FaultScore

Buick Enclave acceleration problems

75 of the 3,307 complaints filed about the Buick Enclave are about the throttle and cruise control — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.

75

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

6

Crashes

0

Fires

Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year

2008 Enclave 17 22.7%

Median failure at 79,000 miles

2009 Enclave 11 14.7%

Median failure at 116,950 miles

2010 Enclave 9 12.0%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

2011 Enclave 14 18.7%

Median failure at 43,407 miles

2012 Enclave 3 4.0%

Median failure at 159,000 miles

2013 Enclave 5 6.7%

Median failure at 69,840 miles

2014 Enclave 1 1.3%

Median failure at 115,000 miles

2015 Enclave 6 8.0%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

2017 Enclave 5 6.7%

Median failure at 46,500 miles

2018 Enclave 1 1.3%
2019 Enclave 2 2.7%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

2020 Enclave 1 1.3%

Median failure at 600 miles

What owners said

2017 Buick Enclave 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.

2018 Buick Enclave Easton, PA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 exactly, yet I never received recall notice. I demand GM confirm my VIN’s inclusion and cover the full cost of repair or replacement. I barely escaped a fatal crash. GM must act immediately before lives are lost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11682848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Buick Enclave Savannah, GA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Transmission needs replacing

NHTSA complaint #11675512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Buick Enclave Taylorsville, KY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I took my Buick enclave into the gmc dealership two years ago for an service airbag light that kept coming on. They sent me home twice saying it was just a computer issue. Now this recall is out and I asked for my car to be serviced as I’m a mother of 4 and can’t stop driving my vehicle. They said that the part isnt out yet and nothing they can do. I’m having to drive a dangerous vehicle around with no help from gmc.

NHTSA complaint #11598415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Buick Enclave 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.

2008 Buick Enclave Wenatchee, WA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ASB

NHTSA complaint #11549444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Buick Enclave Overland Park, KS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I started my car at a CVS parking lot. When I made a turn, the car was out of control and I couldn't stop or turn the car. My car hit other three cars in the parking lot and finally stopped. The OBD-II code check later indicated a "Engine misfire detected". I once got a recall letter from GM for the following issue. Not sure if this accident is related to this issue. "Inoperative purge solenoid that could lead to excessive fuel vapors entering the combustion chamber from the fuel tank. This condition could result in no start, idle stall and possible drivability issues such as hesitation." The good thing is nobody got hurt in this accident.

NHTSA complaint #11537977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Buick Enclave Ceres, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Stabilizer trak

NHTSA complaint #11507599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Buick Enclave West Newbury, MA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While driving at highway speed, Service Traction Control/Stabilitrak warning comes on. Vehicle slows and if driver attempts to accelerate (using accelerator pedal), it causes severe lurching of vehicle. This makes the vehicle basically undrivable while in the middle of traffic. You must use emergency measures to pull over (potentially across multiple lanes) off the road and while trying to do that, you are in a very high risk state of being hit. The problem is reproduceable. The manufacturer and dealer service centers are aware of this problem and it has been reported by many owners of GM vehicles since at least 2010. Search the internet and you will find hundreds of incidents being reported.

NHTSA complaint #11492651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Buick Enclave at 160,000 miles Bowling Green, KY Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot at approximately 5 mph and making a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle revved up and accelerated to about 20 mph while the brake pedal as depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle ran into a building wall as the engine continued revving. The contact shut the engine down and put the vehicle into park. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact was injured with a slight cut on the ring finger on his left hand. The contact did not seek medical attention for the cut on his finger. The police were called and wrote an accident report. The contact had the vehicle towed to a tow lot first and then to a body shop. The contact did not have the local dealer diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11452819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Buick Enclave at 30,000 miles Houston, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but had to stop 5 times to allow the vehicle to cool down. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer. The mechanic found no failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Contact was on top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The fast idle has the engine revved to high so that when foot was off the brake on a 5-8% slope the car accelerates to 6500RPM with in 250 feet taking the car to 30MPH in low gear. Consumer had to push on the brakes constantly, all the way down the mountain which caused the brakes to severely overheat. Park ranger measured the temperature of the brakes at 375 degrees F it was after consumer had stopped to allow them to cool 3 times in about 4 miles. The car will idle at 950RPM stopped and will lurch forward when foot was off the brake. Driving on the highway speeds its fine but not on switchback mountain roads.

NHTSA complaint #11425610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Buick Enclave at 158,000 miles Mcdonough, GA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the engine started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated when he disengaged the accelerator pedal and depressed it again, the engine stopped shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure however, the check engine light was reset. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring from the original date of purchase. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times. The contact stated that the catalytic converter, alternator, battery, fuel pump and fuel pressure sensors were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.

NHTSA complaint #11422990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Buick Enclave at 600 miles Garden City, KS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I BOUGHT A 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE, (OWNED BY GMC) WITH 6 MILES ON IT, 1 WEEK AGO. YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED JERKING ANYTIME THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED GEARS. I CALLED TO TRY TO GET IT IN TO A CERTIFIED BUICK DEALERSHIP TO BE LOOKED AT AND NOWHERE CAN GET IT IN FOR 3-5 DAYS AND NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS WILL GIVE A LOANER CAR UNTIL THE TIME OF THE VEHICLE APPOINTMENT. I CONTACTED BUICK DIRECTLY REGARDING THIS AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING, THAT WE CAN'T GET A SAFE DRIVING VEHICLE, UNTIL THE ONE WE HAVE CAN BE LOOKED AT BY A DEALERSHIP AND IF WE TAKE IT TO AN UN-CERTIFIED SHOP THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH EITHER DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR 50 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS OR NOT BEING ABLE TO GO TO WORK. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR DRIVEN STRAIGHT OUT OF THE FLOOR ROOM! BUICK IS PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIFE AT RISK BY INSISTING THAT WE DRIVE THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL WE CAN GET IT LOOKED AT! LOOKS LIKE A HUGE LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING!!!!!

NHTSA complaint #11330057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Buick Enclave at 161,000 miles Oconomowoc, WI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TWICE WITHIN THE PAST MONTH WHEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL MY VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY STARTED ACCELERATING UNCONTROLLABLY. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL OR STOP THE CAR FROM TRYING TO ACCELERATE. IN BOTH CASES I HAD THE WHEREWITHAL NOT TO PANIC, CONTROL THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND THROTTLE UP TO 4000 RPMS WHILE STILL IN PARK. FORTUNATELY, BOTH INSTANCES OCCURRED ON STRAIGHT STRETCHES OF INTERSTATE DURING LESS THAN CROWDED HOURS. I SHUTTER TO THINK IF THIS OCCURRED WHILE MY KIDS WERE DRIVING. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT IN HOPES THAT IF THERE ARE OTHER CASES OF THIS HAPPENING WE CAN MAKE SURE GM CAN FIX THIS BEFORE ANYONE GETS KILLED. I KNOW OTHER AUTOMAKERS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND WERE ABLE TO CORRECT IT THROUGH RECALL. I CONTACTED GM/BUICK WITH MY CONCERNS AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS INDEED A SAFETY CONCERN BUT SINCE MY WARRANTY IS EXPIRED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BUT ADVISE ME TO TAKE IT IN FOR REPAIR AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I HAVE A VIDEO I TOOK AFTER THE SECOND OCCURRENCE ONCE I WAS ABLE TO PULL MY VEHICLE OVER AND TRY TO RESTART IT. I AM NOT ABLE TO UPLOAD IT THROUGH THIS FORM BUT I CAN SEND IT UPON REQUEST.

NHTSA complaint #11323490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Buick Enclave at 128,000 miles Alma, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

NHTSA complaint #11310463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Buick Enclave at 75,000 miles Blaine, MN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ENGINE LIGHT WITH ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED, TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE CAME OUT SEVERAL TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO SNOW ICE OR RAIN.VERY SCARY MOMENTS, NEED TO CHECK OUT.

NHTSA complaint #11309667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Buick Enclave at 75,000 miles Ypsilnti, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. IN ADDITION, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE, IT REGAINED SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN NORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CONLEY BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 800 CORTEZ RD W, BRADENTON, FL 34207, 941-755-8531), BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A DIAGNOSTIC CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.*DT CONSUMER STATED PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS.

NHTSA complaint #11292298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Buick Enclave Columbia, MN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN POSITION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE PASSENGER TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. WHILE DRIVING TO LUTHER BROOKDALE CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 6701 BROOKLYN BLVD, BROOKLYN CENTER, MN 55429, 612-326-3850), THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11289562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Buick Enclave at 100,000 miles Camden, NJ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK, THE GEARS SLIPPED, THE RPMS INCREASED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR 9 MONTHS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.*DT

NHTSA complaint #11269997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Buick Enclave at 100,000 miles Avon Park, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

NHTSA complaint #11256653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Buick Enclave problems