Owners have filed 284 complaints
about the 2011 Buick Enclave with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 77
Against the median year of the Buick Enclave. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 45
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
115.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
177.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
167.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4419.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6429.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2712.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3214.5%
150,000+ miles
104.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Buick Enclave SUV AWD
15.5% risk
2011 Buick Enclave SUV FWD
16.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2011peak 10Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 Buick Enclave
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA20002Opened 31 Aug 2020Closed 30 Aug 2024SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired...
RQ19003Opened 28 May 2019Closed 31 Aug 2020SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occu...
Recalls on the 2011 Buick Enclave
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201528036,369 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system, the gas-filled struts (which help to raise and support the liftgate) may prematurely wear. These vehicles have a Prop Rod Recovery system intended to accomplish a controlled, slow return of the liftgate to the closed position if the liftgate’s gas struts are no longer capable of supporting the weight of the liftgate. The vehicle would provide audible warnings and flash the tail lamps to indicate there is a problem. However, the liftgate’s Prop Rod Recovery system software may be unable to detect/stop a liftgate with prematurely worn gas struts from falling too quickly after the liftgate is opened. This could allow the liftgate to drop suddenly, placing anyone beneath or near the gate at risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the power liftgate actuator motor ECU with a new software and will verify power liftgate operation following the reprogram.
Recall 201418175,701 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the vehicle structure at the front outboard seating positions can fatigue over time and could separate, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the lap pretensioner, as necessary.
Recall 201408170,526 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, side airbag wiring connections could develop high resistance, illuminating the airbag warning light. If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, resistance may continue to increase over time and eventually cause the seat side airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in the event of a crash, which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 20121225,810 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, if a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of the wiper arm, the wiper arm nut may loosen and cause that wiper to become inoperative. Loss of windshield wiping capability, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Andrews, TXCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosemount, MN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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!!
NHTSA complaint #11427443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesDecatur, GACrash
AIR BAGS
SERVICE AIR BAG/WARNING LIGHT KEEP COMING ON.
NHTSA complaint #11325492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesBridgeport, CT1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11193035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Alta Loma, CA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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
NHTSA complaint #11732241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elm Grove, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11616954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vassar, KS
TIRES
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)
NHTSA complaint #11595137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11594803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, AL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #11555244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11555244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11555244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBartow, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11555098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesKansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11544804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, KY
ENGINE
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!!!
NHTSA complaint #11537579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 WITHOUT NOTICE. Buick GMC is aware of this repeated life threatening and dangerous issue from consumers and from previous customers year after year after year. Buick GMC nevertheless STILL REMAINS SILENT AND HAVE TAKEN NO ACTIONS NO REMEDY NO RECOURSE ABOUT AMENDING AND CORRECTING THE DANGERS OF THEIR MANUFACTURED VEHICLES. SUBSEQUENTLY, BUICK GMC HAVE NOT TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11509923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 WITHOUT NOTICE. Buick GMC is aware of this repeated life threatening and dangerous issue from consumers and from previous customers year after year after year. Buick GMC nevertheless STILL REMAINS SILENT AND HAVE TAKEN NO ACTIONS NO REMEDY NO RECOURSE ABOUT AMENDING AND CORRECTING THE DANGERS OF THEIR MANUFACTURED VEHICLES. SUBSEQUENTLY, BUICK GMC HAVE NOT TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11509923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
ENGINE
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 WITHOUT NOTICE. Buick GMC is aware of this repeated life threatening and dangerous issue from consumers and from previous customers year after year after year. Buick GMC nevertheless STILL REMAINS SILENT AND HAVE TAKEN NO ACTIONS NO REMEDY NO RECOURSE ABOUT AMENDING AND CORRECTING THE DANGERS OF THEIR MANUFACTURED VEHICLES. SUBSEQUENTLY, BUICK GMC HAVE NOT TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11509923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spencer, IN
AIR BAGS
Airbag light keeps coming on and going off
NHTSA complaint #11495240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11486799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomasville, NC
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11481701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11480571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,825 milesCatonsville, MD
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11452286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hardeeville, SC
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11446491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rosemount, MN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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!!
NHTSA complaint #11427443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11424132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAdel, GA
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.????
NHTSA complaint #11408516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesFort Worth, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11408285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.