2019 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 2019 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
- Powertrain (other)1627.1%
- Engine1220.3%
- Electrical1118.6%
- Brakes35.1%
- Driver assistance35.1%
- Steering35.1%
- Fuel system23.4%
- Body & structure23.4%
- Airbags23.4%
- Interior & seats23.4%
- Seat belts23.4%
- Other / unspecified11.7%
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The problematic 9 speed transmission failed at 72,000 miles on [XXX]. GM required a flush due to the significant shudder problems in the transmissions. This was performed on this vehicle at 32,000 miles. GM knows the is issues. The car brought to Gerald Jones GM in Graniteville, SC and GM/Buick customer service was contacted 5/22/26 and after. The transmission failed when traveling on busy highway in Aiken, SC on [XXX]. The money spent for these cars with failed transmission design/construction and the safety risk to all traffic must be addressed by NHTSA. GM customer is horrific in there determination to cover up this colossal issue and safety risk. No one holds them accountable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by [XXX] mother-in-law ([XXX]). Her daughter ([XXX]) was driving. Had [XXX] been driving, there would have been a wreck. [XXX] was able to coast into a corner gas station/garage. Buy next day mechanic was able to isolate failure to alternator. Since we performed the repair at the closest mechanic, I do not know what GM knows. I see on internet a high volume of alternator failures in Enclaves. It doesn't seem an alternator failure should be so abrupt, without warning and with such dire immediate impact. GM has said they 'may' have been able to help with the cost of the repair if we had had it done at an authorized service center. Frankly, this feels like a trap (and Nissan did exactly this to me 2 years ago - asking me to tow into their service center and then saying 'oops, sorry, no warranty ... ). GM should buy their failed alternator back and study why it failed and why that failure had this impact to the vehicle. The repair was made with a GM part - honestly, not sure if that's good or bad, but there is no excuse for GM to not own their part failure. No one other than the mechanic has inspected the car. He would probably be glad to speak to NHTSA. No prior warning lights, messages, symptoms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventilation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down. Eventually, the vehicle failed to turn off, and the owner disconnected the battery. A towing company was called to tow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
I purchased my vehicle in 2020. In 2022 I experienced an issue where my car stopped in the middle of the road without warning. Despite several attempts to try and move the vehicle off of the road the police were notified and my vehicle was towed. The vehicle gave an error code that conditions not met for driving. One office tried to put the vehicle in neutral but the wheels locked and the shifter was locked as well. The battery has been replaced 3 different times since I have owned the vehicle. A mechanic friend of mine (who is a trainer for GMC) hooked his computer up to it and found no issues. He did find a loose wire which he the reconnected. I was able to drive my car for 6 months before the same thing happened, same situation the vehicle just stopped in the middle of the road only this time I couldn't turn the vehicle off, we had to manually disconnect the battery and again the police came out due to traffic hold up. My car was towed twice afterwards as I could get the car running for a few minutes before another error. To date my car has been sitting in my driveway since March of this year, this time it won't hold a charge and will not even start. Im not sure if this is an engine or an electrical issue. I did call 2 Buick dealerships that told me that it would take about 5 hours to diagnose the issue where I would be charged per hour at the mechanic hourly rate. At this point I think my vehicle needs to be recalled, even if I could get it repaired I dont feel safe driving it. Thankfully it stopped on a minor freeway and no major incidents occurred.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by [XXX] mother-in-law ([XXX]). Her daughter ([XXX]) was driving. Had [XXX] been driving, there would have been a wreck. [XXX] was able to coast into a corner gas station/garage. Buy next day mechanic was able to isolate failure to alternator. Since we performed the repair at the closest mechanic, I do not know what GM knows. I see on internet a high volume of alternator failures in Enclaves. It doesn't seem an alternator failure should be so abrupt, without warning and with such dire immediate impact. GM has said they 'may' have been able to help with the cost of the repair if we had had it done at an authorized service center. Frankly, this feels like a trap (and Nissan did exactly this to me 2 years ago - asking me to tow into their service center and then saying 'oops, sorry, no warranty ... ). GM should buy their failed alternator back and study why it failed and why that failure had this impact to the vehicle. The repair was made with a GM part - honestly, not sure if that's good or bad, but there is no excuse for GM to not own their part failure. No one other than the mechanic has inspected the car. He would probably be glad to speak to NHTSA. No prior warning lights, messages, symptoms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventilation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down. Eventually, the vehicle failed to turn off, and the owner disconnected the battery. A towing company was called to tow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stabilizer trak
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but had to stop 5 times to allow the vehicle to cool down. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer. The mechanic found no failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Contact was on top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The fast idle has the engine revved to high so that when foot was off the brake on a 5-8% slope the car accelerates to 6500RPM with in 250 feet taking the car to 30MPH in low gear. Consumer had to push on the brakes constantly, all the way down the mountain which caused the brakes to severely overheat. Park ranger measured the temperature of the brakes at 375 degrees F it was after consumer had stopped to allow them to cool 3 times in about 4 miles. The car will idle at 950RPM stopped and will lurch forward when foot was off the brake. Driving on the highway speeds its fine but not on switchback mountain roads.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stabilizer trak
Waited for train to pass and gate to raise at railroad crossing, then started to cross tracks. The car went halfway across the tracks, then the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking activated, stopping us on the tracks. Tried again to move forward, but the collision alert and auto braking immediately activated for a second time, bringing us to a stop again. Finally was able to very slowly make my way through the crossing. I was on the tracks for 30-60 seconds. No train was approaching and it was only my wife and me in the car, but if I'd had six passengers with me and another train had approached, I am not sure I would have been able to get everyone out of the car in time. Note that there were no obstacles in front of the vehicle, but the sun was at a low angle from the front of the car and the sunlight was dappled through the treetops on the other side of the crossing (there's a left-hand curve after the crossing), creating a "moving" glare through the windshield.
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
2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by [XXX] mother-in-law ([XXX]). Her daughter ([XXX]) was driving. Had [XXX] been driving, there would have been a wreck. [XXX] was able to coast into a corner gas station/garage. Buy next day mechanic was able to isolate failure to alternator. Since we performed the repair at the closest mechanic, I do not know what GM knows. I see on internet a high volume of alternator failures in Enclaves. It doesn't seem an alternator failure should be so abrupt, without warning and with such dire immediate impact. GM has said they 'may' have been able to help with the cost of the repair if we had had it done at an authorized service center. Frankly, this feels like a trap (and Nissan did exactly this to me 2 years ago - asking me to tow into their service center and then saying 'oops, sorry, no warranty ... ). GM should buy their failed alternator back and study why it failed and why that failure had this impact to the vehicle. The repair was made with a GM part - honestly, not sure if that's good or bad, but there is no excuse for GM to not own their part failure. No one other than the mechanic has inspected the car. He would probably be glad to speak to NHTSA. No prior warning lights, messages, symptoms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventilation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down. Eventually, the vehicle failed to turn off, and the owner disconnected the battery. A towing company was called to tow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
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 purchased my vehicle in 2020. In 2022 I experienced an issue where my car stopped in the middle of the road without warning. Despite several attempts to try and move the vehicle off of the road the police were notified and my vehicle was towed. The vehicle gave an error code that conditions not met for driving. One office tried to put the vehicle in neutral but the wheels locked and the shifter was locked as well. The battery has been replaced 3 different times since I have owned the vehicle. A mechanic friend of mine (who is a trainer for GMC) hooked his computer up to it and found no issues. He did find a loose wire which he the reconnected. I was able to drive my car for 6 months before the same thing happened, same situation the vehicle just stopped in the middle of the road only this time I couldn't turn the vehicle off, we had to manually disconnect the battery and again the police came out due to traffic hold up. My car was towed twice afterwards as I could get the car running for a few minutes before another error. To date my car has been sitting in my driveway since March of this year, this time it won't hold a charge and will not even start. Im not sure if this is an engine or an electrical issue. I did call 2 Buick dealerships that told me that it would take about 5 hours to diagnose the issue where I would be charged per hour at the mechanic hourly rate. At this point I think my vehicle needs to be recalled, even if I could get it repaired I dont feel safe driving it. Thankfully it stopped on a minor freeway and no major incidents occurred.
Evaporative emission canister purge, solenoid valve, yes. My safety was at risk due to stalling 3 different times on busy roads/intersections after refueling my vehicle. When the Solenoid valve and canister fail when coming to a stop after refueling it causes the car/engine to flutter and completely stall then goes into neutral. It takes multiple restarts in order to even make the car go along with pressing on the gas. This part has been replaced twice by the dealership once at the end of march and again on the 10th of June. The first incident occurred mid-march, the second end of march and the latest incident occurred 7 June where I had to restart it 7 times before it would even drive, at that time my check engine light was on and it was making a loud noise. After this last replacement the vehicle was refueled and it started to flutter and idled hard, it will be taken to the dealership once again on the 20th of June. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than dealership. There were no warning lights prior to the failure, the only indication was the car started to flutter prior to stalling. The most recent date is stated below.
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
I HAVE HAD THIS NEW CAR JUST OVER FOR 1 YEAR, IM PRIOR SERVICE MILITARY AND WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE THIS 2019 BUICK ENCLAVE FOR ME ON FATHER'S DAY LAST YEAR BECAUSE PUR OTHER CAR BROKE DOWN ON A FAMILY ROAD TRIP. SO I GARAGE MY VEHICLES I NOTICED A OIL LEAK ON THE GARAGE I DIDN'T WANT TO THINK IT WAS FROM THIS CAR SO I WATCHED IT SEEMED TO BE INTERMEDIATE AT TIMES BUT RECENTLY GOT WORSE SO I TOOK IT IN TOLD THEM AND THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD OIL FILTER BUT THE OIL FILTER IS OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE CAR FROM WHERE THIS LEAK IS DRIPPING ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE. SO I JUST WENT UNDER THERE TO SEE WHAT I COULD FIND I TOO WAS A MECHANIC IN THE ARMY AND OUTSIDE AS A CIVILIAN AFTER SO I LOOKED TOOK ME 5 SECONDS TO LOCATE IT THAT IS THE PICTURE OF THE LEAK. THEN I NOTICED RUST CRACKS ON MY FRAME SO I LOOKED MORE AND DISCOVERED THE RUST CRACKS ARE ON THE BOTTOM AND TOPSIDE OF THE FRAME. SO I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SAW COMING UP IN DEC A RECALL IS GOING TO HAPPEN FOR CRACKED FRAMES ON THE BUICK ENCLAVE 2020 BUT STARTING FROM BUILD DATE'S 3 MONTHS AFTER MINE WAS BUILT BUT MINE SHOWS ALL THE SYSTEMS OF THAT RECALL BUT ISN'T INCLUDED. ALSO I HAD A ISSUE WITH THE STARTER STOP MY FAMILY AND I WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET WITH A CAR INFRONT OF US WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED NORMALLY THEN WHEN IT TURNED BACK ON MY RPM KEPT GOING UP LIKE YOUR PUSHING THE EXCELLORATOR PEDDLE BUT I WASN'T BECAUSE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE WHEN I LOOK DOWN I EASED UP A BIT ON THE BRAKE AND IT SHOT FORWARD ON ME I DIDN'T HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME BECAUSE I DEPRESSED HARDER ON THE BRAKE TO HOLD IT. THATS WHEN I STARTED LOOKING AND SAW THIS RECALL SOON TO COME OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE KICK PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DESIGN MAY CAUSE INJURIES TO THE PASSENGER'S FEET. TWO UNKNOWN DEALERS WERE CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE CONTACT'S CONCERN. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PANEL WAS DESIGNED TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. THE KICK PANEL WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The passenger side seat air bag exploded and burned my daughter’s back while she was getting into the car. The car was in park and auto started. My son was sitting in the back seat behind her while this happened. She has 1st and 2nd degree burns and thankfully my son is okay. The car has been sitting in my driveway since that day. I have contacted the dealership and GM as well as my personal insurance. GM is moving very slow and stated they would send someone to look at my vehicle within 7-10 days from yesterday . The investigation could take 30-60 days before we have an answer. We are currently on day 11 since this happened. Insurance doesn’t want to touch it until GM or the dealership looks at it and determines if it is a malfunction. The safety of my kids and family is definitely a priority and the fact that this happened is scary. The loudness of the explosion was like a gunshot inside the vehicle and the fire that came out of it is insane. Literally looked like a firework. With the airbag deployed I am sure the seatbelts are now compromised but either way I will not risk my life or anyone else’s and step foot in it. The car was looked at by local law enforcement and pictures were taken. The car is available for inspection but the dealership hasn’t called me back and GM is following their protocol and has no hurry. The airbag light had come on the week prior to this happening and had gone back off. I also had the tire pressure lights go on and back off twice in the past couple of months.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT BECAME DISTRACTED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CRASH OCCURRED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,712.
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
One day, I looked over at my seat and there were literally two tears in the leather. I immediately looked to see if something had ripped them. The only thing I put over there is a small cloth lunch sack so there’s no way that that could’ve done it. there was NOTHING SHARP on the seat. I am also very good about keeping my leather maintained and car maintained . It needs to be repaired before it gets worse.
The passenger side seat air bag exploded and burned my daughter’s back while she was getting into the car. The car was in park and auto started. My son was sitting in the back seat behind her while this happened. She has 1st and 2nd degree burns and thankfully my son is okay. The car has been sitting in my driveway since that day. I have contacted the dealership and GM as well as my personal insurance. GM is moving very slow and stated they would send someone to look at my vehicle within 7-10 days from yesterday . The investigation could take 30-60 days before we have an answer. We are currently on day 11 since this happened. Insurance doesn’t want to touch it until GM or the dealership looks at it and determines if it is a malfunction. The safety of my kids and family is definitely a priority and the fact that this happened is scary. The loudness of the explosion was like a gunshot inside the vehicle and the fire that came out of it is insane. Literally looked like a firework. With the airbag deployed I am sure the seatbelts are now compromised but either way I will not risk my life or anyone else’s and step foot in it. The car was looked at by local law enforcement and pictures were taken. The car is available for inspection but the dealership hasn’t called me back and GM is following their protocol and has no hurry. The airbag light had come on the week prior to this happening and had gone back off. I also had the tire pressure lights go on and back off twice in the past couple of months.
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
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while attempting to buckle the seat belt however, the seat belt failed to lock securely in the buckle. The contact inspected the buckle and became aware that an internal part of the buckle had detached, preventing the seat belt from being latched securely. The contact called the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
DRIVER SIDE 2ND ROW PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT IS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. WHILE DRIVING THIS RENTAL CAR ON VACATION, THE PANELING FELL OFF REVEALING THAT THE SEAT BELT SPOOL WAS HANGING LOOSE AND NOT MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. BASED ON WHAT I CAN SEE FROM THE THREADS, IT APPEARS NEVER TO HAVE BEEN CONNECTED (AS OPPOSED TO BEING SNAPPED OFF). THIS IS A RENTAL, BUT I DON'T TRUST THE AGENCY TO REPORT THIS APPROPRIATELY SO DOING SO MYSELF. HOW THIS HAS GONE UNNOTICED FOR 12K MILES IS BEYOND ME.
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
Traveled and car begin to shake when I got to destination. The shift gears lights started going from neutral to Low gear and my speed began to drop down even when I was accelerating. The engine light came on and the stabilitrak light was on during times I stop at lights or stop lights only when in traffic but not on the highway. After seen by an auto service dealer, the stabilitrak light still comes on during stops at the light or stop signs and hesitation to accelerate with a heaviness to steer. There appears to be a dragging or pull when accelerating not very smooth. The service was with the transmission, however, no attempt to fix the stabilitrak and now I am to take it back in, not really enjoying my vehicle, my American vehicle, this really saddens me.
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 .