2016 Buick Enclave Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 110 2 crash 3 injury

“WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON I-79 IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE WE WERE STRUCK FROM THE REAR WE WERE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE IT KNOCKED THE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY OFF. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING IN THE VENTS OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS TIGHTEN UP SO MUCH THAT IT CAUSED BRUISING ON MY CHEST AND RIBS. MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BEYOND REPAIR. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON OUR RETURN HOME I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM DIAGNOSTIC INDICATING THERE WAS A SERI…”
NHTSA complaint #11114255, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“WE HAVE A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN ABOUT OUR VEHICLE. WE WERE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2018. A CAR RAN RIGHT INTO OUR REAR WITHOUT STOPPING AT ABOUT 45 MPH. WE WERE VERY SURPRISED OUR AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. WE SMELLED THE SMOKE USUALLY INVOLVED WITH THE AIRBAGS BEING DEPLOYED BUT NOTHING HAPPENED OTHER THAN A NOTIFICATION TO SERVICE THE AIRBAGS WHICH DID NOT EXIST PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. LUCKILY, WE HAD OUR SEATBELTS ON BUT STILL SUFFERED NECK AND BACK PAIN WHICH WILL BE FURTHER EVALUATED BY A DOCTOR. WE BELIEVE OUR AIRBAGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND ARE GRAVELY UPSET AT…”
NHTSA complaint #11114338, 2018 · crash

“I am seeing that these have been repaired, when in fact it has not been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11720753, 2026

Power Train 9

“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, 2026

“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while accelerating, the fourth gear jumped to the fifth gear and was stuck. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission specialist test-drove the vehicle and was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the gear was burnt, and the transmission needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning lights, charging system, and radio system malfunctioned. The contact stated that he suspects…”
NHTSA complaint #11489195, 2022

“My car shutters and shakes when switching gear. My mechanic believes it’s transmission and or torque. My mechanic said he has fixed at least 6 of them recently as well and is very surprised there is no recall”
NHTSA complaint #11449923, 2022

Engine 8

“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, 2026

“During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it is to pull the ignition fuse under the hood. Unfortunately the battery died by morning and I could not get it charged for a few days. Now I have learned how to take the battery cover off which is located in the back of the car and remove the plastic covers under the mat so I can disconnect the battery so it doesn't run do…”
NHTSA complaint #11643046, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop uphill, with his children in the middle rear passenger’s seats, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact shifted to neutral and allowed the vehicle to roll downhill to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle for 10 minutes. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to continue to drive to his destination; however, the failure reoccurred that night, upon accelerating uphill from a complete stop. The local dealer and the manufacturer wer…”
NHTSA complaint #11452224, 2022

Electrical System 7

“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, 2026

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Buick Enclave on November 25, 2025 from an independent dealer. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the Odometer reading was 102,068. After contacting Endurance Warranty Company, the contact was informed that the Odometer mileage was 193,000. No other agency was contacted regarding the mileage discrepancy.”
NHTSA complaint #11702282, 2025

“During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it is to pull the ignition fuse under the hood. Unfortunately the battery died by morning and I could not get it charged for a few days. Now I have learned how to take the battery cover off which is located in the back of the car and remove the plastic covers under the mat so I can disconnect the battery so it doesn't run do…”
NHTSA complaint #11643046, 2025

Unknown Or Other 7

“We have had spark plugs fixed twice in the past 4 months and they keep faltering. Both mechanics changed them”
NHTSA complaint #11682503, 2025

“During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it is to pull the ignition fuse under the hood. Unfortunately the battery died by morning and I could not get it charged for a few days. Now I have learned how to take the battery cover off which is located in the back of the car and remove the plastic covers under the mat so I can disconnect the battery so it doesn't run do…”
NHTSA complaint #11643046, 2025

“THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING AFTER AFTER 45K MILES. THIS COULD BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM GM IS EXPERIENCING WITH THEIR OTHER BRANDS FROM 2015 TO 2017. WE WOULD QUOTED THE REPAIR COSTS OF 1200. IT UNACCEPTABLE FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER TO STOP WORKING AFTER SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME DUE TO THE FACT WE LIVE IN A COOL TEMPERATURE REGION OF THE NORTHEAST.”
NHTSA complaint #11350465, 2020

Seat Belts 3 1 crash 4 injury

“WE WERE INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON I-79 IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE WE WERE STRUCK FROM THE REAR WE WERE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE IT KNOCKED THE REAR TIRE COMPLETELY OFF. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING IN THE VENTS OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS TIGHTEN UP SO MUCH THAT IT CAUSED BRUISING ON MY CHEST AND RIBS. MY CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BEYOND REPAIR. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON OUR RETURN HOME I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM DIAGNOSTIC INDICATING THERE WAS A SERI…”
NHTSA complaint #11114255, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“Child became entrapped in 3rd row seatbelt, seatbelt was unable to be released from locked position and it wrapped so tight around the child his airway was cut off, it wouldn’t come from around him, and had to be cut off.”
NHTSA complaint #11434440, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that a message indicating that the front passenger's side seat belt was not buckled and that the front passenger's side air bag was enabled was displayed, even though the front passenger's side seat was not occupied. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw…”
NHTSA complaint #11586418, 2023

Steering 3

“WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND WENT TO TURN INTO THE GAS STATION. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN IT WAS A LOUD WHIRRING SOUND. I TOOK IT BACK TO WHERE I BOUGHT IT. I HAVEN'T EVEN OWNED THE CAR FOR 30 DAYS YET. THEY SAID POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING. THEY CHECKED TO SEE IF IT WAS COMING FROM PUMP OR HOSE AND IT WAS FROM THE PUMP. SO HAD TO REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP. GOT MY CAR BACK LAST NIGHT AND THE STEERING STILL FEELS OFF IT ISN'T MAKING THE WHIRRING NOISE NOW. IT IS SO HARD TO EXPLAIN. IT FEELS BOUNCY WHEN YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN I GUESS YOU COULD CALL IT. THE CAR MAKES A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AS…”
NHTSA complaint #11281697, 2019

“POWER STEERING HAS STARTED FAILING WHEN TURNING, MAKING IT EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. SEEMS WORSE AT SLOW SPEED. HAPPENS WHENEVER AND WHEREVER I TRY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. WILL DRIVE OKAY WHEN GOING STRAIGHT. MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE. I SUSPECT POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDS REPLACED, BUT JUST GUESSING.”
NHTSA complaint #11270518, 2019

“I HAVE A 2016 BUICK ENCLAVE - THE HAVE EXCEEDED MY WARRANTY BY APPROXIMATELY BY APPROXIMATELY 7,000 MILES NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEGUN MAKING SQUEALING SOUND MAINLY WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE CONFIRMED A LEAK FROM THE POWER STEERING HOSE. HE FOUND THAT THERE IS A PUBLISHED SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THE ISSUE. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY OR A RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11098619, 2018

Structure 3 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE GETTING CARGO OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE TAILGATE CLOSED AND LOCKED AND FAILED TO RETRACT AND REOPEN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR HAND INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10875386, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)

“CAR IS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE DASH (BY YOUR FEET) AND ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE DASH (BY YOUR FEET) I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND IT OFTEN RAINS. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT MOLD AND RUST OR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN GM VEHICLES. (GOOGLE SEARCH) SO WHY ISN'T GM RECALLING IT? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329687, 2020

“THE LOWEST PART OF THE FRONT DRIVER OR PASSENGER DOORS COME TO A VERY SHARP POINT AT THE REAR OF THE DOOR. ON NOV. 11,2017 IN A COSTCO PARKING LOT A GUST OF WIND BLEW THE DOOR CLOSED ON MY LEG CAUSING A DEEP WOUND FROM THE SHARP PENETRATING EDGE OF THE DOOR. COSTCO EMPLOYEES PERFORMED EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP TO STOP THE MASSIVE BLEEDING. AS OF THIS DATE THE WOUND IS STILL BEING TREATED. (HOSPITAL HAS PICTURES) UPON ASKING THE DOCTOR AND WOUND NURSE IF I WAS THE ONLY ONE THEY HAD SEEN WITH THIS TYPE OF WOUND , I WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THEM REPLY THAT I WAS AMONG THOUSANDS. THE CURE FOR PRE…”
NHTSA complaint #11062054, 2017

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“MY CAR WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP IN TEXAS. FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS A FUEL INJECTOR. THEY REPLACED THAT. THEN THEY SAID THAT THAT DIDN'T WORK SO THEY SAID I HAD A CRACKED HEAD. THEY REPLACED THAT. I BROUGHT IT HOME TO SHREVEPORT, LA. AND IT HAD GAS FUMES COMING OF OF THE A/C VENTS. THE DEALERSHIP HERE IN BOSSIER CITY THAT THEY PUT IN A BROKEN PART. THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE PROBLEM. I PICKED THE CAR UP AND IT STILL HAD GAS FUMES. I TOOK IT BACK. THEY SMELLED IT. KEPT IT FOR 2 DAYS. THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM SO THE KEPT DRIVING IT AND RUNNING IT UNTIL THEY COULDN'T SMELL IT ANY LONGER. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11229464, 2019

“BROUGHT THE CAR IN EARLIER THIS YEAR BECAUSE THE CAR WAS STALLING. THEY TOLD ME IT MAY HAVE BEEN A LOSE CABLE, BUT LIKELY WAS NOTHING. IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS THE CAR HAS STALLED 3 TIMES WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN 3 DAYS AGO AND THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT. YESTERDAY IT STALLED AGAIN AND MY WIFE CAME VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR-ENDED WITH THE KIDS IN THE CAR. THIS IS A CAR THAT IS 1 YEAR OLD WITH 5.500 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AND THE CAR COMPANY IS NOT HELPING ME WITH THIS. HELP!”
NHTSA complaint #10909587, 2016

Equipment 1

“2016 BUICK ENCLAVE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BASIC ONSTAR SERVICE AND ONSTAR CHANGING THEIR BASIC PLAN. *AS *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11179715, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 1

“WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WINDSHIELD CLEANER SWITCH WORKS AT TIMES THEN STOPS. THE OTHER DAY IT STARTED TO RAIN WHEN GOING HOME FROM MY WIFES DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. WE LUCKLY WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER. WIPER SWITCH WORKED 1 TIME SENCE THEN FUSES AND RELAYS GOOD”
NHTSA complaint #11403944, 2021

Wheels 1

“WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH IN OUR NEW 2016 BUICK ENCLAVE WITH ABOUT 319 ODOMETER MILES THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SENSOR CAME ON INDICATING TO ADD AIR. WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS THE TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO CROSS LANES TO STOP ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER AAA WAS ABLE TO COME CHANGE THE TIRE WITH THE SMALL SPARE. WE THEN PROCEEDED TO THE BUICK DEALER AND HAD THE TIRE AND WHEEL INSPECTED AND REPAIRED. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD US THE THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR HAD COME OFF THE VALVE STEM CAUSING THE STEM TO COME OUT WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE RAPID TIRE DEFLATION. THIS EVENT COULD…”
NHTSA complaint #10860055, 2016