Buick Enclave problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most serious Enclave recall is 23V-334: 2014–2017 Enclaves, with the Traverse and Acadia, may have a driver air bag inflator that can explode (about 995,085 vehicles). First-generation 2008–2014 models also have side air bag wiring and seat belt cable recalls. Second-generation 2018–2024 recalls are smaller.

CarWhere lists 13 documented Enclave issues, including 13 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Enclave generations at a glance

Third generation Enclave problems (2025–present)

Electronic owner's manual may not download (recall 26V-114) (2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2025–present) – 2026
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2026 Enclaves and many other GM vehicles, the radio may not have been set to download the electronic owner's manual during production, so the vehicles do not meet FMVSS 208. About 5,861 vehicles are covered. Dealers reset the radio so the manual downloads.

Symptoms

  • Owner's manual not available on the center screen

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V114 (2026-02) · 5,861 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [20][4]

Second generation Enclave problems (2018–2024)

Right-hand frame rail may be cracked (recall 19V-643) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2024) – 2020
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2020 Enclave and Traverse models may have a cracked right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment. The campaign covers about 3,420 vehicles. GM said dealers would inspect the rail and, as necessary, replace the vehicle.

Symptoms

  • No reliable symptom; confirm through the recall record

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 19V643 (2019-09) · 3,420 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13][4]

Start/stop accumulator may be missing bolts (recall 20V-668) (2019–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2024) – 2019–2020
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
3.6L V6 with automatic stop/start

The transmission start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts. The campaign covers 2019–2020 Enclaves along with other GM models from 2018–2020, about 194,105 vehicles. Dealers inspect the accumulator and replace it if bolts are missing.

Symptoms

  • Transmission fluid leak or loss of drive

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V668 (2020-10) · 194,105 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14][4]

Fuel pump nozzle may be blocked, engine can stall (recall 20V-639) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2024) – 2020
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr left from manufacturing that blocks the nozzle and limits fuel supply, which can stall the engine. The campaign covers about 2,781 2020 Enclave, XT5, XT6, Traverse and Acadia models. Dealers replace the fuel pump module.

Symptoms

  • Engine hesitation or stalling, especially at low fuel levels

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V639 (2020-10) · 2,781 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [15][4]

Roof rail air bags may not deploy (recalls 20V-446 and 22V-210) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2024) – 2020–2022
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
All

Recall 20V-446 covers 2020 Enclaves and other GM models whose roof-rail air bag inflator diffuser may separate during deployment (769 vehicles). Recall 22V-210 covers 2021–2022 Enclave and 2020–2022 Traverse models whose roof-rail air bag harness connector may have incompatible terminals (89 vehicles). Dealers replace the affected parts.

Symptoms

  • Air bag warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V210 (2022-03) · 89 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16][17][4]

Continental tires may have been overcured (recalls 20V-684 and 21V-115) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2018–2024) – 2020
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

Some 2020 Enclaves were built with Continental tires that were cured too long during production. Recall 20V-684 covers 7,516 vehicles and 21V-115 covers 33,838 vehicles and aftermarket tires across many GM models. Dealers inspect the tires and replace affected ones.

Symptoms

  • Bulges or tread separation on the original tires

Check before buying

  • Check the tire DOT codes against the recall notice
  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete

NHTSA recall: 21V115 (2021-02) · 33,838 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [18][19][4]

First generation Enclave problems (2008–2017)

Driver air bag inflator may explode (recalls 23V-334, 21V-782, 22V-246) (2008–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2008–2017) – 2008–2017
Years:
2008–2017
Powertrain:
All

Recall 23V-334 covers 2014–2017 Enclave, Traverse and Acadia models, about 995,085 vehicles, because the driver air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect, which can throw metal fragments at occupants. Dealers replace the driver air bag module. Two smaller recalls cover the same condition: 21V-782 (2008–2017 Enclave and 2013–2017 Traverse, 555 vehicles) and 22V-246 (2015 models, 2,687 vehicles).

Symptoms

  • No warning sign before a deployment; the only way to know is the recall record

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete; check all three campaign numbers
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 23V334 (2023-05) · 995,085 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2][3][4]

Side air bag wiring may stop air bags deploying (recall 14V-118) (2008–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2008–2017) – 2008–2013
Years:
2008–2013
Powertrain:
All

Increased resistance in the driver and front passenger seat-mounted side air bag wiring harnesses may keep the side air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. The campaign covers 2008–2013 Enclave and Acadia, 2009–2013 Traverse and 2008–2010 Saturn Outlook models, about 1,176,407 vehicles. Dealers replace the harness connections with soldered connections.

Symptoms

  • Air bag warning light on the instrument panel

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 14V118 (2014-03) · 1,176,407 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][4]

Front seat belt cable may separate (recall 14V-266) (2009–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2008–2017) – 2009–2014
Years:
2009–2014
Powertrain:
All

The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seats may fatigue and separate over time, so the belt may not restrain the occupant properly. The recall covers 2009–2014 Enclave, Traverse and Acadia and 2009–2010 Saturn Outlook models, about 1,339,355 vehicles. Dealers inspect and, if needed, replace the lap pretensioner.

Symptoms

  • Seat belt that feels loose at the buckle side or does not hold firmly

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 14V266 (2014-05) · 1,339,355 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6][4]

Power liftgate may fall when open (recall 15V-415) (2008–2012)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2008–2017) – 2008–2012
Years:
2008–2012
Powertrain:
All

On models with the power liftgate, the gas struts that hold the gate open may wear prematurely, and the open liftgate may suddenly fall. The campaign covers 2008–2012 Enclave, Traverse and Acadia and 2007–2010 Saturn Outlook models, about 691,144 vehicles. Dealers update the liftgate control software so the motor prevents a rapid close.

Symptoms

  • Liftgate that drifts down or will not stay fully open

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 15V415 (2015-06) · 691,144 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][4]

Heated washer fluid module can overheat (recalls 08V-441 and 10V-240) (2008–2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2008–2017) – 2008–2009
Years:
2008–2009
Powertrain:
All

Enclaves with the heated washer fluid system were first recalled in 2008 (08V-441) to add a fuse after reports of a circuit board short. Recall 10V-240 followed after new heat incidents, and dealers permanently disabled and removed the heated washer module. 10V-240 covers about 1,365,070 GM vehicles, including 2008–2009 Enclaves.

Symptoms

  • Melted plastic or a burning smell near the washer fluid module

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 10V240 (2010-06) · 1,365,070 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][9][4]

Windshield wipers can stop working under snow or ice (recalls 08V-410 and 12V-151) (2008, 2011–2012)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2008–2017) – 2008, 2011–2012
Years:
2008, 2011–2012
Powertrain:
All

In snow-belt states, ice or snow buildup can restrict the wiper arm. Recall 08V-410 covers 2008 Enclaves, where the wiper linkage may detach from the motor shaft (88,809 vehicles with the Acadia and Outlook); 12V-151 covers 2011–2012 models, where the wiper arm nuts may loosen (47,846 vehicles with the Traverse and Acadia).

Symptoms

  • Wipers that stop sweeping or move unevenly in winter

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 12V151 (2012-04) · 47,846 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10][11][4]

Chassis electronic module may short (recall 14V-614) (2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2008–2017) – 2014
Years:
2014
Powertrain:
All

The chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, causing an electrical short. The campaign covers 2014 Enclaves and a range of other 2013–2014 GM models, about 106,307 vehicles in total. Dealers replace the module.

Symptoms

  • Electrical faults or warning messages on the instrument panel

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 14V614 (2014-10) · 106,307 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12][4]

Related Enclave research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Enclave was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Buick build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Buick build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common 2012 Buick Enclave problems?

For 2012, the documented issues are safety recalls: side air bag wiring (14V-118), front seat belt cables (14V-266), power liftgate struts (15V-415), wiper arm nuts in snow-belt states (12V-151), and the driver air bag inflator campaign 21V-782 for 2008–2017 Enclaves.

Which Enclave recall is the most serious?

Recall 23V-334, which covers about 995,085 2014–2017 Enclave, Traverse and Acadia models whose driver air bag inflator may explode. Dealers replace the driver air bag module for free.

Is there a recall for first-generation Enclave timing chains?

We found no NHTSA safety recall for timing chains in the DOT recall dataset for the 2008–2017 Enclave. The recalls listed here are the official safety campaigns for that generation.

Does the 2025 and newer Enclave have recalls?

The DOT dataset shows recall 26V-114 for 2026 models, a radio setting that can keep the electronic owner's manual from downloading. We found no other third-generation Enclave campaigns when we checked.

How do I check a used Enclave for open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Buick dealer, and ask the seller for repair orders showing completed recall work.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 23V-334 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-782 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  3. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 22V-246 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  4. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Enclave — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  5. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-118 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  6. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-266 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  7. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 15V-415 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  8. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 10V-240 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  9. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 08V-441 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  10. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 12V-151 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  11. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 08V-410 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  12. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-614 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  13. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 19V-643 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  14. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-668 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  15. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-639 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  16. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 22V-210 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  17. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-446 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  18. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-115 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  19. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-684 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  20. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-114 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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