2018 Buick Enclave Problems & Owner Complaints

Service Brakes 21 2 crash

“COLD START, AC UNIT ON, ENGINE AT HIGH IDLE SPEED. PUT CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE. STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR KEPT ROLLING. PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND APPLIED EXTREME PRESSURE, CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. PANICKED THAT I WOULD HIT A WALL, I DROPPED THE CAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. STILL ON HIGH IDLE, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP EVEN WITH EXTREME PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAR CONTINUED FORWARD AND HIT A CABINET IN MY GARAGE CAUSING CONSIDERABLE FRONT-END DAMAGE. EVERY THING HAPPENED SO QUICKLY, I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED AT THE TIME. THE ONLY THING I COUL…”
NHTSA complaint #11258993, 2019 · crash

“THE BRAKE ISSUE RAISED ITS UGLY HEAD AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS OPERATED FINE SINCE THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT EVEN WITH THE FRONT-END DAMAGE. YESTERDAY, ONE WEEK AFTER THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT IT OCCURRED AGAIN. COLD START LEAVING A RESTAURANT TURNED OUT OF PARKING LOT ON TO SIDE STREET. TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT AND I PULLED INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE. GOING VERY SLOW, HAVEN'T EVEN TRAVELED 200 FEET. PUT PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AND NO RESPONSE, THE CAR KEEPS ROLLING FORWARD AS I APPLIED EXTREME BRAKE PRESSURE. AT THAT POINT I HIT THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE BUTTON AND THE CAR STOPPED JUST…”
NHTSA complaint #11259038, 2019 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11695400, 2025

Power Train 15 1 crash

“-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to create a "reset" of system. (Auto folding windows feature in infotainment was NOT selected to be ON before or after this incident! Auto-folding sidemirrors are tied to the electron shifter status and should only engage when turned ON in infotainment option AND vehicle in PARK. This was occurring over…”
NHTSA complaint #11495213, 2022 · crash

“After two transmission flushes and being told by a Buick dealership's service technicians that nothing is wrong with the vechile's transmission, it has now failed completely at ~90k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11737422, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. A bystander pushed the vehicle to the side road, and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact’s husband inspected the vehicle and determined that it had experienced transmission failure. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11726444, 2026

Engine 13

“Exhaust leak from broken front exhaust pipe. This has been a known defect in this make/model however the year of my vehicle was not included in the extended repair window and should have been. The exhaust leak was identified by the dealership when the vehicle was taken in for other maintenance. I had to pay for the repair myself and would like to be reimbursed due to this being a manufacturer known defect with the exhaust pipe. The exhaust leak caused unusual noises, a loud roaring, and reduced gas mileage. This was also a danger for carbon monoxide exposure.”
NHTSA complaint #11735792, 2025

“I am a [XXX] and owner of a 2018 Buick Enclave that suffered a catastrophic transmission failure which nearly killed me and my child. On Friday, [XXX], while driving westbound on [XXX] from Edison, NJ to my home in Easton, PA, my vehicle suddenly and without warning came to a complete halt in the fast lane. A driver tailgating me swerved at the last second to avoid impact. Moments later, when I tried to move again, the car lost all power and drifted helplessly across two lanes of speeding traffic, directly into the path of two tractor-trailers barreling down at highway speeds. This was the ho…”
NHTSA complaint #11682848, 2025

“Wednesday August 6th 2025, I was coming home from work, the low engine compression and engine light came on the car was shaking and I lost power on a busy road, I had to pull it off the road quickly before I lost all power. I stayed there for a few minutes, then turned the car back on to retreat to a safer spot, I then waited for my husband to bail me out, we checked the oil on the dipstick, there was minimal oil on it. We added 1 quart of oil, then the lights went off, all seemed fine. August 23rd 2025, I was driving my car and the same thing happened car lit up with low engine compression an…”
NHTSA complaint #11682988, 2025

Electrical System 9 1 crash

“-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to create a "reset" of system. (Auto folding windows feature in infotainment was NOT selected to be ON before or after this incident! Auto-folding sidemirrors are tied to the electron shifter status and should only engage when turned ON in infotainment option AND vehicle in PARK. This was occurring over…”
NHTSA complaint #11495213, 2022 · crash

“My vehicle has begun all us sudden flickering headlights from low beams to high beam when driving and also it ay the airbag safety light turn on with the locks also doing a closing and opening while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11706354, 2025

“I am a [XXX] and owner of a 2018 Buick Enclave that suffered a catastrophic transmission failure which nearly killed me and my child. On Friday, [XXX], while driving westbound on [XXX] from Edison, NJ to my home in Easton, PA, my vehicle suddenly and without warning came to a complete halt in the fast lane. A driver tailgating me swerved at the last second to avoid impact. Moments later, when I tried to move again, the car lost all power and drifted helplessly across two lanes of speeding traffic, directly into the path of two tractor-trailers barreling down at highway speeds. This was the ho…”
NHTSA complaint #11682848, 2025

Unknown Or Other 8

“2018 Enclave w/106k on the odometer and the catalytic convertor cracked. $2200 repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11744702, 2026

“Catalic converter weld broke both sides now”
NHTSA complaint #11737064, 2026

“mY VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNABLE TO PUT IN DRIVE”
NHTSA complaint #11639358, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“I am submitting this letter to formally report two ongoing issues with my 2018 Buick Enclave. First, I have experienced persistent problems with the emissions purge valve. My vehicle has repeatedly triggered diagnostic trouble code P0496, indicating a malfunction in the purge valve system. I am aware that this issue has been the subject of recall campaigns for other Buick Enclave models; however, my vehicle has not been included in any such recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This malfunction has resulted in persistent check engine warnings and noticeable performance concerns, rais…”
NHTSA complaint #11742783, 2026

“Check engine light was on due to the EVAP Purge Solenoid not sealing properly and causing a leak. Scan testing performed of the engine control module and diagnosed/cleared DTC P0496-00. Vehicle was brought to a dealership for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11661835, 2025

“mY VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAS UNABLE TO PUT IN DRIVE”
NHTSA complaint #11639358, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“The brake system ABS module/sensor malfunctions- yes it is available for further inspection. Safety is an issue due to the ABS indicator light on. Yes, the problem/issue has been confirmed by a dealership. No inspections have occurred other than the dealership. The only warning is the light indicator for the brakes, parking ABS.”
NHTSA complaint #11630001, 2024

“Was driving at 35 MPH with no other cars or obstructions in front of me and the vehicle suddenly slammed on the brakes on its own and the throttle became inactive (would not respond to inputs). I don't know if the vehicle slammed on the parking brake or the service brakes. After 30 or so seconds everything returned to normal. No lights are illuminated on the dash, but a light did come on when the vehicle braked on its own. The light turned off before I could see what it was.”
NHTSA complaint #11536713, 2023

“Passenger side rear electronic parking brake wire clip failed, wire is rubbing against the rear cv boot. This caused a short that led to defective ABS control module that had to be replaced for anti-skid and anti-roll for this SUV. It also affected the transmission alert system. Related Bulletins: https://s3.amazonaws.com/shop-ware-prod-attachments/2ce2615fbf6158c020eb7ddbba19c956d5c9cf33.pdf?1678982217 https://s3.amazonaws.com/shop-ware-prod-attachments/df15af6513bb2265bc07179efd733f06e355fe8a.pdf?1678916531 From Shop: "Continued working with the electronic parking brake system Used GM T…”
NHTSA complaint #11518952, 2023

Air Bags 2 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while making a left turn, another vehicle jumped onto a curb and struck the rear end and rear tire of the vehicle. The front driver side, passenger side, and curtain air bags deployed. The contact was concerned about whether the air bags should have deployed for the type of impact experienced. No warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for bloody stool, lower back pain, and neck pain. The manufacturer was no…”
NHTSA complaint #11687252, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My vehicle has begun all us sudden flickering headlights from low beams to high beam when driving and also it ay the airbag safety light turn on with the locks also doing a closing and opening while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11706354, 2025

Back Over Prevention 2 1 crash

“-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to create a "reset" of system. (Auto folding windows feature in infotainment was NOT selected to be ON before or after this incident! Auto-folding sidemirrors are tied to the electron shifter status and should only engage when turned ON in infotainment option AND vehicle in PARK. This was occurring over…”
NHTSA complaint #11495213, 2022 · crash

“The brake system ABS module/sensor malfunctions- yes it is available for further inspection. Safety is an issue due to the ABS indicator light on. Yes, the problem/issue has been confirmed by a dealership. No inspections have occurred other than the dealership. The only warning is the light indicator for the brakes, parking ABS.”
NHTSA complaint #11630001, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after picking up the vehicle from the dealer for a different failure, the exhaust pipe made an abnormally loud sound while driving. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the catalytic converter had failed and informed the contact that the catalytic converter and the front exhaust pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N212356540 (Front Exhaust Pipe); however,…”
NHTSA complaint #11700353, 2025

“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 Chargin…”
NHTSA complaint #11740184, 2022

Exterior Lighting 2

“My vehicle has begun all us sudden flickering headlights from low beams to high beam when driving and also it ay the airbag safety light turn on with the locks also doing a closing and opening while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11706354, 2025

“The headlights continously and irregularly flicker between high and low beam while driving at night. I have no control over it and cannot turn off the high beams when they activate. This is highly annoying to drivers ahead me, as they believe I am trying to get their attention (or be obnoxious). In these times and the legalization of open carry weapons in the state of Florida, this can be highly dangerous if the wrong person is aggravated by unintentional signaling. I have already had issues on the road with drivers not happy with the high beam flicking on and off at them while driving on the…”
NHTSA complaint #11704524, 2025

Steering 2

“Wednesday August 6th 2025, I was coming home from work, the low engine compression and engine light came on the car was shaking and I lost power on a busy road, I had to pull it off the road quickly before I lost all power. I stayed there for a few minutes, then turned the car back on to retreat to a safer spot, I then waited for my husband to bail me out, we checked the oil on the dipstick, there was minimal oil on it. We added 1 quart of oil, then the lights went off, all seemed fine. August 23rd 2025, I was driving my car and the same thing happened car lit up with low engine compression an…”
NHTSA complaint #11682988, 2025

“The car shuts off at random when coming out of autostop, the car will disable power steering when coming out of autostop to make turns making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. Coming out of autostop is typically when you are trying to go or make a turn. This has been an ongoing issue that happens often. The issues began around 60k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11610932, 2024

Structure 2

“8am, Stopped at intersection. Light traffic. Green light, increased speed to 15 mph, turning left and sunroof explodes. Luckily inside shade cover was closed so no glass was able to come down.”
NHTSA complaint #11528631, 2023

“I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY 6 IN WATERLOO INDIANA AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED AND THE ENTIRE GLASS WAS SHATTERED AND HAD A HUGE HOLE. THE EXPLOSION WAS LIKE A SHORT GUN GOING OFF. I THOUGHT SOME ONE SHOT OR THREW SOMETHING BUT THERE WAS NO OVERPASS. I CALLED THE POLICE JUST TO MAKE SURE AND A REPORT WAS FILED”
NHTSA complaint #11120922, 2018

Suspension 2

“I am submitting this letter to formally report two ongoing issues with my 2018 Buick Enclave. First, I have experienced persistent problems with the emissions purge valve. My vehicle has repeatedly triggered diagnostic trouble code P0496, indicating a malfunction in the purge valve system. I am aware that this issue has been the subject of recall campaigns for other Buick Enclave models; however, my vehicle has not been included in any such recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This malfunction has resulted in persistent check engine warnings and noticeable performance concerns, rais…”
NHTSA complaint #11742783, 2026

“I AM TOLD BY GRAFF CHEVROLET, OKEMOS, MI, THAT AT ONLY 63,000 MILES, MY REAR TOE LINK ADJUSTMENTS ARE SEPARATING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $407 PLUS A $90 WHEEL ALIGNMENT PLUS TAX. IN MY RESEARCH, I SEE THAT THE GM CADILLAX SRX HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY FIRST OFF, BUT ALSO BELIEVE GM SHOULD RECALL AND WARRANTY THESE PARTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11384446, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“MY CAR SHIFTS ITSELF INTO WHAT SEEMS TO BE A 'NEUTRAL' STATE AND THEN REVS UP VERY LOUD. IT ALSO SLAMS ON ITS OWN BRAKES, THANKFULLY EACH TIME HAS BEEN AT LOW SPEED. TODAY WAS THE LAST STRAW. I AM NEVER GETTING IN TO THAT CAR AGAIN! AS I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT, MY CAR SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES, ALL KINDS OF ROLLING SOUNDS UNDER MY FEET. THEN IT STOPPED AND HIT HARD TO START GOING AGAIN. LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD GOING CRAZY... THE GUY WHO WAS BACKING UP AS I WAS GOING BY, HONKED AND YELLED AT ME BECAUSE HE DIDN'T KNOW WHY I WOULD STOP LIKE THAT. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN WELL PAST HIM, BUT MY CAR DECIDED…”
NHTSA complaint #11341162, 2020

Lane Departure 1

“Lane departure went out took to dealer they said oh your out of warranty 3 months we can repair for 1,000 dollars I said you are crazy and walked away .contacted GM customer service said it’s out of warranty should of been recalled for their past history of problems”
NHTSA complaint #11478247, 2022

Seat Belts 1 1 crash

“In December 2017 we were involved in a rear end collision so violent the spare tire was knocked out from under the vehicle. Our vehicle, 2014 Buick Enclave VIN [XXX] was struck in the rear. The lap belt held us secure, but the shoulder belt allowed us to be tossed forward. My head hit the left windshield/top post leaving me looking like a racoon the next day. General Motors representatives, [XXX] CEO at the time ,stated the seat belts functioned properly. I injured my left wrist as a result of being thrown forward and have pain in it ever since then. We now drive a 2018 Buick Enclave VI…”
NHTSA complaint #11729195, 2017 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“I am a [XXX] and owner of a 2018 Buick Enclave that suffered a catastrophic transmission failure which nearly killed me and my child. On Friday, [XXX], while driving westbound on [XXX] from Edison, NJ to my home in Easton, PA, my vehicle suddenly and without warning came to a complete halt in the fast lane. A driver tailgating me swerved at the last second to avoid impact. Moments later, when I tried to move again, the car lost all power and drifted helplessly across two lanes of speeding traffic, directly into the path of two tractor-trailers barreling down at highway speeds. This was the ho…”
NHTSA complaint #11682848, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 1

“The air conditioning system failure prevents proper windshield defogging, significantly reducing visibility in humid or rainy conditions. Additionally, cabin temperatures become excessively high, causing driver fatigue and impaired concentration. This creates an unsafe driving condition and increases the risk of a crash”
NHTSA complaint #11734443, 2025