- The problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia 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. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.
Vehicle safety record
2016 Buick Enclave Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 142 complaints about the 2016 Buick Enclave with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (110) and the transmission & drivetrain (11). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 5 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2023 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2015 has 171 and the 2017 has 179.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Enclave year, for its age
#76 most complained-about 2016 vehicle
- Complaints
- 142
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2016 Buick Enclave problems
Share of all 142 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2016 Buick Enclave recalls 4
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 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.
- The problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.
- The risk
- If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21930.
- The problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
- The risk
- A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.
What owners say
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142 complaints about the 2016 Buick Enclave
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
The X50A underhood fuse block (passenger side, near battery) has melted through at terminal 51 / run crank relay location. Plastic housing is burned through with charred bus bars and melted connector underneath, next to main battery cable. Vehicle first showed "Service Stabilitrak," "Service Traction Control," and "Engine Power Reduced," then went to crank-no-start condition requiring repeated jump starts to move. Codes P1682 and P0689 present. Each jump causes more heating at melted area. This is documented...
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defect in GM TSB 19NA276 and PIT5406C for loose terminals causing arcing and thermal damage in 2013-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia. Vehicle is primary family vehicle used daily to transport 6 children. Failure caused loss of power and no-start while responsible for 6 children, creating unsafe stranding and fire risk with children in vehicle. Vehicle is now parked with battery disconnected due to fire concern. Request investigation for recall for X50A thermal events.
I purchased this used 2016 Buick Enclave in July 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began repeatedly jerking and hesitating while driving. During occurrences, Traction Control/StabiliTrak warnings appeared and the vehicle experienced loss of power and difficulty accelerating normally. I reported the jerking/drivability problem to the selling dealer. On July 27, 2026, the selling dealer attempted a repair after I reported the jerking/drivability problem. Within approximately five minutes of leaving the...
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dealership, the vehicle began jerking again. I then took the vehicle to an auto-parts store, where an OBD-II scan produced multiple diagnostic trouble codes, including P0300 engine misfire and several MAP-sensor-related codes. I have photographs documenting the scan results. The vehicle became disabled shortly thereafter and required towing. It was subsequently evaluated by an independent repair facility, where the MAP sensor was replaced. The vehicle later again experienced the jerking/loss-of-power condition and StabiliTrak/Traction Control warnings. On August 10, the vehicle became disabled again. These incidents have occurred while driving in traffic. When the condition occurs, I cannot reliably accelerate or maintain normal vehicle operation, creating a safety concern because I may be unable to move safely with surrounding traffic. The specific cause is UNKNOWN. The vehicle has been evaluated by the selling dealer and an independent repair facility and is being taken to an authorized Buick dealership for further diagnosis. The vehicle is available for inspection.
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
I am seeing that these have been repaired, when in fact it has not been repaired.
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.
We have had spark plugs fixed twice in the past 4 months and they keep faltering. Both mechanics changed them
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called several dealers and was informed that the part was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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...
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plastic covers under the mat so I can disconnect the battery so it doesn't run down. The rear wiper will not shut off now since this started.I am a 75 yr old widow and wonder how this problem has not been on a recall. It causes a very dangerous situation.I will try to see if I can get it into a Buick dealer this week and pray God it doesn't cost me an arm and leg to repair it. There are service bulletins on this problem and seems to be quite freqent yet I have not received any notifications from you.If this happens at night in a parking lot what am I to do? Can the car catch on fire by not shutting off?
My airbags were recalled May 10, 2023 and I have been trying to get them replaced under recall # 23V334 for over a year now and am continously told that the part is on backorder.
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious concern regarding General Motors (GM) and the incomplete recall of certain vehicles that pose significant safety risks to consumers. Specifically, I am referring to the recall announced on May 10, 2023, under Manufacturer Recall Number N232404980 and NHTSA Recall Number 23V334, affecting the 2014-2017 model year Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia. According to the recall notice, a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in these vehicles due to...
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a potential manufacturing defect in the front-driver airbag inflator. This defect may lead to inflator rupture during deployment, allowing metal fragments to enter the vehicle interior, which could result in severe injury or death to occupants. The safety risks associated with this defect are alarming, and it is unacceptable that GM has failed to provide a timely remedy for affected consumers. The recall status remains incomplete, leaving many vehicle owners, including myself, in a precarious situation regarding our safety. Additionally, my vehicle is financed through Wells Fargo, and unfortunately, my warranty has expired. This leaves me with no available remedies for a critical safety issue that GM should be addressing. I believe that GM has not fulfilled its obligations under applicable laws and regulations concerning vehicle safety recalls. As a consumer, I urge the NHTSA to take action to ensure that GM expedites the remedy process for this critical safety issue and holds them accountable for the potential risks posed to my minor children and provide a remedy to consumers.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Everytime I call the dealership they say there is no fix to this recall that could potentially injure or kill me while driving.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
This recall has been open for over a year with no indication of when the repair will be made. For something like an airbag, this extended time seems unreasonable. Please "encourage" GM to make the repair parts available to its dealerships ASAP.
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. 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 aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
This recall was issued May 2023 and remedy is still not available more than a year later. This is unacceptable as this recall could be life threatening in event the air bag were to deploy.
Buick Enclave: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 61 | 6 | B |
| 2019 | 45 | 1 | A |
| 2018 | 66 | 0 | B |
| 2017 | 179 | 3 | C |
| 2016 | 142 | 4 | C |
| 2015 | 171 | 5 | C |
| 2014 | 292 | 7 | F |
| 2013 | 71 | 4 | B |
| 2012 | 133 | 6 | C |
2016 Buick Enclave vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Buick Enclave | 142 | 4 | C | |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 2,466 | 15 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | 1,263 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Ford Edge | 932 | 7 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Subaru Outback | 643 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 313 | 9 | A | Compare |
| 2016 Hyundai Santa FE | 238 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2016 GMC Acadia | 236 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Dodge Durango | 161 | 3 | B | 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 2016 Buick Enclave
Does the 2016 Buick Enclave have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Buick Enclave: inflator module (May 2023); frontal (October 2021); seats (December 2015); motor (September 2015). 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 2016 Buick Enclave?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (110), transmission & drivetrain (11), engine & cooling (10).
How many complaints has the 2016 Buick Enclave had?
142 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 19, 2016 and the latest on November 1, 2026. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2016 Buick Enclave a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 2016 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