276 of the
3,307 complaints filed about the Buick Enclave
are about the electrical system —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
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.
2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by [XXX] mother-in-law ([XXX]). Her daughter ([XXX]) was driving. Had [XXX] been driving, there would have been a wreck. [XXX] was able to coast into a corner gas station/garage. Buy next day mechanic was able to isolate failure to alternator. Since we performed the repair at the closest mechanic, I do not know what GM knows. I see on internet a high volume of alternator failures in Enclaves. It doesn't seem an alternator failure should be so abrupt, without warning and with such dire immediate impact. GM has said they 'may' have been able to help with the cost of the repair if we had had it done at an authorized service center. Frankly, this feels like a trap (and Nissan did exactly this to me 2 years ago - asking me to tow into their service center and then saying 'oops, sorry, no warranty ... ). GM should buy their failed alternator back and study why it failed and why that failure had this impact to the vehicle. The repair was made with a GM part - honestly, not sure if that's good or bad, but there is no excuse for GM to not own their part failure. No one other than the mechanic has inspected the car. He would probably be glad to speak to NHTSA. No prior warning lights, messages, symptoms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle starts displaying traction control on the dash then says reduced engine power and looses power starting until u stop turn it off and crank it back up. Sometimes it runs really rough and you have to crank it back up. The ac goes in and out on it, sometimes it jerks while driving, after having a new transmission put in, 3 starters, 2 batteries! Everyone keeps telling me it’s something electrical but can’t figure out what or where. Replaces mass air flow sensor also
NHTSA complaint #11751003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the alternator was replaced 4 times before the dealer diagnosed that the failure was due to oil leaking onto the alternator and the battery. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced 6 times in total. Additionally, the contact stated while pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, the vehicle shut off. The messages "Electronic Control Module Failure", "Battery Saver Active", "Battery Charging System" and "Steering Assist Is Reduced- Drive with Care" were displayed. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) and alternator failures. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11740184 — 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.
About six months ago the tailgate foot sensor failed and has not worked. Since then, the tailgate began randomly opening on its own, mostly when the car is parked and shut off, but as of today(4-28-2026) it started occurring while I'm driving. In addition to the hazard of items falling from my vehicle unto the highway and/or other cars, the only way for me to close the tailgate from the driver's seat is to place the transmission in Park and push the tailgate button. Other than that, I must stop and get out and physically close it. Both actions are potential risks depending on my location and the traffic around me. I've brought this in to the dealership service department in January 2026 with this complaint, but was told they couldn't find anything wrong with it. In the meantime, it continues to get worse.
NHTSA complaint #11734364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The trunk latching system malfunction even when it is set to OFF. When the vehicle is off or running it will open automatically then will not shut unless you turn the car on then shut the car off put on lock then unlock the car. While driving short distances the lift gate will open enough to trigger the alarm. I have woke up my trunk is open. It is safety for me and others due to exposure of material in trunk falling out. Safety for me sitting in car this happens all the time. I have called the dealer they want to charge $90 hr to diagnose and fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11732015 — 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.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventilation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down. Eventually, the vehicle failed to turn off, and the owner disconnected the battery. A towing company was called to tow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11730218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
1)Numerous Gas Cap ‘red warnings’ were fixed each time 2)Driver-side ‘Seat Belt’. Fixed. 3)Check engine light ‘off and on’ will quit after 5-10 minutes 4)Stabilitrak/Traction-control (red light warnings), on and off, finally stayed on: Took back to Parsons of Antigo, WI dealership for repair; they said it was fixed. I left dealership at their closing time, started car, the car was shaking, called dealership/told them what was happening/they said bring it back on Monday—this was a Thursday evening after 6 PM! a. I had to drive this ‘shaking-car’ home approximately 35 miles away, while going about 30-40 mph/in a shaking car, seems car wanted to stop. Very frightening in the dark night. b.I had a wrecker come and take the car back to dealership. I do not care to deal with dealership after this—I changed to different dealership. c.About 3 years ago, while driving on US 8 outside of Rhinelander the car just ‘simply’ went off the highway; I quickly managed to bring the car back onto the highway blacktop. Is this for real? i.Until July 2025 I worked 40 hours/week and I believed and trusted that the repair services would inform me that I needed to beware of ‘this or that’; when usual car maintenance was completed. d.In 2019, going through a ‘Traffic Circle’ in Green Bay, WI area; this vehicle just would not stop (as I need to wait for cars coming from the left) and somehow, I made it through that circle without hitting another car or damaging this car! The police officer asked, ‘What happened?’ and I told him, ‘I have no idea what happened’. I was given a ticket for $175; that was mailed with a check before a certain date. i.Now, after reading all the ‘recalls and complaints’ I can understand ‘the why’ I had to endure driving with this vehicle’s unreliable mechanisms” throughout these years. 5)2021 Air bag ‘red light’ for Service recall Airbag/serviced. 2-19-2026 airbag another warning to replace again. PeopIe say this car looks like new. A 'lemon' buy
NHTSA complaint #11723114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Vehicle & Incident Details: * Make/Model/Year: 2020 Buick Enclave * VIN: [XXX] * Mileage: ~116,834 miles (purchased at ~62,000 miles, used) * Purchase Date: [Insert Month/Year] * Dealer: Kyle Durrence Claxton Dealership Repair History: * First repair attempt: TPMS system * Second repair attempt: Connector assembly block * Total out-of-pocket spent: $4,000+ * Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Safety Impact: * Engine shuts off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of collision. * Vehicle is my only mode of transportation. * Dealership has not provided a loaner vehicle. Additional Concerns: * I have discovered forged signatures on my original finance/loan paperwork from the dealership, which I previously reported to the dealership General Manager without response. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA record this safety issue, investigate the repeated engine shutdowns, and consider whether this defect warrants a recall or further manufacturer action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11719053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2014 Buick Enclave experienced two major safety‑related failures. First, while driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost throttle response and triggered a check‑engine light with code P1682 (Ignition 1 Switch Circuit 2). After replacing the ignition relay in the under‑hood fuse box, the issue seemed resolved temporarily. A few weeks later, while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle displayed “Traction Control Off,” followed by “Engine Power Reduced,” and began shaking violently. The engine warning light turned on, and the car became undrivable in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. A mechanic later confirmed no failure in the replaced ignition relay. The root cause may be a design flaw in the fuse box and its bottom wire‑harness connection, which is known to loosen because the two internal securing screws do not get tighten at all, its freely moving and not securing anything. This potential defect has reportedly affected multiple GM vehicles from 2013–2015, posing serious safety risks and potentially leading owners to spend significant money on repairs without resolving the underlying issue. In Buick Forum, thousands of customers experiencing the same issue, spending thousands and suffering financial implications and severe safety threat just for a careless design and carelessness in addressing a small design issue!!!
NHTSA complaint #11718425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Digital dash display is completely black. There is no display of speed, lane departure, back-up camera or parking assist/surround view camera. Neither vehicle restart nor software reset corrects the issues.
NHTSA complaint #11712604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.