- The problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212349040.
Vehicle safety record
2010 Buick Enclave Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 275 complaints about the 2010 Buick Enclave with NHTSA, most often about the steering (126) and the engine & cooling (74). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in October 2021 for the frontal. For comparison, the 2009 has 220 and the 2011 has 213.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Enclave year, for its age
#46 most complained-about 2010 vehicle
- Complaints
- 275
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2010 Buick Enclave problems
Share of all 275 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2010 Buick Enclave recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- The risk
- Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.
- The 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.
- The risk
- If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
- The 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.
- The problem
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
- The risk
- If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
- The fix
- General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.
- The problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
- The risk
- Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.
- The problem
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 chevrolet traverse, buick enclave, gmc acadia, and saturn outlook vehicles. The second row seat side trim shield restricts the upward rotation of the safety belt buckle when the seat back is returned to a seating position after being folded flat. If the buckle contacts the seat frame, additional effort is required to return the seat to a seating position. If sufficient force is applied, the buckle cover could be pushed down the strap, exposing and partially depressing the red release button.
- The risk
- The safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
- The fix
- Dealers will modify the second row seat side trim shields. If a safety belt buckle is damaged, dealers will replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, buick at 1-866-608-8080, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, and saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
What owners say
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275 complaints about the 2010 Buick Enclave
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.
I am filing this safety complaint regarding a sudden and dangerous engine failure in a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL purchased from Frankfort Car Outlet on 8/25/2025. On 10/25/2025, while driving on the expressway, the engine suddenly began knocking, lost power, and stalled. This created a serious safety risk to myself and other drivers. The failure occurred only 60 days after purchase and approximately 2,000 miles later, suggesting a pre-existing internal defect that the dealership did not disclose. The dealership has...
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refused to inspect the vehicle, acknowledge the safety risk, or assist in any way. This type of sudden engine failure could pose a serious hazard if similar vehicles have the same issue, and I believe NHTSA should be aware of the potential risk.
The engine and fuel pump system failed while driving the vehicle. It is available upon request to inspect. I just towed it to the shop today on 10/22/25 to get a full inspection. My sister and I were put at risk while driving towards a hill in San Francisco. It was on a busy main road when suddenly the vehicle began to jerk and thud back and forth. While I pushed the gas pedal, I began to question why the vehicle was suddenly reacting this way. In efforts to pull over to the side, a huge smoke fog began to come out...
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of the exhaust pipe. As I tried to reach the curb the car didn't want to move any further as I pushed on the gas. I put it in park and called the tow truck (receipts below) while there were cars passing me by almost causing an accident. I have looked online to see if there was a problem or recall with this vehicle having the same issue I was having. Come to find out there was a recall issued for certain vehicles only, with the same issue as my vehicle. The vehicle was taken into a local auto shop, where they diagnosed it and inspected it. The reports show it has the same exact issues with the car as those that were recalled. No there were not any warning signs nor failure signals. Due to this reason, I was completely caught off guard.
I purchased a 2010 Buick Enclave from a dealer who did not disclose any major issues with the vehicle. After purchase, I began experiencing significant problems while driving, including difficulty shifting, loss of power, and unstable handling. Concerned for my safety, I took the Buick to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic verified that: •The wrong transmission had been installed in the vehicle, causing unsafe shifting and performance issues. •The driveshaft was malfunctioning, which affects the stability and...
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control of the SUV. •No warning or check engine lights were on •CV axel bolts were zip tied closed Because of these defects, the mechanic told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. These problems were never disclosed to me at the time of sale, and I would not have purchased the vehicle had I known.
The timing chain broke and my transmission needs to be replaced.
Bad timing chain at 141,000 miles
The engine was built with the same components as the 2008/2009 models and they have been recalled, the oil drains out of the engine rapidly and causes engine to seize and had to be replaced.
Car was running just fine had its oil changed new tires added and it just stopped running. Got it checked with a car technician and he stated it's the engine.
While driving down the road, the locks on the doors will suddenly lock, unlock, lock and unlock. After that the engine slows way down losing power, then it will be okay to give it more gas and it speeds up. The last couple of times this happened, the car lost all power and stahled.
When the driver seat is moved the service air bag light comes on. When you move the seat again the light goes off.
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The contact stated that the ECM warning light had remained illuminated. Additionally, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered water and mold under the carpet and electrical components submerged in the water. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Timing belt chain
Purchased new, dealer twice during warranty kept vehicle for 6 weeks to do recall notice repairs. Now this 2010 has 42,000 miles and the steering is going bad. SB10056459-3388 describes the exact problem. During these two periods that recall repairs were done that should have addressed the problem even though the problem had not surfaced yet. This was a wear condition i was never informed of. It is getting worse now.
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The...
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vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed again that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the issue would be escalated. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the power steering failed at speeds of 15 mph or less. In addition, the failure occurred while making a turn. The contact stated the vehicle would have to use manual steering in order to operate the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle prior to starting the engine. After starting the vehicle, the noise became louder. While operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and a humming noise was present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated that the transmission gear was faulty. The vehicle was serviced however, the failure persisted. No further information was...
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available. In addition, after refueling the vehicle would not immediately startup. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I have 2 of these booster seats and both of them the back is no longer locking into the base. It folds as the child is getting into the Seat. It doesn't stay in place even if the child has their car seatbelt on making it dangerous while riding in it as it may fold. I have not had it inspected. I am just wanting to know what you can do to help me. Also, thus won't let me put the correct Manufacturer date of 09/21/2019 in.
The power steering has issues when turning it seems to not work. Been have this problem for about a year. I've talked to other Buick owners and they have the same problem. I also have electrical issues on the drivers side door panel, where none of the switches work. Just all of a sudden quit.
I was driving my vehicle when it suddenly stalled and would not start, I had it towed to a mechanic and was advised it needed an engine, this was a known problem with the 2008, 2009, 2010 buick enclaves, because of the oil pump draining the engine of oil it seized the engine. I called gm and asked why they haven't recalled the 2010 along with 2008, and 2009 models with the same engine and issue. They said its been acknowledged but there is no future date if or when the 2010 buick enclave would be recalled for the...
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engine- oil failure! This cost over $4800 dollars to get fixed, I just purchased the car from a dealership less than a year prior, very disappointed with dealer for not making me aware to check oil every few days so this wouldn't happen. I also just had the oil change done a month before the engine seized!
The 2010 buick enclave has been well kept. I had just purchased it and only drove it for 2 months. I was driving on the freeway at 70miles per hour then the check engine light came on and the car lost power down to 40miles I had to pull off the freeway. Almost hit. The hole system shut down it wouldn't start at all had it towed to the dealer they said the timing chain jummped and locked up your motor it will be 10 thousand to fix I dont have that kind of money so now I m paying a loan on a car that does not work.
While driving in single digit temps in icy road conditions in traffic using the brakes a lot my traction control light came in and I got a service your traction control system and engine power was reduced causing me to not have control of the vehicle in heavy traffic and dangerous road conditions. Traction control will not come back on after the vehicle has been turned off and restarted. Road conditions were so bad traffic was moving 5-10mph on highway. The reduced engine power happened as soon as I started turning right on another road due to how slick the highway was.
The throttle - position sensor is not working properly and engine started acting up while driving
Jan. 10 At 8 am my daughter and I left salt lake city to drive home to las vegas. At 8 am, everything was fine, no noise from the vehicle no clanking, no smell. I could do u turns and sharp turns to park the vehicle before stopping to get a bagel. We entered the 15 south to head home, we are driving at speeds of 70-80mph. At approximately 11:00am we are reaching the town of beaver, utah. I needed to pull off the freeway to gas up and wanted an espresso. We exit the freeway and as I start slowing I can tell my power...
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steering has gone out, I almost hit on coming traffic while turning to the right when coming off the exit because it was so extremely difficult to steer. The other driver had to swerve in to the dirt area to avoid hitting my daughter and i, followed us to the gas station and yelled at me until he realized something was wrong with my steering.. We had to pay to have the vehicle towed to st george utah to rons shell mechanic station. Ron thought maybe it was a bad pump or rack (even though there were no signs of it going bad). We paid over 2 grand trying to get it fixed and there are intermittent power steering issues, finally ron gave up and said thats the best he can do. After investigating I see many other people are having power steering failure with 2010 gmc buick enclaves. Gmc needs to take this seriously. My daughter and I were almost hit head on! Because of instant power steering failure with no warning what so ever!! This needs to be corrected asap!!
2010 Buick enclave with 116,164 miles, just over 10,00 per year, engine developed a spun rod bearing and quit while driving. Steering lost power and engine stopped. I had to push it backwards to get out of an intersection. I had just started a right turn. 22 Month earlier the timing chain stretched on the vehicle costing $2000 in repairs. Oil was changed every 5000 or less miles and used mobile 1 synthetic oil the entire time. This and owners of earlier model years report this same problem from this vehicle. A well maintained vehicle should not have these two problems which points to some failure in design or manufacture. Vehicle is now junk.
Engine light is coming on due to issue with timing chain. My mechanic said gm issued a service bulletin and gm offered extended warranty coverage to fix the problem for model year 2009 but not 2010 (which is my model year). It was a known problem and gm refuses to cover the repair of the timing chain replacement.
WHEN SLOWING DOWN, STEERING GETS HARD TO TURN
Buick Enclave: every year compared
All Enclave years2010 Buick Enclave vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Buick Enclave | 275 | 6 | D | |
| 2010 Ford Edge | 673 | 7 | C | Compare |
| 2010 Subaru Outback | 360 | 18 | D | Compare |
| 2010 GMC Acadia | 348 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2010 Hyundai Santa FE | 260 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2010 Toyota Highlander | 238 | 10 | C | Compare |
| 2010 Mazda CX-9 | 195 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2010 Nissan Murano | 193 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER | 147 | 12 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2010 Buick Enclave
Does the 2010 Buick Enclave have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2010 Buick Enclave: frontal (October 2021); critical fasteners (April 2021); hatchback / liftgate (June 2015); seat belts (May 2014) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Buick Enclave?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (126), engine & cooling (74), transmission & drivetrain (34).
How many complaints has the 2010 Buick Enclave had?
275 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 5, 2009 and the latest on November 24, 2025. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2010 Buick Enclave a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 28 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Buick Enclave year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Enclave years have the most complaints?
2008 (536), 2014 (292), 2010 (275). See every Buick Enclave year compared.
What should I do if my 2010 Buick Enclave has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
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