Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Electrical system

2008 Buick Enclave Electrical problems

Owners have filed 73 complaints about the 2008 Buick Enclave's electrical system with NHTSA - 14% of all its complaints, most recently on May 22, 2025. They describe 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Complaints
73
Recalls
2
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Electrical recalls for the 2008 Buick Enclave

Electrical system

10V2400001,365,070 vehicles affected

The problem
Gm is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 buick, lucerne; cadillac dts; hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 buick enclave; cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; gmc acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl; saturn outlook; and model year 2009 chevrolet traverse vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system (hwfs). A recall was implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board (pcb) electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on hwfs modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device's thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor distortion to considerable melting of the plastic around the hwfs fluid chamber.
The risk
It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
The fix
Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, saturn at 1-800-972-8876, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and hummer at 1-800-732-5493 or at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.

Electrical system

08V441000857,735 vehicles affected

The problem
Gm is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 buick lucerne; cadillac dts; hummer h2; my 2007-2008 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; gmc acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl, saturn outlook; and my 2008 buick enclave vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system. A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire.
The risk
This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or http://www.Cadillac.Com; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or http://www.Saturn.Com, gmc at 1-866-996-9436; or hummer at 1-800-732-5493; or through their website at <a href=http://www.Gmownercenter.Com>http://www.Gmownercenter.Com</a> .

Electrical complaints

Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

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 and noticed that the wiring harness underneath the engine was melting. The contact's husband scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes that indicated a computer module failure. The...

Read the full complaint

contact's husband purchased the module, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the module was installed and flashed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact's husband diagnosed that the wiring harness failure had caused the battery to overcharge and fail. The contact's husband replaced the battery and the alternator; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the liftgate struts had failed, causing the lift gate to close unintendedly after being lifted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 11662645
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Electric issues, the recall for the sunroof was not disclosed and was not inspected properly...water and debris get clogged and goes into the in the engine.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11655899
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Unknown

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 11596587
Electrical systemAirbags

I didn't have any accidents but I when to many mechanics shops and each saying that it is an electrical problem with my 2008 Buick enclave CXL 3.6 also an issue with the airbag on the dash it showing service airbag soon I brought this car a couple of years ago and the airbag light was on when I brought it. VIN [[redacted]] I can be reach at [[redacted]] [[redacted]] or email me at [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11586473
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemAirbags

At 65,000 Transmission went out 100,000 Electrical issue due to lose ground wire under fuse box 121,000 Electrical issue caused battery to drain and vehicle not turn off. Even if key out of ignition 121,000 Driver Side Curtain Airbags deployed when battery replaced

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11532452
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

Sunroof messing up electrical system clogs up easily radio and everything else don't work right electrical all messed up because it clogging sunroof crankshaft won't relearn

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11467201
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Vehicles Timing Chain keeps going out had it replaced 3 times and the problem the vehicle is having still consists the vehicle constantly hesitates to start.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11431564
Electrical system

Left my house it was fine. I stopped and turned it off and waited for my family member to come out of an appt. I tried to start the vehicle and wouldn't turn over and only clicked like the battery was dead,it also wouldn't let me remove the key. Then I got a jump start and it started right up. After I was home I tried starting again and it did. I just don't trust it now.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11362310
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

At 160,000 engine power lowered could not go over 30 mph on highway service stabilitrac warning came on and completely stopped. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11330711
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford escape. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the vehicle also stalled on occasions without warning. The vehicle was taken to hendrick buick gmc located at cary 115 team hendrick way, cary, nc 27511, (919) 234-7784 to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that improper drainage from the roof allowed water to enter the vehicle which caused electrical systems failure. The drainage was cleared however, the failure recurred. The vehicle...

Read the full complaint

was not repaired. The contact was also concerned about the molded carpet and possible respiratory issues. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11309121
Electrical system

While the vehicle is stationary, with the shift lever in the park position, the key cannot be removed from the ignition switch on an intermittent basis. The engine shuts off, and the key turns toward the off position but the instrument panel remains lighted and the key will not turn to the off position so that it may be removed. Not a good anti-theft device for certain! The shift lever can be moved when the "stuck key" issue is going on and the vehicle will roll down any incline large or small if the shift...

Read the full complaint

lever moved from park. I have heard of "stuck key" issues with many other gm vehicles and am wondering if a recall will be issued. I called a local gm dealership and the service department had no information regarding any recall for the "stuck key" issue regarding my vehicle.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11269834
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick enclave. The contact stated that the liftgate was lowering improperly, difficult to open, and became shut to the point that it could no longer be opened. In addition, the liftgate ajar warning indicator flashed; however, the liftgate was closed at the time. The vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 15v415000 (structure), but the contact stated that the recall repair failed to provide a permanent remedy. Sudbay chevrolet buick cadillac gmc (88 causeway st, gloucester, ma...

Read the full complaint

01930, (978) 381-5097) diagnosed that the control module needed to be replaced and stated that further testing was required to determine if any other repairs were needed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 11219966
Electrical system

My vehicle randomly opens the lift gate when it is in park. This happens both when the car is running as well as when it is not. I came out of the bank and my tailgate was open. I turned it off at the switch inside the car. It still attempts to open when I am in park. I have to lock all the doors to keep it closed.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11219188
Electrical systemDriver assistanceBrakes

We where driving the other day, lost all power to dash cluster. Found water in fuses under glove box on passenger side. Dried out and got power back; but not abs light is on and if it goes off we lose all brakes. The traction control and stabilitrak say service and we lost our back up camera as well.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC) · Service brakesNHTSA 11207866
Electrical systemAirbagsBody, doors & structure

Sunroof water leak. When it rains water pours from all parts of the roof onto the interior of the car. From falling water to water running down through the walls of every part of the car. It has started to cause electrical problems with the vehicle and also I have found mold under the carpet where the water accumulates. It is usually 1 to 2 inches of water on the floor boards after raining. Causing mold, rust and mildew. This happens whenever it rains, a little or alot. This may be causing unhealth iisues. It would be smart for buick to fix these issues now before medical bills are involved.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · StructureNHTSA 11195448
SteeringElectrical systemDriver assistance

Light flash by them selves truck door lifts by it self serviceability track and traction control lights are on and now won't accelerate, and power steering pump is also a issue . When ever lights and hatch open alone the park is parked and cut off

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11192474
Electrical system

When attempting to open the rear lift hatch (using either my key fob, the dashboard control button, or the button on the rear lift hatch) while the vehicle is parked, the rear lift hatch rises to near the top. It suddenly starts closing before it goes into a complete lift position. The part that may be defective is unknown. I am concerned that someone could reach in the rear of the enclave to grab items, and the hatch closes in on the person before they can escape.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11153231
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

2008 Buick enclave without accidents nor sunroof or windshield repair or replacement has been experiencing water leakage from visor joints, side curtain panels and under the steering column. My radio amplifier suffered water damage and 2" of water has pooled afoot of my vehicle floor. The issue has been present as of march 2018 and has returned for repair every two months since to date and is there again today. This issue is not able to be rectified nor solved. I have researched and found flooding and water...

Read the full complaint

accumulation issues are a known, common and repetitive issue with this make model and year. This will result in electrical and more significant power, and operation problems. A repair, fix compensation and deep cleaning is necessary.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11149801
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The stabilizer system is showing a warning light. Saying : the stabilizer system need service. At the same time the tire pressure symbol light come on and the check engine light follow and stays on. Showing 3 error codes p0700 - p0174 - p 0171. This is like one error code pull the other. Then the next day the light is gone, when you come and start the car and then after several hour the light comes back again.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11111337
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

After a horrable rain, I came to my car, and found the front passenger side was flooded.I followed the water leak and found it was the sunroof, took the car to buick dealership, and found the drain tube was clogged, my warrenty did not cover it so I had to pay $178.00 For the repair. I then looked it up and found there is a known nhtsa item number on the car, it is 10026482. After looking into this I found it is a reoccurring problem, it needs to be fixed-blown out every 6 months. If it is a known problem it...

Read the full complaint

should have been fixed a long time ago. I am on a limited income and can not afford $178.00 Every 6 months.It is destroying the carpet. I looked on youtube to see what the process is in fixing it and I see so many wires in the path of the water. I think this is a bigger risk factor than a simple leak. We have had this car for 6months now and this is the first problem. I have one family member and one friend that is interested in this car and I will be sure to let them know of the problems that we are begining to have. This car was taken to buick dealership, national city, ca.

Filed Incident Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 11063556
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick enclave. The contact stated that when it rained, water leaked onto the battery housing and wires. The failure caused the vehicle to lose power while parked. The contact stated that water also came through the sun roof and flowed down the side channels onto the floorboard. In addition, the wires under the seats got wet and submerged the battery in water. The vehicle was taken to sims buck gmc (940 babbit rd, euclid, oh 44123) where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · StructureNHTSA 11051458
Electrical systemLightsSeats & seat belts

Sunroofs has been leaking since we bought it and now all the electrical stuff is going bad. It's a safety hazard. No one will help

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · SeatsNHTSA 11022517
Electrical systemAirbagsEngine & cooling

Various problems with electrical. Had harness replaced (come to find out its due to water leak). Air bag sensors go off and on so you really don't know if its working or not. Engine shutdown completely and now when its started the engine makes loud knock. Was told possible timing chain. Only has 140,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · EngineNHTSA 11014759
Electrical system

I drove my buick enclave 2008 to virginia from florida with no problems but when my trip was complete, I turned car off to go in gas station and tried to turn it back on...It did not start. It started to make a twitching noise as if something electrical was wrong. I got it jumped..Bought a new battery and it worked fine for 6 days. Now, it will not start at all unless it is jumped. It also locks the keys in the ignition if I tried to start it without a jump. The car continues to make a twitching noise when idle. ...

Read the full complaint

Im am agraid of a fire igniting. I notice that each time I had a problem with the car , it had rained significantly those days. I know of another owner that is having a similar problem witb their 2008 buick enclave. Please help!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11001829
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

My 2008 buick enclave has been an accident waiting to happen the entire life of the car. My main concern is the power steering. It has gone out 5-6 times in the 8 years I have owned the vehicle.If you would like invoice of each time/date I have them with the exact problem. Five or 6 times it went out.-- Three at slow speed low rpm trying to turn in the city and at 6 1 wt 230 it took all my strength not to hit a car head on during the turn.Three on the interstate turning off exit an higher speed. If my daughter or...

Read the full complaint

granddaughter had been driving in the city they would have been dead. Buick extended the power steering warranty to 150;000 miles . I had the last power steering pump put in at 149,432 miles 11/23/16. My concern to you and buick is about every 25k power steering goes out. I never had a power steering problem with my 2002 chevey sub with 160k witch we still drive--never had a power steering problem with my 2002 gmc den with 251k witch we still drive. .Buick knows they made a engineering design flawed car with their first enclave suv at the expense in money and lives of the 2008 owners all 2008 enclaves should be grounded like the 787 was before boeing/faa found out what was causing the battery fires and fixed them!!.Why is a flying public life worth more than the a driving public life? If you and buick will not ground the enclave then at least they should be a free safety check ever quarter for the life of the car for their design flaw problems.I think there are 12. Ps I cannot write 6 times so I put last one on 'when did this happen.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 10954581

Buick Enclave electrical complaints by year

Enclave electrical problems, every year

Had a electrical problem with your 2008 Enclave? Tell other owners.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience