2018 Enclave w/106k on the odometer and the catalytic convertor cracked. $2200 repair.
- NHTSA ID
- 11744702
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2026
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Our database contains 64 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Buick Enclave, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 1,025 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.
When owners filed reports about this model year
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 2 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 3 |
| Aug 2018 | 2 | 5 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 6 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 8 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 9 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 10 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 11 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 12 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 13 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 15 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 16 |
| Dec 2019 | 2 | 18 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 19 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 20 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 21 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 22 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 23 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 24 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 25 |
| Dec 2020 | 2 | 27 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 28 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 29 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 30 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 33 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 34 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 35 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 36 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 37 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 38 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 39 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 40 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 41 |
| Aug 2024 | 2 | 43 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 44 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 45 |
| May 2025 | 2 | 47 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | 49 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 50 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 51 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 52 |
| Dec 2025 | 3 | 55 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 56 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 58 |
| May 2026 | 4 | 62 |
| Jun 2026 | 2 | 64 |
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.
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
2018 Enclave w/106k on the odometer and the catalytic convertor cracked. $2200 repair.
I am submitting this letter to formally report two ongoing issues with my 2018 Buick Enclave. First, I have experienced persistent problems with the emissions purge valve. My vehicle has repeatedly triggered diagnostic trouble code P0496, indicating a malfunction in the purge valve system. I am aware that this issue has been the subject of recall campaigns for other Buick Enclave models; however, my vehicle has not been included in any such recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This malfunction has resulted in persistent check engine warnings and noticeable performance concerns, raising questions about emissions compliance and the overall reliability of my vehicle. Given that other vehicles of the same make and model year have been recalled for the same issue, I respectfully request that my vehicle be reviewed for inclusion in the recall. Second, I am formally reporting a malfunction involving the stabilizers. Recently, I have noticed unusual noises and instability when driving, particularly when turning or traveling over uneven surfaces, which indicates a potential stabilizer malfunction. These issues have persisted despite regular maintenance and inspections, affecting the handling and safety of the vehicle. I believe this may represent a manufacturing or design defect that could pose a risk to other owners of the same make and model. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this matter further. I kindly ask the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to consider expanding the existing recall to encompass additional vehicles affected by this defect. Please advise if you require further information or documentation regarding my case. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the alternator was replaced 4 times before the dealer diagnosed that the failure was due to oil leaking onto the alternator and the battery. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced 6 times in total. Additionally, the contact stated while pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, the vehicle shut off. The messages "Electronic Control Module Failure", "Battery Saver Active", "Battery Charging System" and "Steering Assist Is Reduced- Drive with Care" were displayed. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) and alternator failures. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
After two transmission flushes and being told by a Buick dealership's service technicians that nothing is wrong with the vechile's transmission, it has now failed completely at ~90k miles.
Catalic converter weld broke both sides now
Exhaust leak from broken front exhaust pipe. This has been a known defect in this make/model however the year of my vehicle was not included in the extended repair window and should have been. The exhaust leak was identified by the dealership when the vehicle was taken in for other maintenance. I had to pay for the repair myself and would like to be reimbursed due to this being a manufacturer known defect with the exhaust pipe. The exhaust leak caused unusual noises, a loud roaring, and reduced gas mileage. This was also a danger for carbon monoxide exposure.
The air conditioning system failure prevents proper windshield defogging, significantly reducing visibility in humid or rainy conditions. Additionally, cabin temperatures become excessively high, causing driver fatigue and impaired concentration. This creates an unsafe driving condition and increases the risk of a crash
In December 2017 we were involved in a rear end collision so violent the spare tire was knocked out from under the vehicle. Our vehicle, 2014 Buick Enclave VIN [XXX] was struck in the rear. The lap belt held us secure, but the shoulder belt allowed us to be tossed forward. My head hit the left windshield/top post leaving me looking like a racoon the next day. General Motors representatives, [XXX] CEO at the time ,stated the seat belts functioned properly. I injured my left wrist as a result of being thrown forward and have pain in it ever since then. We now drive a 2018 Buick Enclave VIN [XXX] that we purchased as a result of the December 2017 accident. We have noticed the same problem with the shoulder belts not working in sync with the lap belt, especially during a panic braking. Could this be product failure or just coincidence? I BELEIVE THIS WARRANTS EVALUATION! Thank you. My email address is [XXX] , mailing address is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
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.
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 46.1 |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 45.8 |
| 2022 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 53.6 |
| 2021 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 47.4 |
| 2020 | 56 | 6 | 0 | 61.5 |
| 2019 | 42 | 1 | 0 | 47.8 |
| 2018Viewing | 64 | 0 | 0 | 48.5 |
| 2017 | 179 | 3 | 0 | 52.4 |
| 2016 | 140 | 4 | 0 | 52.6 |
| 2015 | 170 | 5 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2014 | 292 | 7 | 2 | 62.7 |
| 2013 | 68 | 4 | 2 | 57.6 |
| 2012 | 132 | 6 | 2 | 62.3 |
| 2011 | 211 | 6 | 2 | 61.0 |
| 2010 | 275 | 6 | 2 | 55.7 |
| 2009 | 220 | 8 | 3 | 58.9 |
| 2008 | 536 | 6 | 1 | 54.7 |
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.