Buick Enclave Structure Problems
Owners have filed 175 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Buick Enclave across 16 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (77). The words owners use most often: “lift gate” (9% of reports).
- 175structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 28mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 21%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Lift gate: mentioned in 16 of 175 complaints (9%)
- Several occasions: mentioned in 11 of 175 complaints (6%)
- Medical attention: mentioned in 10 of 175 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 129 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 175 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 28 an injury.
Buick Enclave structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Enclave | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2022 Enclave | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2021 Enclave | 3 | 12% | — |
| 2020 Enclave | 2 | 3% | 1,500 |
| 2019 Enclave | 2 | 5% | 14,000 |
| 2018 Enclave | 2 | 3% | 13,000 |
| 2017 Enclave | 4 | 2% | 12,023 |
| 2016 Enclave | 3 | 2% | 10,900 |
| 2015 Enclave | 4 | 2% | 48,750 |
| 2014 Enclave | 5 | 2% | 1,750 |
| 2013 Enclave | 2 | 3% | 27,414 |
| 2012 Enclave | 24 | 18% | 76,000 |
| 2011 Enclave | 25 | 12% | 53,068 |
| 2010 Enclave | 12 | 4% | 88,180 |
| 2009 Enclave | 8 | 4% | 46,000 |
| 2008 Enclave | 77 | 14% | 86,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:frame and members
Model years: 2020
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
Risk: A crack in the frame rail may reduce crash performance, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192268310.
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.
Risk: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a paint defect on my 2020 Buick Enclave. The passenger-side rear door has significant top-coat peeling and flaking, exposing the primer and metal underneath. This deterioration is not normal wear for a six-year-old vehicle that has been properly maintained…
The liftgate of my vehicle began opening on it's own at no apparent interval, but now occurs frequently while waiting for a repair part to come in. This has happened while parked - including in public parking lots (where someone malicious could have entered the vehicle and the closed the liftgate…
> 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…
Anyone behind me couldâve hit the part and caused a wreck. We have told the dealer.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start intermittently. The contact stated that upon attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that her husband, who was a mechanic, had inspected underneath the hood…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Buick Enclaves have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 175 owner complaints about structure for the Buick Enclave. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Buick Enclave structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Buick Enclave?
The most frequent phrase is “lift gate”, in 16 of 175 complaints, followed by “several occasions” (11).
Other Buick Enclave problems
- Air Bags problems (770)
- Steering problems (443)
- Power Train problems (360)
- Engine problems (350)
- Electrical System problems (278)
- Service Brakes problems (105)
See all Buick Enclave problems.