FaultScore

FaultScore report

2017 Buick Enclave problems

Owners have filed 203 complaints about the 2017 Buick Enclave with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 18 worst.

C

FaultScore 57/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Buick Enclave.

How this is worked out

The numbers

203

Complaints

11

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

33,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

54%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 55 vs 50 Severity 38 vs 50 Early failure 92 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Buick Enclave. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 38
7.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 92
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2017 compares with every other Buick Enclave

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2017 Buick Enclave

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 145 71.4%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 64,000 mi

Electrical System 8 3.9%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 6 3.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,850 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 2.5%

Median failure at 46,500 miles

Engine & Cooling 5 2.5%

Median failure at 31,053 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 4 2.0%
Seat Belts 4 2.0%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 19,000 mi

Body & Structure 4 2.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,022 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 2.0%

Median failure at 36,500 miles

Seats 3 1.5%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 12,134 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 1.0%

Median failure at 125 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 2 1.0%
Lights 2 1.0%
Brakes 2 1.0%

Median failure at 250 miles

Steering 2 1.0%

Median failure at 27,200 miles

Child Seats 1 0.5%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.5%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.5%

Median failure at 170,000 miles

Tires 1 0.5%
Suspension 1 0.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 6 16.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 4 10.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 6 16.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 6 16.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 5 13.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 4 10.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 3 8.1%
150,000+ miles 3 8.1%

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 2017 peak 16 Aug 2026

Recalls on the 2017 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 2023277 42,154 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Clark, MO Crash

SEATS

I was rear ended on the highway going 65 mph. The rear driver side was completely crushed. The air bags didn't go off. Seat belts didn't lock up and the driver's seat broke.

NHTSA complaint #11527101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clark, MO Crash

SEAT BELTS

I was rear ended on the highway going 65 mph. The rear driver side was completely crushed. The air bags didn't go off. Seat belts didn't lock up and the driver's seat broke.

NHTSA complaint #11527101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clark, MO Crash

AIR BAGS

I was rear ended on the highway going 65 mph. The rear driver side was completely crushed. The air bags didn't go off. Seat belts didn't lock up and the driver's seat broke.

NHTSA complaint #11527101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Lincoln City, OR Crash

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH and then making a turn, a deer jumped out onto the road and after it was hit, the vehicle was sent into a marsh wetland. The contact stated that all the air bags failed to deploy and that the passenger side hit a tree and the driver side of the vehicle was partially in the pond. No warning lights had illuminated. There were no police on the scene, however, the fire department arrived and the contact was unsure if there was a report filed. There was no injury therefore no medical attention was required. After contacting the insurance company, the vehicle was towed and later deemed destroyed once an inspector was sent out. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11487346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,000 miles Cincinnati, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

THE CAR WAS REAR ENDED WHILE PARKED. THE CAR IS TOTALED. THE CAR MOVED UP SEVERAL FEET UPON IMPACT IN PARK AND HIT THE TRAILER THAT WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF IT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SCREEN SHOWED AN ERROR MESSAGE FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT THAT SAID "SERVICE AIRBAGS". THERE WAS NO PRIOR NOTIFICATION OF THIS SORT PREVIOUS TO THE ACCIDENT. THIS AIRBAG ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALERTED BEFORE THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE.

NHTSA complaint #11322594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 33,000 miles Dewitt, MI Crash 4 injured

SEAT BELTS

WE WERE DRIVING OUR BUICK ENCLAVE ON I 94 EXPRESSWAY NEAR MERRIMAN ROAD NEAR DETROIT METRO AIRPORT WHEN WE HIT A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. WE SLOWED DOWN TO 15 MPH WHEN CAR BEHIND HIT US GOING FULL HIGHWAY SPEED. THERE WERE 4 PEOPLE IN THE CAR. 2 OF THE PEOPLE (THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BEHIND THE DRIVER) DID NOT HAVE THE SHOULDER SEAT BELT HOLD. THE DRIVER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE PASSENGER HIT THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ANSWER FROM GM WAS A SIMPLE 'WELL IT SHOULD HAVE'. WE BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 13000 MILES FROM TODD WENDELL IN WESTLAND MICHIGAN. THEY SAID WHEN THEY CERTIFY A USED CAR THEY DO NOT CHECK SEAT BELTS. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CHECK ON THAT A WEEK AGO AND CALL BACK (THEY DID NOT). CALLED BACK 4 DAYS AGO AND NO RETURN CALL. GM SAID THEY WERE GOING TO LOOK AT THE CAR BUT NEVER DID. I AM ABOUT READY TO SEND TITLE TO AAA AND THE CAR WILL BE GONE. ENCLAVES HAVE A HISTORY OF SEAT BELT FAILURE. I AM HERE TO SAY THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM..THEY NEED TO DEAL WITH THIS BEFORE OTHERS ARE HURT!

NHTSA complaint #11279595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 100,000 miles Buford, 00

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The door locks independently latched and unlatched. In addition, the traction control error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with a power steering fluid leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Buford, 00

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The door locks independently latched and unlatched. In addition, the traction control error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with a power steering fluid leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Buford, 00

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The door locks independently latched and unlatched. In addition, the traction control error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with a power steering fluid leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11755312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wartrace, TN

AIR BAGS

We keep getting notifications that our 16 yr/old daughters car has an airbag safety recall with communication on it about how "quick" and "easy" it is to have the airbag recall repaired but it is ALL LIES! We have been waiting almost 1 year and the dealerships still can't get a replacement airbag from the manufacturer 's to do said replacement. This is insane and unethical. They are playing with people's lives knowing full well that the average consumer can't fix this or just go buy a new car. I want justice!

NHTSA complaint #11738188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,015 miles Alsip, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to have the vehicle serviced at the dealer, but services were declined. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000, and at the time of obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 95,015. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for service, but was not repaired. The State Attorney General was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided.

NHTSA complaint #11725463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lake Saint Louis, MO

STRUCTURE:BODY

> Failed component is the front sun roof window > The shattering of the glass sounded like a bullet coming through the roof of the car. Sprayed me with glass from the implosion. I was in heavy rush hour traffic. >There are several complaints about the sun roof window just shattering. > Not at this time. >No warning or cracks in the sun roof were observed. > I was driving on the Highway at 60 mph and the front sun roof window just shattered and sprayed me with glass.

NHTSA complaint #11723536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, OH

POWER TRAIN

Shortly after purchasing my 2017 enclave premium around 60000 I noticed a problem that felt like vehicle's tires were skipping when making sharp turns. Upon my own extensive research (as I didn’t have time money and couldn’t go won’t vehicle) discovered a clutch pack needed replaced. This is after replacing the battery and brakes nit even a month after buying. Later after taking it for an oil change I received a report stating the rear differential was cracked and power steering rack needed replaced. While driving in rush hour traffic one day all power steering was lost with no explanation. Still having problems with tire pressure monitor replacing multiple tire stems and tires. Won’t start after filling with gas or is stuck in crank position trying to start when it finally dies it wants to stall out. Currently headlights are flickering with no known cause. Oh and the driver heated seat stopped working right after purchase. I’m at a huge loss with repairs costing more than the worth of a vehicle that continues to have serious issues even after fixing the problem it seems to repeat itself. Owe too much to trade in. All these problems are known to occur I cannot believe this isn’t a lemon or recalled parts. If not in enclave same thing happens in similar vehicles made by sane manufacturers during the same years. I will never purchase another GMC nor purchase from Toyota who failed to help after purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11718078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, OH

SUSPENSION

Shortly after purchasing my 2017 enclave premium around 60000 I noticed a problem that felt like vehicle's tires were skipping when making sharp turns. Upon my own extensive research (as I didn’t have time money and couldn’t go won’t vehicle) discovered a clutch pack needed replaced. This is after replacing the battery and brakes nit even a month after buying. Later after taking it for an oil change I received a report stating the rear differential was cracked and power steering rack needed replaced. While driving in rush hour traffic one day all power steering was lost with no explanation. Still having problems with tire pressure monitor replacing multiple tire stems and tires. Won’t start after filling with gas or is stuck in crank position trying to start when it finally dies it wants to stall out. Currently headlights are flickering with no known cause. Oh and the driver heated seat stopped working right after purchase. I’m at a huge loss with repairs costing more than the worth of a vehicle that continues to have serious issues even after fixing the problem it seems to repeat itself. Owe too much to trade in. All these problems are known to occur I cannot believe this isn’t a lemon or recalled parts. If not in enclave same thing happens in similar vehicles made by sane manufacturers during the same years. I will never purchase another GMC nor purchase from Toyota who failed to help after purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11718078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

Shortly after purchasing my 2017 enclave premium around 60000 I noticed a problem that felt like vehicle's tires were skipping when making sharp turns. Upon my own extensive research (as I didn’t have time money and couldn’t go won’t vehicle) discovered a clutch pack needed replaced. This is after replacing the battery and brakes nit even a month after buying. Later after taking it for an oil change I received a report stating the rear differential was cracked and power steering rack needed replaced. While driving in rush hour traffic one day all power steering was lost with no explanation. Still having problems with tire pressure monitor replacing multiple tire stems and tires. Won’t start after filling with gas or is stuck in crank position trying to start when it finally dies it wants to stall out. Currently headlights are flickering with no known cause. Oh and the driver heated seat stopped working right after purchase. I’m at a huge loss with repairs costing more than the worth of a vehicle that continues to have serious issues even after fixing the problem it seems to repeat itself. Owe too much to trade in. All these problems are known to occur I cannot believe this isn’t a lemon or recalled parts. If not in enclave same thing happens in similar vehicles made by sane manufacturers during the same years. I will never purchase another GMC nor purchase from Toyota who failed to help after purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11718078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Uniontown, OH

AIR BAGS

Responded to a Recall notice on passenger air bag in August 2025. Have had vehicle to GM dealership many times. They can't fix it. And won't call me back. Have called Buick direct and they are also having trouble with the dealership. But the service employees at Buick have been very helpful. This is a safety issue and haven't driven my Buick much since August. I'm elderly and feel i may be being abused. Thanks for any help.

NHTSA complaint #11714164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sioux Falls, SD

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 after being contacted several times. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11692530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pikeville, KY

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 #11674556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Caney, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 stated that several local dealers were contacted regarding the recall repair and was informed 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 made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11673611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Fe, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 #11654755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Banning, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11653292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Muskegon, MI

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS) however, the contact was told 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 #11632645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winter Garden, FL

SEAT BELTS

Seat belt became detached from the seat on the drivers side where it attaches to the left hand side of the seat.

NHTSA complaint #11630074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Altoona, PA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 dealer-scheduled an appointment but informed the contact that the part was rejected. The contact called Stocker GMC (273 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801) and Thomas Johnstown Buick GMC Sales (750 Eisenhower Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15904) and was informed that the parts were available, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 #11624662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pine Mountain, GA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 several times. 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 #11621893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Orleans, LA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that she would receive a call once parts were available. The contact received a letter stating that parts were now available; however, several dealers informed the contact that parts were still 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 #11618861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

London, OH

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2017 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11616847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Round Lake Park, IL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating, with the electronic stability warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced intermittent engine failure prior to the vehicle stalling. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11614459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Round Lake Park, IL

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating, with the electronic stability warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced intermittent engine failure prior to the vehicle stalling. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11614459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lewes, DE

AIR BAGS

This recall has been open since June 2023 without remedy. I have been waiting a remedy to trade the car in on a newer vehicle. However, the dealership will not pay me fair value since the car cannot be resold until the recall is resolved. This is criminal and needs to be resolved immediately.

NHTSA complaint #11609677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trinity, FL

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11609326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.