126 of the
3,307 complaints filed about the Buick Enclave
are about the braking system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
I am reporting a sudden, complete failure of the vehicle braking system. I was operating a black 2026 Buick Enclave (an Enterprise rental car which my husband, [XXX], rented from the Tucson International Airport fleet, Vehicle Fleet #XXX) with my two children in the backseat. We were traveling at the posted speed limit of 45 mph in the fast lane on [XXX], heading toward Costco. Without warning, the braking system completely malfunctioned. Half a dozen red warning lights illuminated and alarmed on the dashboard, including the primary "BRAKE" indicator. When I pressed the brake pedal, it completely stopped working and went dead. The electronic parking brake failed to engage as well. Fortunately, the vehicle immediately ahead of me cleared a green light at the intersection, allowing me to coast through before the light turned red. I safely steered across the slow lane onto the shoulder and pressed "Park," but the vehicle continued to roll. The vehicle only came to a complete stop when I turned the engine ignition completely off. This vehicle has an Iowa license plate (PYR149) and failed at around 28,128 miles. This matches the exact profile of the ongoing master brake cylinder cartridge seal failures documented in active federal litigation against General Motors (such as XXX v. General Motors LLC). This defect poses an immediate public safety risk across GM's 2025-2026 shared-platform vehicles (Enclave, Traverse, Acadia, Colorado, Canyon) and needs to be formally investigated for a 2026 fleet safety recall. I have contacted GM Corporate (Case Number XXX) and William Withington at Enterprise Corporate regarding this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11750862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving at 30mph and all the dashboard lights turned on and all the warnings kept popping on the dashboard and 30 seconds later the brakes were not working when I was approaching a busy intersection. I was able to pump the brakes and stop the vehicle and put it in park and the vehicle shut off and nothing would work - not even the hazard lights. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being assessed.
NHTSA complaint #11740224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving and a variety of failure warnings popped up on my screen along with a total brake failure, unable to stop, had to coast until the vehicle was no longer moving. No accident resulted, but it could have been very serious. Mechanics diagnosed it as a loose battery cable.
NHTSA complaint #11739449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system activates unexpectedly and dangerously. Incident 1 5/7/2026: While driving approximately 2 mph in a drive-thru and rounding a curve, the vehicle suddenly applied full braking without warning. The braking force was severe enough that I struck my face on the steering wheel and my child was thrown forward in a secured car seat. Incident 2 5/19/2026: While merging onto a busy road behind a semi truck, the vehicle again applied sudden hard braking after I safely merged. This caused the vehicle behind me to nearly rear-end me, creating a high-risk traffic situation. These events occurred with no obstacle or reason that would justify emergency braking. In addition, the vehicle developed a coolant leak around 20,000 miles, raising concerns about overall reliability and potential related system issues. The unexpected braking presents a serious safety hazard and increases the risk of rear-end collisions and injury. The vehicle is being brought to a dealer for inspection, but the issue is intermittent and may not be easily reproduced.
NHTSA complaint #11738785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The brakes make a squealing noise when backing up and this has been reported on many 2025 enclaves. There is also a repeated clicking noise after turning the vehicle off.
NHTSA complaint #11737790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control mode became inoperable, and the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, messages related to the braking system, forward collision system and the ABS were displayed. Additionally, the ABS was inoperable during inclement weather, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive. The contact pulled over to the side of the road because children were also inside the vehicle. The contact’s husband then drove the vehicle to the dealer, where the failure was duplicated, and several diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a known issue and that several technical service bulletins related to the failure had been issued. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and posed a risk to the contact and other drivers. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11734649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1st incident i was backing out of a parking spot and it went into emergency park i had to turn off the truck , turn it back on and take it out of emergency parking 2nd incident a week later i was at a stop light the truck did the automatic shut off.When you have your foot on a break , I'll let go of the break to go through the light and it went into emergency park again Engine light is on auto zone says it one of 2 different catalytic converters unsure which one would have to get them both replaced over 500 each 3rd incident auto shutdown when stopped burnt out the starter no way to turn off the auto start stop 4th incident TODAY pulling into the parking lot at the grocery store.Doing about 10 to 15 mph truck just shut off It putting it's into emergency park or shutting of while driving is a SAFETY issue but no recalls Single mother can't afford to even have it looked at right now
NHTSA complaint #11730361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This happens every single day, not just today, but are two separate issues related to my brakes. 1- squealing brakes. Every single day and for several miles before they warm up. The first time I brought this issue to the attention of the dealership, they replaced the brakes, and there was no squealing for just a few days. I forced the dealership within a week to let them know, I had to bring it back in, and they said they were fine and would just squeal. To this day, I have no idea if this is safe or not, but haven’t been able to receive a message that they squeal for any specified reason, which does not ease safety concerns. 2- my app told me that I had only 18% brake pad life remaining when I was around 11k miles. I took it in and they said they just reset the sensor without fixing the brakes because they didn’t know why it was doing that - its now clear to me that this isn’t an accurate reflection of true brake life measurements and is most likely just based off of miles driven instead of a true measurement, as advertised. I love this car, but am super disappointed that my brakes are so consistently loud - it’s both embarrassing and worrisome. And to make the dealership aware and just have them reset a sensor for this completely separate concern is honestly obnoxious.
NHTSA complaint #11729319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The vehicle was reversed out of the driveway; however, after shifting into drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, vibrated, and the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. After several minutes, the vehicle functioned as intended. A short distance later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to a private dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter was clogged, and that the electronic brake control center module and the transmission module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11727512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brakes are extremely noisy at low speeds. Dealer advice that this is normal When driving at low speeds brakes squeak extremely loud This is clearly a defect that GM needs to address They keep using the excuse that is the the high quality pads that they are using
NHTSA complaint #11727213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car was purchased on 1/2/25 and first issue with vehicle was on 1/30/25 for check engine light. Feb 20,2025-Check engine light, car shakes, radio and dash go in and out, passenger rear window screeches. issues fixed except vibration. May 26, 2025 check engine light. rear window still making noise-fixed . Trunk gets stuck-no fix. Unaligned lane assist, car continues to shake. Sept, 26 2025-Brakes continue to make noise and now pulsate. Dealer found that pads and rotors were warped and had discoloration, and were replaced under warranty at 11,845 miles. CAR WAS IN SERVICE FROM SEPT 26-OCT 23, 2025. BRAKE NOISE STARTED 2 DAYS LATER-TEXTED ADVISOR Dec 4-Car continues to shake and brakes continue to make squealing noise. Have email from GM TAC stating "SOME noise from the brakes is a normal characteristic, especially if the brakes are cold or wet. this is a condition we have no control over as it has to deal with the environment and weather. I LIVE IN FLORIDA! CAR WAS IN SERIVCE DEC 4-DEC 26, 2025. NO RESOLUTION AGAIN Feb 6-Car leaking and overheating, passenger rear window not going down, exterior antenna cover came off, still shaking and brakes still squeaking. I WAS TOLD BRAKES ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND NOTHING THE CAN DO AFTER 7,500 MILES YET THEY WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED AT 11k MILES AND I'VE VOICE CONCERN FOR MONTHS AND NOTHING WAS DONE BEFORE. AND OTHERS WERE REPLACED EVEN OVER 7,50MILES I am concerned over the safety of myself and my family with these continues brake issues.
NHTSA complaint #11718769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Brake booster has gone out at 100,000 miles. Brakes do not work when vehicle is first started. Problem was diagnosed by an independent mechanics shop. There was no warning light until after the first incident.
NHTSA complaint #11700390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving down the street after a short trip this morning with no one on the road in front of us the vehicle had an alert like we were about to impact someone and braked pretty hard 2x back to back with the collision alert popping up. The person behind us had to slam on their brakes and BARELY avoid hitting us. There was NOTHING in front of us. This vehicle is dangerous to everyone around us and should be taken off the road.
NHTSA complaint #11697839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I wanted to update a previous report. The vehicle had had some odd electrical issues. The brakes ended up failing while driving but no electrical issues at the time proceeding it. What I wasn't able to report before was that the brake pedal sunk to the floor with no effort to stop the vehicle at all. The emergency brake is a button on the left side of the vehicle which was attempted to be engaged to stop. It made no effort to stop whatsoever. The vehicle is a danger to society. I just got it back from the dealership and they made an update to the computer or console but replaced no parts. These all need to be recalled no one should be driving these.
NHTSA complaint #11696262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11695400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Completely lost all power brakes while on the road today. Owned it for about 11 months. Looking like the master cylinder. We've been having random electrical issues when we're cranking it up. Weird sound coming from the dash when the AC is on on occasion. Like the car wasn't fully kicking over even though the engine was running. Sometimes turning it off and turning it back on would make it work.
NHTSA complaint #11695242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.