2017 Buick Enclave Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Buick Enclave, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags14574.0%
- Driver assistance94.6%
- Electrical84.1%
- Engine52.6%
- Interior & seats52.6%
- Seat belts42.0%
- Powertrain (other)42.0%
- Body & structure31.5%
- Visibility21.0%
- Brakes21.0%
- Fuel system21.0%
- Exterior lighting21.0%
- Steering21.0%
- Suspension10.5%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
- Other / unspecified10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
We keep getting notifications that our 16 yr/old daughters car has an airbag safety recall with communication on it about how "quick" and "easy" it is to have the airbag recall repaired but it is ALL LIES! We have been waiting almost 1 year and the dealerships still can't get a replacement airbag from the manufacturer 's to do said replacement. This is insane and unethical. They are playing with people's lives knowing full well that the average consumer can't fix this or just go buy a new car. I want justice!
Responded to a Recall notice on passenger air bag in August 2025. Have had vehicle to GM dealership many times. They can't fix it. And won't call me back. Have called Buick direct and they are also having trouble with the dealership. But the service employees at Buick have been very helpful. This is a safety issue and haven't driven my Buick much since August. I'm elderly and feel i may be being abused. Thanks for any help.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The door locks independently latched and unlatched. In addition, the traction control error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with a power steering fluid leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating, with the electronic stability warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced intermittent engine failure prior to the vehicle stalling. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The door locks independently latched and unlatched. In addition, the traction control error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with a power steering fluid leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to have the vehicle serviced at the dealer, but services were declined. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000, and at the time of obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 95,015. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for service, but was not repaired. The State Attorney General was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating, with the electronic stability warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced intermittent engine failure prior to the vehicle stalling. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the engine and TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The door locks independently latched and unlatched. In addition, the traction control error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with a power steering fluid leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
See attached document for complaint
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Seat belt became detached from the seat on the drivers side where it attaches to the left hand side of the seat.
I was rear ended on the highway going 65 mph. The rear driver side was completely crushed. The air bags didn't go off. Seat belts didn't lock up and the driver's seat broke.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Shortly after purchasing my 2017 enclave premium around 60000 I noticed a problem that felt like vehicle's tires were skipping when making sharp turns. Upon my own extensive research (as I didn’t have time money and couldn’t go won’t vehicle) discovered a clutch pack needed replaced. This is after replacing the battery and brakes nit even a month after buying. Later after taking it for an oil change I received a report stating the rear differential was cracked and power steering rack needed replaced. While driving in rush hour traffic one day all power steering was lost with no explanation. Still having problems with tire pressure monitor replacing multiple tire stems and tires. Won’t start after filling with gas or is stuck in crank position trying to start when it finally dies it wants to stall out. Currently headlights are flickering with no known cause. Oh and the driver heated seat stopped working right after purchase. I’m at a huge loss with repairs costing more than the worth of a vehicle that continues to have serious issues even after fixing the problem it seems to repeat itself. Owe too much to trade in. All these problems are known to occur I cannot believe this isn’t a lemon or recalled parts. If not in enclave same thing happens in similar vehicles made by sane manufacturers during the same years. I will never purchase another GMC nor purchase from Toyota who failed to help after purchase.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
> Failed component is the front sun roof window > The shattering of the glass sounded like a bullet coming through the roof of the car. Sprayed me with glass from the implosion. I was in heavy rush hour traffic. >There are several complaints about the sun roof window just shattering. > Not at this time. >No warning or cracks in the sun roof were observed. > I was driving on the Highway at 60 mph and the front sun roof window just shattered and sprayed me with glass.
WAITING IN LINE AT SONIC DRIVEWAY STARTED REVERSING AT BREAKNECK SPEEDS - FINALLY STOPPED AFTE R JUMPING A CURB AND HITTING A HEAVY PICKUP, AIR BAGS DID NOT OPEN MALFUNCTION OF VEHICLE SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE THE GEAR SHIFT SEEMED STICKY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear wiper will not turn off
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A DISTRACTING REFLECTION FROM THE DASHBOARD ONTO THE WINDSHIELD, WHICH IMPAIRED DRIVING. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING TOWARDS THE SUNLIGHT, IT SEEMED AS IF THE WINDSHIELD WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUNTHRUP BUICK GMC (4200 I-70 NORTH OUTER RD, ST PETERS, MO 63376, (636) 939-0800) TO BE INSPECTED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125. UPDATED 11/02/17*LJ CONSUMER STATED THIS STRIP IS DESIGNED TO LIGHT UP A BLUISH GLOW AT NIGHT ACROSS THE DASH BOARD DOORS. SERVICE MANAGER STATED THERE SEEMS TO BE AN INHERENT FLAW IN THE DESIGN OF THE 2017 ENCLAVE UPDATED 7/16/18*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Shortly after purchasing my 2017 enclave premium around 60000 I noticed a problem that felt like vehicle's tires were skipping when making sharp turns. Upon my own extensive research (as I didn’t have time money and couldn’t go won’t vehicle) discovered a clutch pack needed replaced. This is after replacing the battery and brakes nit even a month after buying. Later after taking it for an oil change I received a report stating the rear differential was cracked and power steering rack needed replaced. While driving in rush hour traffic one day all power steering was lost with no explanation. Still having problems with tire pressure monitor replacing multiple tire stems and tires. Won’t start after filling with gas or is stuck in crank position trying to start when it finally dies it wants to stall out. Currently headlights are flickering with no known cause. Oh and the driver heated seat stopped working right after purchase. I’m at a huge loss with repairs costing more than the worth of a vehicle that continues to have serious issues even after fixing the problem it seems to repeat itself. Owe too much to trade in. All these problems are known to occur I cannot believe this isn’t a lemon or recalled parts. If not in enclave same thing happens in similar vehicles made by sane manufacturers during the same years. I will never purchase another GMC nor purchase from Toyota who failed to help after purchase.
OUR VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. ENGINE WAS ON, ALL CONTROLS NORMAL, NO WARNING LIGHTS, ETC. AS WE BACKED OUT OF OUR PARKING SPACE ALL OF A SUDDEN THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT BE MOVED. THE CAR SLOWLY ROLLED BACKYARDS DUE TO SLIGHT INLCINE. I QUICKLY SHIFTED BACK TO PARK, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WAITED A MINUTE BEFORE RESTARTING. ALL SEEMED FINE. 2.5 WEEKS LATER, THE SAME EXACT THING HAPPENED AGAIN. MY WHOLE FAMILY WAS IN THE VEHICLE THE FIRST TIME AND AFTER ONLY 4 DAYS OF OWNERSHIP AS A BRAND NEW CAR. THE SECOND TIME WAS MY WIFE AND KIDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GORCERY STORE PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 1000 MILES ON IT BEFORE BEING SENT BACK TO THE DEALER TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED. WE TRADED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOOK A HEAVY LOSS AS THIS WAS THE ONLY SOLUTION OFFERED TO US. GM REFUSED TO BUY THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE GOTTEN NOWHERE WITH GM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took my Buick enclave into the gmc dealership two years ago for an service airbag light that kept coming on. They sent me home twice saying it was just a computer issue. Now this recall is out and I asked for my car to be serviced as I’m a mother of 4 and can’t stop driving my vehicle. They said that the part isnt out yet and nothing they can do. I’m having to drive a dangerous vehicle around with no help from gmc.
It’s an absolutely unreasonable period of time to fix an airbag defect, I don’t feel safe at all driving this car. What is the government doing about this?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
First incidence was 11/22/2018 headlights did not function nor did taillights. Manually turned them on; yet was pulled by Ga sheriff for no headlights, who escorted me to my hotel. Put car in the shop on 11/24/2018 for diagnostics. Nothing found. Lights have continuously malfunctioned for the last six years and the vehicle has been in the shop & the problem can't be reproduced! The issue has become worse to the point the lights will not always come on when manually turned on & they will go out. There are no warning lamps or messages until this last time when we were almost killed on Lookout Mountain in Al, on 5/9/2023. It was 7:23pm it was raining & the headlights went out, as did the dash lights & OnStar. This stretch of mountain is known as "Joe's Truck Stop;" because so many 18 wheelers have wrecked on this stretch of road. At the first pullover I stopped, cut car off, then restarted it & a message error was on the screen. The lights came on automatically, OnStar restarted & everything worked fine. I had just had the vehicle in my local dealership for the same issue & had it inspected, & no issues were found! This is why I don't drive this vehicle after dark & why it only has 18,000+ miles on it. I paid over $45,000 for a vehicle I can't enjoy & I could be killed & no one would know why; therefore, if I don't get some answers I'm going public. My Buick Enclave can't be the only one with this malfunction.
There has been a considerable dimming of car’s headlights over the past 6 months. Visibility at night is very low, and I usually have to use my high beams to see while driving at night. The cost to replace headlights is astronomical and requires mechanic to fix (very complicated process that requires significant amount of dismantling of the vehicle). Concerned this is a recipe for disaster as many people affected by similar issue will be unable to afford the cost of changing headlights that really shouldn’t be this dim to start with.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had to have the power steering unit replaced under warranty and now it needs to be replaced again at less than 80000 miles.
POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, RESULTING IN A LIKELY CAR ACCIDENT. DRIVING IN CITY MAKING ANY KING OF TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE ALREADY. ROUGH IDLE WHEN ENGINE IS COLD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Shortly after purchasing my 2017 enclave premium around 60000 I noticed a problem that felt like vehicle's tires were skipping when making sharp turns. Upon my own extensive research (as I didn’t have time money and couldn’t go won’t vehicle) discovered a clutch pack needed replaced. This is after replacing the battery and brakes nit even a month after buying. Later after taking it for an oil change I received a report stating the rear differential was cracked and power steering rack needed replaced. While driving in rush hour traffic one day all power steering was lost with no explanation. Still having problems with tire pressure monitor replacing multiple tire stems and tires. Won’t start after filling with gas or is stuck in crank position trying to start when it finally dies it wants to stall out. Currently headlights are flickering with no known cause. Oh and the driver heated seat stopped working right after purchase. I’m at a huge loss with repairs costing more than the worth of a vehicle that continues to have serious issues even after fixing the problem it seems to repeat itself. Owe too much to trade in. All these problems are known to occur I cannot believe this isn’t a lemon or recalled parts. If not in enclave same thing happens in similar vehicles made by sane manufacturers during the same years. I will never purchase another GMC nor purchase from Toyota who failed to help after purchase.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the engine and TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle was parked in a Driveway in Michigan on Sunday [XXX]. It was approximately 64 degrees. The car seat was safely positioned in the rear passenger side. Rear facing. The window was cracked about an inch so the vehicle was not too hot when leaving. After 4-5 hours I went to leave and the right upper seatbelt on the car seat had melted/burned to the point where it was broken into 2 pieces, which resulted in burns to the seat cushion as well. Thankfully there was not a child in the car seat at time of malfunction so the child was not put at imminent risk. Had the seatbelt not broken it could have snapped during an accident if it was melted and damaged. Graco was contacted and they responded stating this was a burn caused by myself. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .