RoadVitals

2011 Buick Enclave

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
211
Latest Apr 19, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Oct 7, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
17
18 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 211 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Buick Enclave, most frequently naming the steering, airbags and engine categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,473 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Oct 7, 2021
555 units potentially affected
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, LLCManufacturer number N212349040View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Apr 8, 2021
108 units potentially affected
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, LLCManufacturer number N202321200View on NHTSA.gov

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Jun 30, 2015
691,144 units potentially affected
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 LLCManufacturer number 15240View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA20002ClosedEngineering Analysis

Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure

Opened Aug 31, 2020
Closed Aug 30, 2024

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 BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGELed to recall 21V245
RQ19003ClosedRecall Query

Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure

Opened May 28, 2019
Closed Aug 31, 2020

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

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 19, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11732241
Incident
Apr 18, 2026
Filed Sep 27, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11616954
Incident
Sep 25, 2024
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave equipped with Sentury Tires, Tire Line: National Commando HTS, Tire Size: 255/55/R20, DOT Number: [XXX] . 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 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)

NHTSA ID
11595137
Incident
May 18, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 17, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11594803
Incident
Mar 14, 2024
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Nov 15, 2023

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

NHTSA ID
11555244
Incident
Mar 6, 2023
Airbags
Filed Nov 14, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11555098
Incident
Nov 12, 2023
Mileage
150,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 15, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11544804
Incident
Aug 15, 2023
Mileage
180,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2023

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!!!

NHTSA ID
11537579
Incident
Aug 9, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT6002C

This is to advise about a part concern

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5214G

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Buick Enclave by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026210
2025360046.1
2024700
2023190045.8
2022131053.6
2021252047.4
2020566061.5
2019421047.8
2018640048.5
20171793052.4
20161404052.6
20151705050.4
20142927262.7
2013684257.6
20121326262.3
2011Viewing2116261.0
20102756255.7
20092208358.9
20085366154.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.