Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Buick Enclave submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 17 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
Front exhaust pipe separated from its mounting bracket causing a consistent rattle. This condition is exactly as described in "N222385510 - Special Coverage Front Exhaust Pipe", released in May 2023. Exhaust components in this vehicle are materially the same as the covered 2021 vehicles and thus this vehicle should be similarly covered. Issue has been confirmed by a dealer and is available for further inspection.
I am submitting a complaint regarding premature exhaust system failure on my 2020 Buick Enclave involving the front exhaust pipe/exhaust manifold/catalytic converter assembly. The issue appears very similar to the conditions described in GM Special Coverage programs N212356540 and N242445280 involving exhaust pipe and bracket failures on related GM crossover platforms. The mounting brackets/support brackets on the front exhaust pipe appear to fail or separate, which places excessive stress on the flex section of the exhaust system. This movement and stress can cause the flex pipe/manifold area to crack and may ultimately damage the catalytic converter assembly itself. My vehicle developed: Exhaust leak Loud ticking/exhaust noise Rich/lean oxygen sensor fault conditions Exhaust fumes entering or potentially entering the cabin Passenger dizziness while riding in the vehicle Concern for carbon monoxide exposure The repair facility documented that the exhaust leak should be repaired as soon as possible because exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle cabin. The estimated repair cost is approximately $1,700 for replacement of the integrated catalytic converter/exhaust manifold assembly. This appears to be more than ordinary wear and tear. The failure pattern is consistent with bracket/support failure causing abnormal stress and cracking in the exhaust system upstream near emissions components. Because these failures can allow exhaust gases and possible carbon monoxide exposure into the passenger compartment, I believe this issue represents a significant safety concern and warrants investigation for 2020 Buick Enclave vehicles and related GM crossover platforms.
Leaking flex pipe on the exhaust causing undue rattling and possible exhaust fumes entering the passenger cabin.
Why enclave Burns about 1 to 2 quarts of oil in between oil changes so I'm constantly having to check the oil level and put more oil in it which come really close to being out of oil and causing the engine to seize Buick says this is normal and I don't think it is I have never had a car that uses oil like this new or used in addition to that the transmission is locked up twice since we have owned it and can't get it out of park can't drive it can't use it. Had to have it towed . The first time that the transmission gave issues it didn't lock up in park it locked up in drive and we couldn't put it in park I was able to get it to the dealer to get worked on it was still under warranty at that time the second time it wouldn't go out of park and could not move it it was stuck wherever we happen to be at and it would not move when they loaded it on the tow truck to tow it down to the dealer the wheels were locked up cuz it was in park and we couldn't it had to just be drug onto the truck.
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the hood. Additionally, there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the passenger’s side flex pipe bracket had cracked, causing damages to the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the flex pipe and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 52,580.
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding serious mechanical and safety issues with my 2020 Buick Enclave. These issues have created ongoing financial hardship, significant safety concerns, and an urgent need for investigation and resolution. Over the past several months, my vehicle has repeatedly displayed low‑oil notifications, sometimes occurring within one month of receiving a full oil change. During a recent visit to my mechanic for yet another low‑oil alert, he recalled that I had previously brought the vehicle in for the same issue. After conducting a more thorough inspection, he informed me that there was a failure within the engine/transmission assembly. He showed me the area where oil was seeping from the engine. I also inspected the oil filter and oil plug, both of which showed no signs of leakage. Following this diagnosis, I brought the vehicle to Royal Buick GMC. Their service department performed a SAVI Dongle test and a GM‑Certified Multi‑Point Inspection. The service technician informed me that the vehicle requires a complete engine replacement including the following: replacement of the engine, repair of a rear main seal failure, resealing of the oil pan, and replacement of the lower control arm. It is my belief that these issues are consistent with reported problems. In addition to the oil‑related failures, I have experienced sudden acceleration and jerking while driving. These incidents are alarming and pose a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. I am deeply concerned that this defect could lead to an accident through no fault of my own. This vehicle is my only means of transportation for work and for caring for my family. The cost and severity of the required repairs are catastrophic, and I believe the manufacturer should be held responsible for addressing these defects. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate these issues and assist in ensuring that GM/Buick replaces the engine for its safe operation.
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The vehicle was reversed out of the driveway; however, after shifting into drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, vibrated, and the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. After several minutes, the vehicle functioned as intended. A short distance later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to a private dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter was clogged, and that the electronic brake control center module and the transmission module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The vehicle developed an exhaust leak caused by both weld points on the front exhaust pipe breaking. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the exhaust welds had failed, creating a hole in the exhaust pipe and triggering a P0420 catalyst efficiency code. The failure occurred at approximately 31,500 miles. The exhaust leak caused increased exhaust noise and emissions warning codes. The dealership recommended replacement of the front exhaust pipe assembly. This appears similar to known failures on the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse platform where the front exhaust pipe mounting bracket separates from the pipe due to weld failure. GM has issued special coverage adjustments for similar exhaust pipe bracket weld failures on other model years of these vehicles. The failure occurred at relatively low mileage and appears to be a structural weld defect in the exhaust system.
Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Vehicle & Incident Details: * Make/Model/Year: 2020 Buick Enclave * VIN: [XXX] * Mileage: ~116,834 miles (purchased at ~62,000 miles, used) * Purchase Date: [Insert Month/Year] * Dealer: Kyle Durrence Claxton Dealership Repair History: * First repair attempt: TPMS system * Second repair attempt: Connector assembly block * Total out-of-pocket spent: $4,000+ * Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Safety Impact: * Engine shuts off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of collision. * Vehicle is my only mode of transportation. * Dealership has not provided a loaner vehicle. Additional Concerns: * I have discovered forged signatures on my original finance/loan paperwork from the dealership, which I previously reported to the dealership General Manager without response. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA record this safety issue, investigate the repeated engine shutdowns, and consider whether this defect warrants a recall or further manufacturer action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Front exhaust flex pipes had to be replaced. It’s a common problem and a recall exists for the prior year.
I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exited the vehicle and got to the side of the road. The police arrived and were able to push the car to the side of the road as well. I opened the hood and checked the negative battery terminal and upon pulling the lever, the power came back on. We have an appointment at a GM dealership on Monday to fix the issue to ensure we are not put at risk again.
The front exhaust pipe bracket has broken. Upon investigation, this is an ongoing issue for 2018-2019, and 2021-2023 Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave models, but NOT 2020. All of the models use the exhaust system and same bracket, and it should be included as a special coverage. In fact, the attached picture of my vehicle will show that it is an identical break to those pictures used in the previous bulletins. Any help is appreciated. Reference: N252503850, N242445280, N222385510, N212356540, and photo attached.
Front exhaust bracket detached from exhaust. An issue that has resulted in a hole in my exhaust. This same issue has been identified and warranty extended for 2019 and 2021 enclaves with the same engine and exhaust parts. Dealership wants to change $1000 to fix the issue.
Welds have broken loose from exhaust creating a hole and loud noise & strong exhaust smell
2020 Buick Enclave mounting bracket separated from the front exhaust pipe which caused a hole to appear in the exhaust pipe. This is a known issue for 2019, 2021, and 2022 Buick Enclaves. No warning light The exhaust fumes along with Carbon Monoxide were coming through my ac vents for several months. There is no indication on when the mounting bracket separated.
The vehicle's exhaust intermediate pipe mount has broken has caused damage in the intermediate pipe requiring both the be replaced. The cracked exhaust allows exhaust fumes to enter the passenger compartment. A recall (N222385510) for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has been made however is addressing this on only the 2021 models, even though the same issue is applicable to other models. On the this forum, there are several complaints of this design flaw reported. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/06/gm-to-fix-2021-chevy-traverse-front-exhaust-pipe-issue/
The mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe separates from the pipe. This issue has been identified on 2019 and 2021 models and special coverage adjustment N212356540 Front Exhaust Pipe has been issued. The same exact defect has occured to my 2020 model Enclave.
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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