanently diagnose and resolve the root cause of the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) failure. The vehicle remains highly dangerous to operate due to unpredictable, uncommanded braking.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 17, 2026SC

2018 Enclave w/106k on the odometer and the catalytic convertor cracked. $2200 repair.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 8, 2026IN

I am submitting this letter to formally report two ongoing issues with my 2018 Buick Enclave. First, I have experienced persistent problems with the emissions purge valve. My vehicle has repeatedly triggered diagnostic trouble code P0496, indicating a malfunction in the purge valve system. I am aware that this issue has been the subject of recall campaigns for other Buick Enclave models; however, my vehicle has not been included in any such recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This malfunction has resulted in persistent check engine warnings and noticeable performance concerns, raising questions about emissions compliance and the overall reliability of my vehicle. Given that other vehicles of the same make and model year have been recalled for the same issue, I respectfully request that my vehicle be reviewed for inclusion in the recall. Second, I am formally reporting a malfunction involving the stabilizers. Recently, I have noticed unusual noises and instability when driving, particularly when turning or traveling over uneven surfaces, which indicates a potential stabilizer malfunction. These issues have persisted despite regular maintenance and inspections, affecting the handling and safety of the vehicle. I believe this may represent a manufacturing or design defect that could pose a risk to other owners of the same make and model. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this matter further. I kindly ask the Nati

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (ecu/Ecm)
Filed May 26, 202672,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the alternator was replaced 4 times before the dealer diagnosed that the failure was due to oil leaking onto the alternator and the battery. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced 6 times in total. Additionally, the contact stated while pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, the vehicle shut off. The messages "Electronic Control Module Failure", "Battery Saver Active", "Battery Charging System" and "Steering Assist Is Reduced- Drive with Care" were displayed. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) and alternator failures. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Power Train
Filed May 12, 2026CO

After two transmission flushes and being told by a Buick dealership's service technicians that nothing is wrong with the vechile's transmission, it has now failed completely at ~90k miles.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 11, 2026IN

Catalic converter weld broke both sides now

Engine
Filed May 5, 2026TN

Exhaust leak from broken front exhaust pipe. This has been a known defect in this make/model however the year of my vehicle was not included in the extended repair window and should have been. The exhaust leak was identified by the dealership when the vehicle was taken in for other maintenance. I had to pay for the repair myself and would like to be reimbursed due to this being a manufacturer known defect with the exhaust pipe. The exhaust leak caused unusual noises, a loud roaring, and reduced gas mileage. This was also a danger for carbon monoxide exposure.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 28, 2026SC

The air conditioning system failure prevents proper windshield defogging, significantly reducing visibility in humid or rainy conditions. Additionally, cabin temperatures become excessively high, causing driver fatigue and impaired concentration. This creates an unsafe driving condition and increases the risk of a crash

Seat BeltsCrash
Filed Apr 4, 2026NC

In December 2017 we were involved in a rear end collision so violent the spare tire was knocked out from under the vehicle. Our vehicle, 2014 Buick Enclave VIN [XXX] was struck in the rear. The lap belt held us secure, but the shoulder belt allowed us to be tossed forward. My head hit the left windshield/top post leaving me looking like a racoon the next day. General Motors representatives, [XXX] CEO at the time ,stated the seat belts functioned properly. I injured my left wrist as a result of being thrown forward and have pain in it ever since then. We now drive a 2018 Buick Enclave VIN [XXX] that we purchased as a result of the December 2017 accident. We have noticed the same problem with the shoulder belts not working in sync with the lap belt, especially during a panic braking. Could this be product failure or just coincidence? I BELEIVE THIS WARRANTS EVALUATION! Thank you. My email address is [XXX] , mailing address is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Mar 23, 2026110,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. A bystander pushed the vehicle to the side road, and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact’s husband inspected the vehicle and determined that it had experienced transmission failure. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 23, 202571,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while stopped at a gas station; after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle was restarted but was unable to shift to drive(D). The contact attempted to shift to reverse(R) and the shift lever failed to respond. The contact stated an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 2025CA

My vehicle has begun all us sudden flickering headlights from low beams to high beam when driving and also it ay the airbag safety light turn on with the locks also doing a closing and opening while driving.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 11, 2025FL

The headlights continously and irregularly flicker between high and low beam while driving at night. I have no control over it and cannot turn off the high beams when they activate. This is highly annoying to drivers ahead me, as they believe I am trying to get their attention (or be obnoxious). In these times and the legalization of open carry weapons in the state of Florida, this can be highly dangerous if the wrong person is aggravated by unintentional signaling. I have already had issues on the road with drivers not happy with the high beam flicking on and off at them while driving on the road. They have become very aggressive, following, slowing down, honking at me because they think I am being impatient or trying to tell them someting is wrong. I spent $2000 in January 2025 trying to get this fixed and it has started (December 2025) happening again.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 19, 2025100,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after picking up the vehicle from the dealer for a different failure, the exhaust pipe made an abnormally loud sound while driving. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the catalytic converter had failed and informed the contact that the catalytic converter and the front exhaust pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N212356540 (Front Exhaust Pipe); however, the VIN was not covered. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 24, 2025MI

Several times I have been stopped at a red light, and my parking break will come on without me engaging it. I was almost hit by other vehicles the last time my vehicle did this. People were blasting their horns and speeding around me because I was unable to move my vehicle. Because I had not manually engaged my parking break, my vehicle would not allow me to disengage the parking break until after it finally read that I engaged it. It took me 10 minutes of having to turn my car off and back on and trying to engage the parking break manually before the vehicle finally noticed it was engaged and would allow me to disengage my vehicle so that I could move it out of the way. This has now happened 3 separate times in the last month. It is an extremely dangerous situation and is making me become nervous to drive my own vehicle.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 15, 202583,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while making a left turn, another vehicle jumped onto a curb and struck the rear end and rear tire of the vehicle. The front driver side, passenger side, and curtain air bags deployed. The contact was concerned about whether the air bags should have deployed for the type of impact experienced. No warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for bloody stool, lower back pain, and neck pain. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 25, 2025PA

I am a [XXX] and owner of a 2018 Buick Enclave that suffered a catastrophic transmission failure which nearly killed me and my child. On Friday, [XXX], while driving westbound on [XXX] from Edison, NJ to my home in Easton, PA, my vehicle suddenly and without warning came to a complete halt in the fast lane. A driver tailgating me swerved at the last second to avoid impact. Moments later, when I tried to move again, the car lost all power and drifted helplessly across two lanes of speeding traffic, directly into the path of two tractor-trailers barreling down at highway speeds. This was the hottest day of the summer, and I was left in terror, fully aware that one wrong move would have ended our lives instantly. The fact that my child could have lost their only parent because of a mechanical defect is beyond unacceptable. The stress, fear, and trauma of this incident cannot be overstated—it was a near-fatal event that never should have happened. My mechanic has since confirmed the transmission is destroyed, with black metal fragments throughout—clear evidence of internal failure. Only two months earlier, in June 2024, the car passed inspection with no codes or signs of a problem. This was not wear and tear; it was a hidden, catastrophic defect. In December 2024, GM recalled more than 461,000 vehicles, including certain 2018 Enclave models, for transmission defects leading to rollaway and internal failure. Source: The Lemon Firm, 12/18/24 [XXX] ). My case mirrors the defect exac

Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2025WA

Wednesday August 6th 2025, I was coming home from work, the low engine compression and engine light came on the car was shaking and I lost power on a busy road, I had to pull it off the road quickly before I lost all power. I stayed there for a few minutes, then turned the car back on to retreat to a safer spot, I then waited for my husband to bail me out, we checked the oil on the dipstick, there was minimal oil on it. We added 1 quart of oil, then the lights went off, all seemed fine. August 23rd 2025, I was driving my car and the same thing happened car lit up with low engine compression and engine light came on car was shaking, I shit the car off. we added 1quart of oil. But the engine light stayed on after about 30 min. I shut the car off. The engine light went off after I shut the car off.

Power Train
Filed May 23, 2025KY

The torque converter is failing it seems this is far too common and dangerous with all Buick enclaves for this year. The vehicle shakes when applying the gas not having the power it needs to keep a steady speed without shaking. A mechanic stated the torque converter is bad known as the “GM shutter”

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 19, 2025WI

Check engine light was on due to the EVAP Purge Solenoid not sealing properly and causing a leak. Scan testing performed of the engine control module and diagnosed/cleared DTC P0496-00. Vehicle was brought to a dealership for repair.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 29, 2025MD

MY VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNABLE TO PUT IN DRIVE

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 10, 2024MD

The brake system ABS module/sensor malfunctions- yes it is available for further inspection. Safety is an issue due to the ABS indicator light on. Yes, the problem/issue has been confirmed by a dealership. No inspections have occurred other than the dealership. The only warning is the light indicator for the brakes, parking ABS.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 26, 2024GA

The car shuts off at random when coming out of autostop, the car will disable power steering when coming out of autostop to make turns making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. Coming out of autostop is typically when you are trying to go or make a turn. This has been an ongoing issue that happens often. The issues began around 60k miles.

Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2024TN

My car starting sputtering on take off from stops, extremely dangerous if you’re trying to get out in traffic and keep up quickly from a stop. Then when I took it to get looked at it the mechanic said it needs a new transmission. Now my family is stuck because that’s our only vehicle big enough for our growing family. They’re was a check engine light that keeps coming on.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 29, 202360,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, and at various speeds, while the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormally loud high-pitched grinding or squeaking sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the noise was loud enough that pedestrians would turn and look at his vehicle when he depressed the brake pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where the sound was being emitted and could not repair the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Aug 5, 2023UT

Was driving at 35 MPH with no other cars or obstructions in front of me and the vehicle suddenly slammed on the brakes on its own and the throttle became inactive (would not respond to inputs). I don't know if the vehicle slammed on the parking brake or the service brakes. After 30 or so seconds everything returned to normal. No lights are illuminated on the dash, but a light did come on when the vehicle braked on its own. The light turned off before I could see what it was.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 24, 2023TX

8am, Stopped at intersection. Light traffic. Green light, increased speed to 15 mph, turning left and sunroof explodes. Luckily inside shade cover was closed so no glass was able to come down.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 2023CA

Passenger side rear electronic parking brake wire clip failed, wire is rubbing against the rear cv boot. This caused a short that led to defective ABS control module that had to be replaced for anti-skid and anti-roll for this SUV. It also affected the transmission alert system. Related Bulletins: https://s3.amazonaws.com/shop-ware-prod-attachments/2ce2615fbf6158c020eb7ddbba19c956d5c9cf33.pdf?1678982217 https://s3.amazonaws.com/shop-ware-prod-attachments/df15af6513bb2265bc07179efd733f06e355fe8a.pdf?1678916531 From Shop: "Continued working with the electronic parking brake system Used GM Techline connect to attempt to reprogram the EBCM because of the programming error DTC. After programming we also performed the module configuration procedure and although e removed the programming error, the system is still reporting a failure with the LEFT parking brake circuit. All circuits have been checked. The current hypothesis is that the electronic brake control module (EBCM) has failed internally. This likely occurred when the actuator wiring became exposed and allowed the wiring to short together. : https://s3.amazonaws.com/shop-ware-prod-attachments/d0edde862ec36d33b013087e9934f74892154a13.pdf?1678995379

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 21, 2023125,639 milesCA

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while idling or at a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward upon acceleration. The contact then stated that while shifted to park, the vehicle inadvertently started. The contact also stated that she heard a screeching sound in the wheels while shifting in the first gear, and intermittently in second and third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was previously illuminated; however, after driving the vehicle, the check engine light turned off. The vehicle was taken three times to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty was not honored, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 125,639.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Nov 28, 2022TX

-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to create a "reset" of system. (Auto folding windows feature in infotainment was NOT selected to be ON before or after this incident! Auto-folding sidemirrors are tied to the electron shifter status and should only engage when turned ON in infotainment option AND vehicle in PARK. This was occurring over 2-3 days while driving on highway at 65mph) Accident: -Pulled into parking spot and placed vehicle in PARK. -Front Dash Camera audio indicates the "Ding" confirmation of park and hear vehicle doors unlock upon Park status. -Vehicle was still ON and began to slow roll UP HILL BACKWARDS in parking lot and strike another parked vehicle across the double wide aisle. -No rear camera was engaged. -No collision alert (no seat vibration which was always ON in infotaiment option) -No automatic braking for about to strike a vehicle. -Display after impact was on the Buick Startup Icon, NOT the infotainment icons. -Vehicle driven immediately to Buick dealership and Claim initiated wth ESIS (regarding product liability claim with GM (General Motors) -no police due to private lot - 9 days later the black box data (Bosch Crash Data Report) and vehicle Global Diagnostics Sysem Reports were downloaded from

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 6, 2022WA

The Electronic Parking Brake has had multiple apparent malfunctions and one complete failure. On several occasions the parking brake failed to disengage completely with multiple warning dash lights illuminating. One such incident apparently self-corrected after being left parked overnight our semi-heated garage, with another incident only partially disengaged the parking brake with warning lights indicating a parking brake malfunction, and after driving two to three miles returning home the right rear brake was baking hot. The latest malfunction was a complete failure of the parking brake to engage at all, with the warning lights again illuminating and would be an obvious danger while parking. The vehicle is just over four years old and was two-and-a-half months out of warranty at the time of failure, and had/has 5,121 miles. It has now been waiting at the dealership for repairs for FOUR WEEKS, awaiting a Parking Brake Control Module which they cannot give any timeline for delivery or arrival. It is unknown if the Brake Control Module for the parking brake has any control or effect on the service brakes, so the vehicle is sitting at the dealership collecting dust, unusable to us.

Lane Departure › Warning
Filed Aug 8, 2022KY

Lane departure went out took to dealer they said oh your out of warranty 3 months we can repair for 1,000 dollars I said you are crazy and walked away .contacted GM customer service said it’s out of warranty should of been recalled for their past history of problems

Power Train
Filed Mar 23, 2022AL

Place car in park, went into store, came back out tried to put car in reverse, car would. To go, tried it two more time, car would. To go in reverse. Turned car off, put in drive , would go in drive, put in reverse, car would go, but the engine light came on and stayed on until later that day. Took car to the dealer that Monday morning, (Onstar notification says engine or transmission problem, park brake assist light came on a few times flashing on dashboard.dealer tells me first, needs to change transmission fluid. Then told me it is the solenoid switch in the transmission. Dealer calls National auto care(my warranty) and tells them that the problem, warranty wants the cause and part#. Dealer came out to look at car, stated don’t drive because their is slim metal shavings in transmission fluid. No one can tell me where it’s coming from. And the warranty company will not replace the transmission. So here I am paying a car note and a warranty. No fix

Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 2022OH

For 6 months I have had a shutter in the front part of my car. When I accelerate the car violently shakes. The car was under bumper Bumper warranty when this problem started. I have taken it to my dealer on multiple occasions and they and their engineers cannot determine what is causing the problem. They have had several other enclaves come in with the same issues. They replaced my transmission among other things and nothing fixes it. I have contacted buick headquarters and I am only permitted to speak to customer service who only tells me the same thing that my dealership tells me. I am frustrated and don't know what to do. The problem is getting worse. The dealership says they are working with engineers and they cant seem to find the problem. I'm told my dealership has 6 other buick enclaves with the same issue and other dealerships he had some as well. There has been no warning icons show up.I have no copies of paperwork where my dealership has worked on my vehicle, but they have everything in their computer. My dealership is Bob Ross in Centerville, Ohio. I'm not sure if this is a safety issue or could become one since no one seems to know what is wrong with my vehicle.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed Feb 23, 202252,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to drive sluggishly before coming to a stop. The brake warning light had illuminated and the message service ABS system was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS computer had lost its program and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 52,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 2021CA

The car has an auto-stop feature however at times, when the car is stopped, the entire electrical and engine shuts down even while the car is in drive. The driver must restart the car and put the car into park and then back into drive. When the car restarts, several lights/messages turn on including "Service Transmission" and the "Service Parking Brake" message and parking break light. This is a safety and hazard issue as it has happened while in traffic on the freeway when at a standstill.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 23, 2021MO

At least 3 or 4 times, the car has remotely started itself while the key fob is in my pocket. Two times, the car was in my closed attached garage. To remote start the car, I would have to press and release the lock button on the fob, then hold down another button for four seconds. At times while I am working around the house or garage, I hear the car beep, indicating that my movements pressed the lock button. On the times mentioned above, evidently my movements pressed the two buttons, causing the car to start. I mentioned this to the service department of our Buick dealer, Dave Cross Motors in Lee's Summit, MO. They were not too concerned, and said that the engine would shut off after 10 minutes. I feel this could be a health concern. If the car did not turn off after 10 minutes, carbon monoxide could build up in our attached garage, and injure or kill us. Also, if someone broke into the car while running like this, could they steal it without the key fob being present. I have never had problem with my 2011 Ford F150 that has it's key fob on the same key ring.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 7, 2021CA

While on free way transmission stopped functioning properly after exit unable to move vehicles in gear. Dealer said it was a computer programming issue. Another instance 9 months later care emergency break would not dis engage even after shutting vehicle off and restarting several times that transmission would stop shifting soon received messages dealer said it was a computer programming error .

Suspension
Filed Dec 21, 202063,000 milesMI

I AM TOLD BY GRAFF CHEVROLET, OKEMOS, MI, THAT AT ONLY 63,000 MILES, MY REAR TOE LINK ADJUSTMENTS ARE SEPARATING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $407 PLUS A $90 WHEEL ALIGNMENT PLUS TAX. IN MY RESEARCH, I SEE THAT THE GM CADILLAX SRX HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY FIRST OFF, BUT ALSO BELIEVE GM SHOULD RECALL AND WARRANTY THESE PARTS.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 11, 202020,900 milesWY

WHILE DRIVING ON VERY SLICK ROADS ON A HIGHWAY, I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE IN PREPARATION TO MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE WHEELS KEPT PUSHING ME FORWARD. I COULD FEEL THE ABS PULSING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS AHEAD OF ME OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THE VEHICLE. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS OVERRIDING MY ATTEMPTS TO STOP IT. I WASN'T JUST SLIDING ON SLICK ROADS; THE VEHICLE WAS ACTIVELY PUSHING ME FORWARD.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 25, 202011,000 milesTX

THE E-BREAK WARNING CAME ON TWICE AFTER RELEASING THE E-BREAK WHEN PARKED, THE WARNING CAME ON SHORTLY AFTER PULLING FROM A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. THE E-BREAK LIGHT WAS FLASHING WITH THE 'SERVICE LIGHT' ACTIVE AND A DISPLAY NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY BREAK ISSUES. BOTH OF THESE TWO INCIDENTS HAPPEN AFTER THE LAST SERVICE UPDATE N19221631 WAS IMPLEMENTED BACK ON 5/2020. THE FIRST ONE WAS PRESENT AROUND SEPTEMBER 2020 AND THE LAST ONE ON 11/23/2020. I'M NOT SURE IF THESE TWO INCIDENTS HAPPEN DUE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICE UPDATE BUT IT SEEMS COINCIDENTAL THAT THEY HAPPEN SHORTLY AFTER THE SERVICE UPDATE AS THIS CONDITION DID NOT OCCURRED BEFORE THE SERVICE UPDATE. I DO NOT DRIVE MY BUICK MUCH WITH ONLY ABOUT 11K MILES CURRENTLY SO IT IS NOT OBVIOUS THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO AGE AND USAGE UNLESS THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE E-BREAK PRODUCT.

Power Train
Filed Oct 14, 202027,000 milesFL

SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN A MONTH ON A 2018 BUICK ENCLAVE THAT AIR CONDITIONING UNIT/EVAPORATOR IN VEHICLE IS NOT WORKING AND VEHICLE IS BLOWING HOT AIR ONLY. THIS OCCURS WHETHER VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS FIRST POWERED ON OR OVER AN EXTENDED DRIVE (45 MINS). DOES NOT OSCILLATE WITH CHANGE IN SPEED. DOES NOT OSCILLATE WITH LENGTH OF DRIVE. HOT AIR BLOWS THE ENTIRE TIME AND NOISE COMES FROM DASH THAT SOUNDS LIKE HYDRAULIC DOOR HINGE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 202034,500 milesCA

MY CAR SHIFTS ITSELF INTO WHAT SEEMS TO BE A 'NEUTRAL' STATE AND THEN REVS UP VERY LOUD. IT ALSO SLAMS ON ITS OWN BRAKES, THANKFULLY EACH TIME HAS BEEN AT LOW SPEED. TODAY WAS THE LAST STRAW. I AM NEVER GETTING IN TO THAT CAR AGAIN! AS I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT, MY CAR SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES, ALL KINDS OF ROLLING SOUNDS UNDER MY FEET. THEN IT STOPPED AND HIT HARD TO START GOING AGAIN. LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD GOING CRAZY... THE GUY WHO WAS BACKING UP AS I WAS GOING BY, HONKED AND YELLED AT ME BECAUSE HE DIDN'T KNOW WHY I WOULD STOP LIKE THAT. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN WELL PAST HIM, BUT MY CAR DECIDED WE WERE STOPPING. SO A LITTLE SHAKEN AND UPSET, BUT I CARRIED ON. THIS CAR HAS BEEN DOING THAT SINCE 4000 MILES. IT IS VERY STRESSFUL TO GET IN THAT CAR AS IT IS. I SAT AT THE VERY NEXT RED LIGHT AT THE PARKING LOT I HAD JUST LEFT TO TURN LEFT ONTO A MAJORLY BUSY STREET. THE LIGHT WAS RED, WHEN IT TURNED GREEN, I APPLIED THE GAS AFTER A AND IT SURGED SO HARD, IT WAS AS IF I FLOORED IT ALL THE WAY, BUT THE PEDAL HAD NOT MOVED UNDER MY FEET, BUT I COULD FEEL ALL KINDS OF 'ACTION' HAPPENING UNDER MY FEET. AS THE CAR WENT OVER THE CROSSWALK PAINT, IT SCREECHED THE TIRES AND I ALMOST HIT THE GUY WHO WAS ALSO MAKING A LEFT NEXT TO ME AS MY CAR WAS THRUSTING FORWARD WITH GREAT SPEED AND SPINNING TIRES, WHEN THE WHEELS CAUGHT THE PAVEMENT I ALMOST HIT THE GUY NEXT TO ME IN HIS BACK DOOR. I WAS HONKED AT AND SCARED. I WAIVED MY HANDS TO TRY TO SAY ' I DON'T KNOW!' I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE M

Engine
Filed Jun 25, 202024,400 milesCA

WHILE AT A STOP SIGN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, PRESSED BRAKE AND TACHOMETER WENT TO OFF INSTEAD OF AUTO-STOP. ENGINE STILL ON BUT PRESSING GAS DIDN'T DO ANYTHING.. TRANSMISSION LIGHT WENT ON. HAD TO PUSH THE START/STOP BUTTON A FEW TIMES BEFORE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 13, 202020,000 milesWI

THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE HAS TURNED ON 5 TIMES NOW. 3 TIMES, THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TURNED ON AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE BRAKE WAS NOT ACTIVATED BY ANYONE. THEN IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY WORKED ON IT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. THIS WEEK WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE THE BRAKE TURNED ON AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.

Engine
Filed Feb 11, 202020,000 milesFL

SHORTLY AFTER GETTING GAS, THE CAR WILL REV TO 2-3RPM WHEN LIGHTLY ACCELERATING, AND SEEM TO "RUN ROUGH". THEN, AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR WILL AUTO STOP AND THEN SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. I CAN NOT SHIFT BACK INTO DRIVE WITHOUT PUSHING THE START/STOP BUTTON TO RESTART THE CAR. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I GET GAS, BUT ALL 3 TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED HAVE BEEN AFTER GETTING GAS. THE FIRST 2 TIMES IT HAPPENED, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE, BUT THIS LAST TIME, THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES, SO THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. THE CAR STALLING EPISODES OCCURRED IN AUGUST 2019, SEPTEMBER 2019, AND FEBRUARY 2020. IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE RELATED, BUT IN OCTOBER 2019, THERE WERE ALSO 2 INSTANCES OF AN "EVAP LEAK" THAT WERE FIXED.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 8, 202023,000 milesOH

ON 1/06/2020, WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP ON MY 2018 BUICK ENCLAVE.(MILEAGE ABOUT 23,000) THE VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ,WHICH WAS OFF. SUDDENLY, THE PARKING BREAK LIGHT CAME ON AND SERVICE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO NAVIGATE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CALL GM AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. SEVERAL WEEKS EARLIER, UPON STARTING, THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER LETTING THE CAR SIT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. I WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF A LOCAL DEALER., EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. THEY TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD COME BACK IN WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, SO THEY COULD READ THE CODE AND NOTED THEY HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING AROUND THE ISSUE BEFORE AND THAT NO BULLETINS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM GM. AS I UNDERSTAND, AS OF LAST EVENING, GM HAS NOT GIVEN THEM ANY DIRECTION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND FROM AN INTERNET SEARCH, IT APPEARS OTHERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM.

Power Train
Filed Dec 17, 2019IL

I PURCHASED A NEW 2018 ENCLAVE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE VEHICLE SOMETIME DURING THE SPRING 2019 SO I WENT TO MY DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO GET IT CHECK AND I WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THEN IN SEPTEMBER I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. ASAP. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE I HAD LESS THAN 5,000 MILES THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING. IT'S BEEN 4 MONTHS AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR WHEN MY VEHICLE WILL BE READY. MY RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER HAVE BEEN VIOLATED BECAUSE I RECEIVED A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, WHICH PUT MY FAMILY AND I AT RISK. THE SAME DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO GIVE ME A LOANER VEHICLE THAT ENDED UP BEING DEFECTIVE AS WELL. THIS DEALERSHIP IS SELLING DEFECTIVE VEHICLES. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT ABOUT 50 OTHER PEOPLE ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME ISSUE AND THE ONLY I CAN DO IS BE PATIENT, BUT DURING THE TIME I HAVE INCURRED MANY DAMAGES AND INCONVENIENCE AND THIS DEANSHIP ALONG WITH GM HAVE NOT GIVEN ME ANY SORT OF RESOLUTION FOR THE PAST 4 MONTHS.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 3, 201928,000 milesOH

RANDOM ACTIVATION OF PARKING BRAKE WHILE THE CAR IS IN DRIVE. MOST OFTEN OCCURS WHEN ON A SLOPE AND A LOW SPEED. MULTIPLE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED SINCE PURCHASE IT HAS CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE MANY TIMES WITH NO RESOLUTION. I OPENED A CASE WITH GM ON 9/12/2019 BUT THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED MY CALLS OR EMAILS SINCE 10/3/19. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES OF THIS ISSUE AND WAS DOCUMENTED IN A FORUM POST THAT PARALLELS OUR ISSUE HTTPS://WWW.ENCLAVEFORUM.NET/THREADS/2018-AVENIR-ELECTRONIC-EMERGENCY-BRAKE-FAULT.22631/ 1) PARKING BRAKE COMING ON AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AS WIFE TRANSPORTED MY DAUGHTER AND SOME OF HER FRIENDS TO THE MALL. AT A RED LIGHT, CLOSE TO THE MALL MY DAUGHTER COMMENTED ON A SMELL. THEY PULLED IN THE PARKING SPOT AT THE MALL, MY WIFE NOTICED THE SMELL AS WELL AND WHEN SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE SMELL WAS OVERWHELMING. 2) 2ND MAJOR INCIDENT WHILE MY WIFE WAS IN A DRIVE THRU AND THE E-BRAKE ENGAGED (AGAIN, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE). SHE HAD TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND IT TOOK 1-2 MIN BEFORE THE CAR WOULD DISENGAGE THE E-BRAKE. THIS INCIDENT CONVINCED US THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT HUMAN ERROR AND TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. 3) SEPT 2019 - WIFE BECAME STUCK IN PARKING LOT WHEN THE E-BRAKE ENGAGED AS SHE PULLED IN A PARKING SPOT (STILL IN DRIVE). SHE WAS AWARE THAT THE E-BRAKE HAD TURNED ITSELF ON BUT WHEN SHE HOPPED IN THE CAR TO LEAVE, THE E-BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED AND WOULDN'T RELEASE. BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY CLEARED A

Complaints 1-50 of 66, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202538000Routine
20247000Routine
202322000Routine
202214100Routine
202126200Routine
202061600Routine
201944110Routine
2018 — this page66000Routine
2017179300Routine
2016141400Routine
2015171500Routine
2014292730Above average
201370410Routine
2012132600Routine
2011213630Above average
2010275610Above average
2009220860Above average
20085366100Above average

Compare every Enclave year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.