Owners have filed 155 complaints
about the 2016 Buick Enclave with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 42
Against the median year of the Buick Enclave. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 80
47% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
411.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
616.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
513.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
38.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1336.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
411.1%
150,000+ miles
12.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2016 Buick Enclave SUV AWD
15.5% risk
2016 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.
Jan 2016peak 12Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2016 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.
United States — NHTSA
23V334000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia 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.
21V782000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
15V833000
SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.
Risk: If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.
15V609000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
Risk: A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202327742,154 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 20216198 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Note: This recall only affects certain driver-front airbag inflators with a lot number identified from a suspect lot. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 201559188 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the third row left lower seat frame may have welds that are not in the correct location. In the event of a crash, the seat may not perform as intended, which could increase the risk of occupant injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the lower seat frame as necessary.
Recall 20154491,082 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles may have been assembled with a defective front windshield wiper motor that could overheat when in use. This could cause the windshield wiper motor cover to melt, smoke and/or catch fire, which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the front windshield wiper motor cover assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Moody, AL1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Child became entrapped in 3rd row seatbelt, seatbelt was unable to be released from locked position and it wrapped so tight around the child his airway was cut off, it wouldn’t come from around him, and had to be cut off.
NHTSA complaint #11434440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesAshtabula, OHCrash3 injured
SEAT BELTS
WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON I-79 IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE WE WERE STRUCK FROM THE REAR WE WERE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE IT KNOCKED THE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY OFF. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING IN THE VENTS OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS TIGHTEN UP SO MUCH THAT IT CAUSED BRUISING ON MY CHEST AND RIBS. MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BEYOND REPAIR. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON OUR RETURN HOME I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM DIAGNOSTIC INDICATING THERE WAS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS. I AM BEING TOLD THERE IS NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THIS IS CONCERNING TO ME WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE IS REAR ENDED AND THE AIR BAGS FAIL CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
NHTSA complaint #11114255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesAshtabula, OHCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON I-79 IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE WE WERE STRUCK FROM THE REAR WE WERE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE IT KNOCKED THE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY OFF. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING IN THE VENTS OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS TIGHTEN UP SO MUCH THAT IT CAUSED BRUISING ON MY CHEST AND RIBS. MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BEYOND REPAIR. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON OUR RETURN HOME I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM DIAGNOSTIC INDICATING THERE WAS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS. I AM BEING TOLD THERE IS NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THIS IS CONCERNING TO ME WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE IS REAR ENDED AND THE AIR BAGS FAIL CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
NHTSA complaint #11114255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
WE HAVE A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ABOUT OUR VEHICLE. WE WERE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2018. A CAR RAN RIGHT INTO OUR REAR WITHOUT STOPPING AT ABOUT 45 MPH. WE WERE VERY SURPRISED OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. WE SMELLED THE SMOKE USUALLY INVOLVED WITH THE AIRBAGS BEING DEPLOYED BUT NOTHING HAPPENED OTHER THAN A NOTIFICATION TO SERVICE THE AIRBAGS WHICH DID NOT EXIST PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. LUCKILY, WE HAD OUR SEATBELTS ON BUT STILL SUFFERED NECK AND BACK PAIN WHICH WILL BE FURTHER EVALUATED BY A DOCTOR. WE BELIEVE OUR AIRBAGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND ARE GRAVELY UPSET AT THIS OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA complaint #11114338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesChino, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE GETTING CARGO OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE TAILGATE CLOSED AND LOCKED AND FAILED TO RETRACT AND REOPEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR HAND INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
NHTSA complaint #10875386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Minneapolis, MN
POWER TRAIN
Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves
NHTSA complaint #11749129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves
NHTSA complaint #11749129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MN
ENGINE
Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves
NHTSA complaint #11749129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, MI
AIR BAGS
I am seeing that these have been repaired, when in fact it has not been repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11720753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Buick Enclave on November 25, 2025 from an independent dealer. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the Odometer reading was 102,068. After contacting Endurance Warranty Company, the contact was informed that the Odometer mileage was 193,000. No other agency was contacted regarding the mileage discrepancy.
NHTSA complaint #11702282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We have had spark plugs fixed twice in the past 4 months and they keep faltering. Both mechanics changed them
NHTSA complaint #11682503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petal, MS
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11682235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11680318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Bay, WI
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called several dealers and was informed that the part was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11673316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherokee, OK
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11653162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manvel, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it is to pull the ignition fuse under the hood. Unfortunately the battery died by morning and I could not get it charged for a few days. Now I have learned how to take the battery cover off which is located in the back of the car and remove the plastic covers under the mat so I can disconnect the battery so it doesn't run down. The rear wiper will not shut off now since this started.I am a 75 yr old widow and wonder how this problem has not been on a recall. It causes a very dangerous situation.I will try to see if I can get it into a Buick dealer this week and pray God it doesn't cost me an arm and leg to repair it. There are service bulletins on this problem and seems to be quite freqent yet I have not received any notifications from you.If this happens at night in a parking lot what am I to do? Can the car catch on fire by not shutting off?
NHTSA complaint #11643046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manvel, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it is to pull the ignition fuse under the hood. Unfortunately the battery died by morning and I could not get it charged for a few days. Now I have learned how to take the battery cover off which is located in the back of the car and remove the plastic covers under the mat so I can disconnect the battery so it doesn't run down. The rear wiper will not shut off now since this started.I am a 75 yr old widow and wonder how this problem has not been on a recall. It causes a very dangerous situation.I will try to see if I can get it into a Buick dealer this week and pray God it doesn't cost me an arm and leg to repair it. There are service bulletins on this problem and seems to be quite freqent yet I have not received any notifications from you.If this happens at night in a parking lot what am I to do? Can the car catch on fire by not shutting off?
NHTSA complaint #11643046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manvel, TX
ENGINE
During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it is to pull the ignition fuse under the hood. Unfortunately the battery died by morning and I could not get it charged for a few days. Now I have learned how to take the battery cover off which is located in the back of the car and remove the plastic covers under the mat so I can disconnect the battery so it doesn't run down. The rear wiper will not shut off now since this started.I am a 75 yr old widow and wonder how this problem has not been on a recall. It causes a very dangerous situation.I will try to see if I can get it into a Buick dealer this week and pray God it doesn't cost me an arm and leg to repair it. There are service bulletins on this problem and seems to be quite freqent yet I have not received any notifications from you.If this happens at night in a parking lot what am I to do? Can the car catch on fire by not shutting off?
NHTSA complaint #11643046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
AIR BAGS
My airbags were recalled May 10, 2023 and I have been trying to get them replaced under recall # 23V334 for over a year now and am continously told that the part is on backorder.
NHTSA complaint #11642320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, MD
AIR BAGS
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious concern regarding General Motors (GM) and the incomplete recall of certain vehicles that pose significant safety risks to consumers. Specifically, I am referring to the recall announced on May 10, 2023, under Manufacturer Recall Number N232404980 and NHTSA Recall Number 23V334, affecting the 2014-2017 model year Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia. According to the recall notice, a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in these vehicles due to a potential manufacturing defect in the front-driver airbag inflator. This defect may lead to inflator rupture during deployment, allowing metal fragments to enter the vehicle interior, which could result in severe injury or death to occupants. The safety risks associated with this defect are alarming, and it is unacceptable that GM has failed to provide a timely remedy for affected consumers. The recall status remains incomplete, leaving many vehicle owners, including myself, in a precarious situation regarding our safety. Additionally, my vehicle is financed through Wells Fargo, and unfortunately, my warranty has expired. This leaves me with no available remedies for a critical safety issue that GM should be addressing. I believe that GM has not fulfilled its obligations under applicable laws and regulations concerning vehicle safety recalls. As a consumer, I urge the NHTSA to take action to ensure that GM expedites the remedy process for this critical safety issue and holds them accountable for the potential risks posed to my minor children and provide a remedy to consumers.
NHTSA complaint #11636734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulf Shores, AL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11635662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11632403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FL
AIR BAGS
Everytime I call the dealership they say there is no fix to this recall that could potentially injure or kill me while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11632051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Port, FL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11624008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rougemont, NC
AIR BAGS
This recall has been open for over a year with no indication of when the repair will be made. For something like an airbag, this extended time seems unreasonable. Please "encourage" GM to make the repair parts available to its dealerships ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #11623318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorage, AK
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11618115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, CA
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11609610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Sterling, KY
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11609416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Washington, NY
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11608929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottage Hills, IL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11609027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.