Originally launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year, the Buick Enclave is a midsize crossover SUV made by General Motors (GM.) The second-generation Enclave appeared a decade later in 2017, and a refreshed model is scheduled for 2022.
It may be an iconic, near-luxury brand, but from the very first model, there have been hundreds of complaints to the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In general, complaints over the years have been remarkably varied. While not necessarily surprising, it makes it impossible to identify common problems over the years.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2020
Contents
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| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | |
| Engine | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Power Train | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | |
| Steering |
In the first model year, there were 518 complaints with 6 recalls, and 107 complaints and 15 recalls for the second model. Thankfully, these numbers decreased gradually and improved, even more, when the second-generation Enclave was launched. At 9 complaints and just 1 recall in 2021, these numbers are the lowest made to the NHTSA in the history of this car.
Only 4 components are listed in the 2021 NHTSA complaints file:
Many Buick Enclave owners complain about loud grinding noises when they apply the brakes. Other descriptions include a metal-on-metal or growling sound. At least one driver states that it is necessary to apply more pressure to ensure the car slows down and comes to a stop.
An alarming factor is that owners with this problem have been told that GM doesn’t have a solution but is looking for one. They maintain that it isn’t a safety issue, but drivers believe otherwise. Several say it is definitely a safety issue to drivers as well as others on the road.
One says: “I am concerned should the brakes not work properly when applied” this could cause an accident. This Buick Enclave owner was told that GM has told dealers not to replace any parts or attempt any repairs at this time (1 June 2021.)
Another says: “I find it unnerving to drive a vehicle with noisy brakes.” This owner was told to call back from time to time to see how GM has decided to correct the problem. With only 684 miles on the clock, this isn’t a great solution!
This complaint reports that the problem almost caused a crash with an oncoming car. According to the NHTSA complaint, the dealer says there had been other similar complaints. It seems as if a software patch will make the car safe, but there is no reported resolution.
This complaint, which relates to an auto-stop feature, is worth mentioning because according to the complaint, the dealer refuses to override the reported fault.
“I just want the ability to disable this dangerous feature.”
There is no doubt that there have been a lot of Buick Enclave lemons over the years. But it isn’t possible to gauge what the owners did when they discovered the problem. If it happens to you now, though, we can help you.
Lemberg Law has found solutions for many clients who have found themselves with vehicles that qualify as lemons. Maybe you want a refund or a replacement car. We will assess your situation and advise what is possible.
Legally, GM is going to have to foot your legal bill, so call our Helpline as soon as possible so that we can advise you.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes GM pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Lemberg Law are Lemon Law experts and can help you get Lemon Justice – absolutely free! Fill out our form on this page for a no-obligation case evaluation, or call toll free 877-795-3666
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Sep 11, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Awd has vibration at highway speeds when engaged |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Feb 28, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | When driving my car down the street today, it abruptly stopped in the middle of the street and and engine locked up. I could not shift gears. I could not put my car in neutral. I was literally stuck in the middle of the street with a vehicle that gave me no warning of malfunctioning. This is the 3rd transmission that I have had in this car. It is a 2021 buick enclave with just over 12,000 miles. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Aug 28, 2021 |
| State | VA |
| Description | This car crosses the line before the lane keep assist does anything. The car nearly hit an oncoming car. I asked the koons tysons buick service rep about it and he said he has heard this from a number of people but noting has been done. It seems like a software patch is necessary to make this safe. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Aug 25, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Brakes started grinding at 1000 miles. I will filed a complaint with the dealership and hope they record it. Now I have approximately 2100 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brake pad and rotor on the right front are grinding every time I apply the brakes. On july 23 2021 an own coming 18 wheeler did not see me and made a left turn in front of me at the traffic light . I step on the brakes lightly to stop but the car made the metal to metal sound and kept moving forward. So I had to jam on the brakes to stop. All wheels slid forward immediately except the front right. I think different brake pads and rotors are needed on this vehicle. This is definitely a safety issue to all drivers as well as others that are on the road. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jul 22, 2021 |
| State | IL |
| Description | No accident. I bought this brand new car on may 29, 2021, and have been experiencing brake issues. When I apply the brakes, there is a weird noise, grinding type and it feels like there is less traction (like when slowing down on snow). I have to apply more pressure to my brakes to slow the vehicle and come to a stop. The problem occurs quite often. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jul 08, 2021 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Brakes started grinding at 300 miles. I have filed a complaint with dealership who did record it and advised that it was a known issue that gm is working to resolve. I now have approximately 2000 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brakes are grinding every time I apply the brakes. Occasionally, when I apply the brakes and they are making the grinding feeling - it feels as if the vehicle is not wanting to slow down and I need to apply more pressure to my brakes. This definitely would be a safety issue to the driver as well as others that are on the road. |
| Category | Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 22, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | This vehicle has an auto stop start feature that the dealer refuses to override. The problem is that if you are stopped to make a left turn, the engine stops. When you need to go when there is a break in traffic, there is a hesitation to get going just when you need instant power. Also at stop lights or signs you tend to keep tapping the brake to keep it running resulting in a dangerous situation. Also if you are stopped and forget and get out of the car, it can start up and run into something. I just want the ability to disable this dangerous feature. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jun 06, 2021 |
| State | MS |
| Description | When applying the brakes it sounds lile metal on metal |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Jun 01, 2021 |
| State | MA |
| Description | I have a 2021 buick enclave premium purchased 01. 03. 2021from alden buick-gmc been having problems with my brakes when I apply my brakes I have a brake noise grinding growling noise coming from the brakes. Took vehicle to dealership today 06. 01. 2021. Was told cause is composition of brake material, dealers informed by gm not to replace any parts or attempt any repairs at this time. Was informed vehicle is safe to drive and gm engineering is working on a solution to this concern. I am concerned should the brakes not work properly when applied causing an accident. Would like to know if nhtsa is aware of this problem on the 2021 buick enclaves and 2021 cadillac xt5-xt6, 2021 chevrolet blazer, traverse, and 2021 gmc acadia? Would like to know if nhtsa feels it is safe to drive? |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | May 05, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | When I drive my buick enclave after it sits for any length of time, if I apply the brakes, I have a loud grinding type sound and I notice the noise continues as I do my shopping and it does not always go away. I took this vehicle to the buick dealership and I was told that general motors is aware of the problem and they (gm) were trying to find a solution to the noise. Also, I was told that I can continue to drive this vehicle as it would pose no safety issues. I find it unnerving to drive a vehicle with noisy brakes and I inquired when gm finds a fix will I be contacted? I was told to call back periodically to see how gm has decided to correct the noise problem. As of this writing I have only 684 miles on this buick enclave. I do feel this issue is worthy of consideration by the nhtsa 05/05/2021 |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 01, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | I just bought a new 2021 buick enclave and there is a noise coming from the windshield or the window. Sounds like my window is cracked. However, when I try to let up the window, the window doesn't move and sound is still there. The noise is there from about 45 mpg and up. |
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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