CSR

Buick · NHTSA safety record

2012 Buick Enclave

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

132

Complaints

9

Crashes

0

Fires

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2012 Buick Enclave have filed 132 safety complaints with NHTSA between June 2012 and May 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 24 of them (18%). The typical failure was reported at 78,000 miles, the median across the 94 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 6 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (6)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

21V782000 · October 7, 2021

The defect
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 remedy
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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 555 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

21V246000 · April 8, 2021

The defect
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 remedy
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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 108 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

15V415000 · June 30, 2015

The defect
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 remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 691,144 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS

14V266000 · May 20, 2014

The defect
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 remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 1,339,355 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

14V118000 · March 17, 2014

The defect
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 remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 1,176,407 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

12V151000 · April 9, 2012

The defect
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 remedy
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.

GENERAL MOTORS LLC · up to 47,846 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure

EA20002

Closed engineering analysis · opened August 31, 2020 · closed August 30, 2024 · led to recall 21V245

the seat belts

On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired for this defect under recall 14V-266. The subject vehicle population is approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Special Coverage N192219480, issued in June 2019, addressed the subject defect in vehicles that previously received the recall remedy repair for subject recall 14V-266. The Special Coverage allows for component replacement for 12 years or 180,000 miles from the initial sale date, whichever comes first. Special Coverage N192219480 instructed service technicians to inspect the driver’s seat belt anchor cable for any damage to the protective sleeve and if damage was observed, the cable was replaced with a new sleeve as well as a new closeout piece that relocated the cable to mitigate the subject condition. In view of the Special Coverage conducted by General Motors, the high detectability of the subject failure, and the low rate of occurrence, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. Please see the attached document “EA20-002 Detailed Closing Summary” for more a detailed closing resume summary.

Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure

RQ19003

Closed recall query · opened May 28, 2019 · closed August 31, 2020

the seat belts

On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occupant entry path. ODI has subsequently received four (4) Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQ) reporting anchor cable separations with no apparent warning in covered vehicles after the Recall 14V266 remedy had been applied.ODI opened RQ19-003 to assess the effectiveness of the actions GM took in Recall 14V266 and review the full warranty and complaint data related to seat belt anchor cable separations and replacements. ODI continues to receive occasional cable failure complaints both for the subject vehicles and other GM models and model years that have also been previously recalled addressing this condition.Although the cable separation complaint rate is very low, over the past three years ODI has received two (2) additional VOQ?s citing belt cable separations for Lambda platform vehicles outside the scope of recall 14V266, (11217092, 11118075) and complaints for other GM models covered in a number of similar Safety Recalls:* 15V269, 2011-12 Chevrolet Malibu (11181115, 11288168); * 16V209, 2014-15 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 (11254364, 10935183, 10953851, 11025376, 11282043, 11288701, 11309884); and * 16V518 2014-16 Caprice Police Pursuit, SS (10905644, 10990669, 11340893).ODI's review of GM's data confirms the low potential failure rate for the vehicles covered by recall 14V266. However, ODI believes that complainants may not recognize accumulating cable fatigue damage from the visual cues available in routine vehicle use.ODI is upgrading RQ19-003 to an Engineering Analysis to more closely assess seat belt conditions and strength levels in the field. This work will include the collection of seat belt samples from a wider range of recalled and peer vehicles for detailed analysis and testing.The ODI reports (VOQs) associated with this RQ19-003 can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11144704, 11076704, 11185619, 11151922, 11164011, 10967518, 11113486, 11115648

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 132.

ENGINE 24 18%
STRUCTURE 24 18%
AIR BAGS 21 16%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19 14%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 19 14%
STEERING 17 13%
POWER TRAIN 13 10%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 6 5%
SEAT BELTS 3 2%
SUSPENSION 3 2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 19.

2012 2019 2026
2012 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

4 injured · crash · 132,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph a second vehicle crashed into the passenger side causing severe damage to the vehicle. During the crash, the passenger-side curtain air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained neck, back, and shoulder inquiries. The front passenger sustained head neck and back injuries. The second-row driver-side passenger suffered a head injury. The second-row passenger-side occupant suffered a head and neck and arm injury. The service dog located in the 3rd row was also injured during the crash. Medical attention was sought a couple of days after the incident. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was not

NHTSA complaint 11440500, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

3 injured · crash · 30,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE AND ALL OF THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND ARM. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, BACK AND SHOULDERS. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES, AS WELL AS UPPER AND LOWER BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE

NHTSA complaint 10505682, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 injured · 96,000 miles

THE POWER BACK DOOR"HATCH" SLAMS SHUT AFTER OPENING. BE THE POWER ON OR OFF. SOMETIMES IT WILL STAY OPEN OTHER TIMES IT SLAMS SHUT. IT DOESN'T MATTER EVEN IF YOU ARE STANDING THERE. IT HAS SLAMMED SEVERAL TIMES ON MY CHILDRENS' HEADS. I EMAILED BUICK BUT THEY STATED MY CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL BUT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY THE SAME PROBLEM THE OTHER 2012 BUICK ENCLAVES WERE HAVING.

NHTSA complaint 10984654. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 injured · 78,000 miles

LIFTGATE COMES CRASHING DOWN AFTER OPENING AND STAYING UP FOR A FEW SECONDS

NHTSA complaint 11205323. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
While driving, the vehicle suddenly and without warning experienced a severe, dangerous loss of acceleration. The dashboard immediately displayed a "Reduced Engine Power" warning message along with a "Service StabiliTrak" light, forcing the vehicle into an immediate electronic fail-safe "limp mode." This sudden, drastic reduction in engine power severely restricts the vehicle's ability to maintain safe roadway speeds, accelerate from a stop, or merge safely into traffic, posing an immediate rear-end collision hazard to myself and other motorists. Furthermore, the defect simultaneously disables critical active safety systems by shutting down the StabiliTrak and Traction Control networks. A

NHTSA complaint 11738309, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
While sitting at a traffic light my engine runs rough, then it dies

NHTSA complaint 11727724. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission needs replacing

NHTSA complaint 11675512. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump, throttle body, and High pressure fuel pump. Car makes door lock noises and’s completely cuts off while driving over 20 times now on highway and all. Have gotten several things repaired in addition to these listed things and after repairing car works fine for a few months then needing to be replaced again. No codes are being given other then abs, traction control warning and stabilitrak

NHTSA complaint 11657657. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS
Steering wheel airbag warning. Seat belts fraying. The underneath welding for the support bar, potentially the rear axel, came unwelded.

NHTSA complaint 11647163. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

118,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and hesitated while attempting to accelerate and depressing the accelerator pedal. During the failure, the check engine warning light momentarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while opening the rear liftgate door, there was a clicking sound coming from the driver's side rear liftgate door strut. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact was

NHTSA complaint 11645043, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Buick Enclave

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 36 0
2022 13 1
2021 25 2
2020 56 6
2019 42 1
2018 64 0
2017 179 3
2016 140 4
2015 171 5
2014 292 7
2013 68 4
2011 211 6
2010 275 6

Other 2012 Buick models

Every Buick on this site — 60 vehicles, 172 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst