2012 Buick Enclave

132 federal complaints (174 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 1425 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 19 model years of the Buick Enclave →
Engine
3.6L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
16 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
132
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Body & structure
24
Engine & cooling
24
Air bags
21
Other
19
Electrical system
19
Steering
17
Power train
13
Fuel system
9
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 5 complaints01 years old: 5 complaints2 years old: 10 complaints3 years old: 16 complaints4 years old: 14 complaints5 years old: 10 complaints56 years old: 18 complaints7 years old: 18 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 10 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 6 complaints13 years old: 3 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 132 of 132 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 6 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 11 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 8 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 23 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 14 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 14 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 9 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 92 of 132 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Body & structure

24 complaint records
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH FAILED TO OPEN AUTOMATICALLY BECAUSE THE STRUTS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

24 complaint records1 crash report
"FRONT SUSPENSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. AIR CONDITIONER, EVAPORATOR COMPONENT HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE DIFFERENT OCASIONS..REAR GATE RECALL ,REPLACED LIFT GATES SHOCKS.. MODE VALVE ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Air bags

21 complaint records6 crash reports
"Steering wheel airbag warning. Seat belts fraying. The underneath welding for the support bar, potentially the rear axel, came unwelded...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA20002
opened Aug 2020
closed Aug 2024Seat BeltsOutboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure - led to recall 21V245
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003.
RQ19003
opened May 2019
closed Aug 2020Seat BeltsSeat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
21V782000Air BagsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.Normally free
21V246000Air BagsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.Normally free
15V415000StructureGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9,...Normally free
14V266000Seat BeltsGeneral Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC...Normally free
14V118000Air BagsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles.Normally free
12V151000VisibilityGENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA,...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021619
2021-10-07
Airbag8Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants.
2021213
2021-04-08
Airbag7Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the right or left roof rail airbag may not be properly attached to the vehicle. As a result, the airbags may not work properly in a crash.
2015280
2015-06-25
Structure36,369On certain vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system, the gas-filled struts (which help to raise and support the liftgate) may prematurely wear.
2014181
2014-05-21
Seats And Restraints75,701On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the vehicle structure at the front outboard seating positions can fatigue over time and could separate, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
2014081
2014-03-18
Airbag70,526On certain vehicles, side airbag wiring connections could develop high resistance, illuminating the airbag warning light.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2012122
2012-04-05
Visual System5,810On certain vehicles, if a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of the wiper arm, the wiper arm nut may loosen and cause that wiper to become inoperative.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT6002C
Jul 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis is to advise about a part concern
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis 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...
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
00-06-01-026R
Jun 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIP4964F
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Code P2097 or P2099.
23-NA-153
May 2025
EngineThe service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
13-02-32-001H
Apr 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
08-03-10-006I
Mar 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
15-06-03-001F
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
25-NA-052
Mar 2025
EngineThis bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
21-NA-043
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
22-NA-074
Jan 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
09-06-04-026Z
Jan 2025
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5962B
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
17-NA-271
Nov 2024
WheelsThis service bulletin provides a procedure to clean the back side of the rims and rotors and to correct the customer concern of wheel clicking.
21-NA-043
Nov 2024
EngineThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
04-06-01-029K
Oct 2024
SteeringThis informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP6015
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
10-00-89-009F
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
01-06-01-011Q
Oct 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
20-NA-132
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
07-00-89-037T
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
04-06-04-051J
Sep 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
23-NA-219
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
20-NA-138
Sep 2024
EngineThis bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
08-07-30-026I
Sep 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
18-NA-146
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
PIT5099H
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
02-00-89-002X
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
PIC5650L
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935.
PIT3271P
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
24-NA-174
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThe bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions).
05-03-08-002J
Aug 2024
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
18-NA-073
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
PIP5569B
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up the Active Fuel Injector Tool incorrectly on vehicles equipped with a direct fuel injection system.
01-00-89-010S
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
07-06-01-016J
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
00-06-01-012N
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
05-06-04-022V
Aug 2024
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
16-NA-222
Aug 2024
EngineThis bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
09-06-04-026Y
Aug 2024
EngineThis bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
24-NA-147
Aug 2024
Seat BeltsThis service bulletin provides information on regular inspection of the Seat Belt Lap Anchor.
01-06-01-011P
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
18-NA-306
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
PI0754G
Jul 2024
Visibility/WiperThis PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
16-NA-158
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.

Showing 60 of 1425 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Buick Enclave →