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

Vehicle safety record

2011 Buick Enclave Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 213 complaints about the 2011 Buick Enclave with NHTSA, most often about the steering (41) and the airbags (38). Those complaints describe 14 crashes, 3 fires and 18 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in October 2021 for the frontal. For comparison, the 2010 has 275 and the 2012 has 133.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical Enclave year, for its age

#45 most complained-about 2011 vehicle

Complaints
213
Recalls
6
Crashes
14
Fires
3
Injuries
18
Deaths
0

Most common 2011 Buick Enclave problems

Share of all 213 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2011 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

Air bags: frontal

21V782000555 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags: critical fasteners

21V246000108 vehicles affected

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.

Structure: hatchback / liftgate

15V415000691,144 vehicles affected

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.

Seat belts

14V2660001,339,355 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags: side / window

14V1180001,176,407 vehicles affected

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.

Visibility: linkages

12V15100047,846 vehicles affected

The problem
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet traverse, buick enclave, and gmc acadia vehicles currently registered in alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, wyoming and the district of columbia. Snow or ice buildup on the windshield or on the wiper may restrict the movement of the wiper arm, causing the wiper arm to loosen and cause the wiper to become inoperative.
The risk
If this occurs, driver visibility could be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Gm will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 20, 2012.

What owners say

Be the first Enclave owner to share.

Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now

213 complaints about the 2011 Buick Enclave

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.

LightsEngine & cooling

The check engine light has been on for over 2 years now. It turns off and on, so it makes it hard to pass the emission test. I have replaced what shows on the emission testvas failed which are both catalyc converters, oxygen sensors and I also had to replace the engine in 2018. I have spent over $10k on the car and it still has the same codes appearing. I take it to different mechanics and they tell me they don't find anything because what the emission report states is not a problem on the vehicle. They don't understand why the light is on and they all tell me this is a huge problem with Buick Enclaves. Just get rid of it and never buy another one.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11770526
Engine & cooling

I drove to work just fine on May 19th, 2020, when I got off work around 3pm. I started the car and as I was about to pull out on Brightleaf BLVD in smithfield, NC my car just stopped. I contacted OnStar and they pulled many codes P02AD,P0300 x2, P0305 x 2 at 126,362 miles with 73% oil life remaining. I contacted by Mechanic and was able to have it towed to his show for him to inspect it and the engine was totally seized. While I did research before purchasing this car the year before (I only average about 6k miles...

Read the full complaint

a year) I missed that this year and several others have a known issue that the engines can grenade themselves. I called my insurance company as I had full coverage and gap coverage they denied my claim and I was stuck with 1 $10k paperweight and no vehicle to get to and from work. GM does not care about their customers and should issue a recall on this engine for this issue. While I did not have this car long I did my routine maintenance for what little I drove it and it left me high and dry with nothing to show for it.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11760962
Wheels & tires

While driving, the Kenda Klever tire experienced a sudden and complete tread separation. The tread detached in one solid ring from the rest of the tire. The failure happened without warning. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and safely pull over. There were no injuries. Klever ST 255/60R19

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11732241
Other & unknown

Ignition not acting like it's in the right spot like not starting when turning key it moves like it's loose and turned off while driving. Thankfully was driving very slow and coasted to the side of road when it died at first acted like it was going to start again but it did just drive back home. Just bought suv from mother in law and already replaced alternator last week

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11616954
Wheels & tires

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave equipped with Sentury Tires, Tire Line: National Commando HTS, Tire Size: 255/55/R20, DOT Number: [[redacted]] . The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23T009000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tire was frequently flat. The contact stated that air was added to the tire several times; however, the failure recurred. The local dealer was contacted, but no...

Read the full complaint

assistance was provided. The tire was not replaced. The tire was a replacement tire. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 11595137
Transmission & drivetrain

I have had my car looked at and my camshaft reductor wheel/valve is broken. This happened very unexpectedly and almost caused a serious accident at highway speeds. I was able to drift the car to the shoulder from the middle lane, but almost was hit by a semi when my car randomly stalled out in the middle of I-5. This is a problem I have sense researched and has happened to many others with the same car and model year.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11594803
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

Brakes are not stopping in time they are continuously scrubbing I have changed brakes and rotors and they are continuously scrubbing and not allowing me to stop in time nearly almost ran off the road I have got my brakes inspected but mechanic say there was nothing wrong the place I took it to but there is something wrong with the brakes. There is a electrical problem when it rains things stopped working inside the car every time it rains like my speakers my warning sensors things in that sort. There's also an acceleration issue it is not catching speed it's been doing this since I got the car how to basically mash it to the floor just for the vehicle to go

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11555244
Airbags

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to an unknown recall. The mechanic contacted an unknown dealer and was informed that they could not assist because vehicle had previously been repaired under TSB Number: 15536. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11555098
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to make a beeping sound alert for nearby pedestrians. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system and the turn signals sound system had failed to operate while activated. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11544804
Engine & cooling

While driving at 60 mph around a curve with an incoming semi, the car suddenly lost power and the steering locked up. By the grace of God, we were able to avoid the semi and get it off the road. Had it towed to mechanic who said the engine was blown. Regular maintenance always kept. Just had oil changed two weeks ago. This could have been deadly!!!

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11537579
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

On February 27, 2023 while on the road in the morning heading to work I stopped at a red light. When the light turned green my 2011 Buick GMC Enclave hesitated when I proceeded to accelerate. My vehicle moved slightly then without notice it stopped in the middle of a busy road as several cars backed up behind me as my check engine light came on. Also, while my foot was on the brakes, my vehicle was rolling backwards. In lieu to this hazard to myself and other drivers I placed my vehicle in park. My vehicle was...

Read the full complaint

towed at my own out of pocket expense of $125.00 in addition to $16.99 for a Lyft ride home. Two days later the auto shop informed me they checked my battery and alternator and both was good. They continued to tell me they drove my vehicle and it did not cut off or stop running. I informed them I DON'T FEEL SAFE KNOWING MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT NOTICE could they check it again. They kept my vehicle another day and they stated NO CODES SHOWED UP AGAIN THAT THEY CAN POINT TO A SPECIFIC ISSUE. Again, another out of pocket diagnostic expense of $125.00. On 02/28/23 I contacted AutoNation Buick GMC Laurel to inquire if there has been a RECALL in place. The representative stated there WAS NO RECALL IN PLACE. After extensive research and review to my ultimate shocking surprise I see numerous complaints have been expressed with Buick GMC from consumers and previous customers outlining their concerns and this hazardous life threatening situation of THEIR BUICK STOPPING WITHOUT NOTICE. Buick GMC is aware of this repeated life threatening and dangerous issue from consumers and from previous customers year after year after year. Buick GMC nevertheless STILL REMAINS SILENT AND HAVE TAKEN NO ACTIONS NO REMEDY NO RECOURSE ABOUT AMENDING AND CORRECTING THE DANGERS OF THEIR MANUFACTURED VEHICLES. SUBSEQUENTLY, BUICK GMC HAVE NOT TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11509923
Airbags

Airbag light keeps coming on and going off

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11495240
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureWheels & tiresCrash

I was driving and the other person ran the stop light and hit my car making me go in and hit another car from the other side.

Filed Incident Power train · Structure · WheelsNHTSA 11486799
Engine & cooling

The check engine light comes on and off. The dealer pulled code P0008. Engine position system performance bank. There is a bulletin out for this code, indicating the crankshaft moves and gets out of time. They said the only fix is to replace the crankshaft. The dealer advised replacing the engine, since the cost is about the same, $9,864.21. I have kept up the maintenance on the vehicle, and it has only 132,820 miles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11481701
Steering

At low speed all power steering is lost. Almost ran into a parked car. When pulling from a driveway onto the roadway almost hit another car head on. My wife will no longer drive the car because of this.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11480571
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,825.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11452286
Seats & seat belts

Driver's seat plastic frame components came apart from one another on left side. This area contains electric seat wiring and motors and connectors. Parts of plastic connectors have broken and seat must be held together with strapping tape. This was (several years ago) "repaired" twice under warranty but continues to fail. I fear the electrical components within the seat frame are at risk. The right passenger front seat is showing similar signs of coming apart.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11446491
Other & unknown1 injury

The power lift trunk closes unexpectedly. It has been doing it a few times and it is very dangerous as it does not stop when something stops it. It closed on my head and pushed me inside the vehicle - it injured my head with the impact drawing blood. It is scary how dangerous this is!!

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11427443
Transmission & drivetrain

While driving at highway speeds, with cruise control set the vehicle started to violently shake almost causing me to lose control of the vehicle. After having the vehicle inspected I was informed that the transmission is known to have an issue with the 3rd and 5th clutch pack causing the vehicle to shake when they are trying to engage. This is no lights on the dash and no other warning signs of said issue. I have an appointment to have the issue resolved which entails to have the transmission either rebuild or replaced.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11424132
Airbags

THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.????

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11408516
Body, doors & structure

The rear lift gate gave out and and will no longer go up or down automatically or stay up when open, the door will shut on you.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11408285
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainBrakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick enclave. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle on a slight incline with the transmission in drive, the vehicle would roll backwards down the hill. During the failure, the brakes and power steering also became inoperable. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer carl black chevrolet buick gmc (11500 east colonial dr, orlando, fl 32817) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 138,000. The vin was not available.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 11399268
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Codes p0017 and p0008 camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position keeps coming on driving and parked running. Even after replacing the sensor.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11375379
Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission needed replaced at 160,000, issue been goin on for about 1 year or 10,000 miles has had oil leaks, have had to fill fuild up regularly, seems like all of these gm, chevy, buick and saturn's all have had the same issue with transmissions

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11374181
Brakes

The brake slide is aluminum blocks with stainless steel pins. This is improper design since a catalyst action corrodes the aluminum causing aluminum oxide to freeze the pins making the brakes to seize against the rotor. This burns the pads and caused breaking away of pad material. I have only 28000 miles and the brakes are gone. Also results in low fuel milage. Possible cause of highway accident such as happened in spring killing a woman on i-65 south of indianapolis. I was fortunate no personal accident...

Read the full complaint

occurred. Wrote gm and was brushed off. Vehicle used only on trips with mostly highway miles. But brakes are gone so replaced but will not fix gm problem. Black and polished like black onyx stone.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11359758

Buick Enclave: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2015171570AirbagsC
2014292793AirbagsF
201371431Engine & coolingB
2012133690Body, doors & structureC
20112136143SteeringD
2010275651SteeringD
2009220836SteeringD
200853661310Transmission & drivetrainF
All Enclave years

2011 Buick Enclave vs rivals

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.

Own a 2011 Buick Enclave? Share your experience.

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.

Questions about the 2011 Buick Enclave

Does the 2011 Buick Enclave have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Buick Enclave?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (41), airbags (38), engine & cooling (38).

How many complaints has the 2011 Buick Enclave had?

213 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 3, 2011 and the latest on October 12, 2026. Of these, 14 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 18 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2011 Buick Enclave a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 29 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?
What should I do if my 2011 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

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