10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,837 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Buick Enclave:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #49

Aug 072017

Enclave

  • 140,000 miles
Various problems with electrical. Had harness replaced (come to find out its due to water leak). Air bag sensors go off and on so you really don't know if its working or not. Engine shutdown completely and now when its started the engine makes loud knock. Was told possible timing chain. Only has 140,000.

- Council Bluffs, IA, USA

problem #48

Jun 162017

Enclave

  • 123,500 miles
I drove my Buick Enclave 2008 to Virginia from Florida with no problems but when my trip was complete, I turned car off to go in gas station and tried to turn it back on...it did not start. It started to make a twitching noise as if something electrical was wrong. I got it jumped..bought a new battery and it worked fine for 6 days. Now, it will not start at all unless it is jumped. It also locks the keys in the ignition if I tried to start it without a jump. The car continues to make a twitching noise when idle. Im am agraid of a fire igniting. I notice that each time I had a problem with the car, it had rained significantly those days. I know of another owner that is having a similar problem witb their 2008 Buick Enclave. Please help!

- Pensacola, FL, USA

problem #47

Nov 232016

Enclave

  • 149,000 miles
My 2008 Buick Enclave has been an accident waiting to happen the entire life of the car. My main concern is the power steering. It has gone out 5-6 times in the 8 years I have owned the vehicle.if you would like invoice of each time/date I have them with the exact problem. Five or 6 times it went out.-- three at slow speed low RPM trying to turn in the city and at 6 1 wt 230 it took all my strength not to hit a car head on during the turn.three on the interstate turning off exit an higher speed. If my daughter or granddaughter had been driving in the city they would have been dead. Buick extended the power steering warranty to 150;000 miles. I had the last power steering pump put in at 149,432 miles 11/23/16. My concern to you and Buick is about every 25K power steering goes out. I never had a power steering problem with my 2002 chevey sub with 160K witch we still drive--never had a power steering problem with my 2002 GMC den with 251K witch we still drive..Buick knows they made a engineering design flawed car with their first Enclave SUV at the expense in money and lives of the 2008 owners all 2008 Enclaves should be grounded like the 787 was before boeing/faa found out what was causing the battery fires and fixed them!!.why is a flying public life worth more than the a driving public life? if you and Buick will not ground the Enclave then at least they should be a free safety check ever quarter for the life of the car for their design flaw problems.I think there are 12. Ps I cannot write 6 times so I put last one on 'when did this happen.

- Spartanburg, SC, USA

problem #46

Jan 092010

Enclave

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after rainy weather, water leaked into the vehicle. As a result, the electrical system became inoperable and a puddle of water accumulated in the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions where the technician informed that there was a puddle of water inside the radio system. The contact stated that the technician stated that the sun roof needed to be sealed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued to occur and also began to leak into the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but the failure was unable to be determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Waycross, GA, USA

problem #45

Dec 242016

Enclave 6-cyl

  • 161,000 miles
While driving engine turned off on 4 separate occasions in the past 2 weeks. Never any warning lights or check engine light just engine turns off suddenly.the first time I was driving on a busy city road middle lane at 25-45 M/hr. No power steering or brakes. Unable to restart I was able to push into a parking lot and call for help, it was towed to my mechanic who said rollover switch tripped. 2 days later engine turned off again while exiting highway at the same speed but was able to restart in neural after a min stopped, I drove it straight to my mechanic who reset computer and drove it around for 3 days unable to diagnose problem on computer. 2 days later while driving 45 M/hr engine turned off again. I was on a small decline 2 lane busy road and able to restart in neutral position. A few times in the past few weeks vehicle would not start after parked for a few hours but would start in neural eventually after many attempts, 12/24/2016 while driving on a busy 2 lane street in town engine stopped again no power steering or brakes at 20 M/hr. Unable to restart and passengers had to get out of my Buick and push into nearest parking lot. Unable to restart, towed on 12/26/2016 to local Buick dealership to be diagnosed by a certified dealership per the suggestion of Buick usa. They can not find a problem per computer diagnosis and are trying to tell me there is some water damage behind dash on fuse block that will cost me thousands of dollars to repair but no guarantee that that is the problem I have never had any problems with lights, radio, ac or any other electrical issues that would lead me to believe that the fuse block has water damage..per GM forums there are many issues with ignition switches or ignition control module. Could this be the problem. My engine turning off while driving is a real safety concern and how do I resolve this problem.

- Largo, FL, USA

problem #44

Feb 292016

Enclave

  • miles
Purchased used vehicle from dealer Feb 2016. Noticed vehicle leaks when it rains through the sunroof, top of the windshield area and also from the drivers side floor area, under the dash toward the brake pedal area. I've had my dome lights fill with water, water leaking from the dome light as well as the top windshield area while I drive and stationary. This leaks are consistent whenever it rains, both while driving and while stationary. When this leaking/rain occurs the vehicle runs and idles very rough. The problem has been consistent since the vehicle purchase. When the vehicle was inspected and test driven it was not raining, therefore the leak was undetected prior to purchase. The water contacting the electrical components is a fire safety issue and needs to be addressed immediately.

- Madison Heights, MI, USA

problem #43

Sep 112015

Enclave

  • miles
I purchased a 2008 Buick Enclave in September 2015. I understood that it was an older vehicle, but it appeared to be in exceptions condition and decent mileage. However, the day after purchase, there was a pretty bad storm. As I was driving, water began to pour through the closed sunroof. It leaked onto the dashboard, rain began to seep from underneath the dash on both sides on to my feet as I drove. I went to the dealer to get it checked out, but they weren't able to find anything wrong with the sunroof.the leakage occurs when the vehicle is stationary and in motion. It has continued, and now my audio stopped working, no radio, chiming, onstar, backup noises or anything. I have had the audio system looked at but, they can't figure out why nothing's working. This so frustrating, I have contacted GM, but I was told there are no recalls for the issues that mentioned. I hope that Buick figures out that this is a somewhat common problem amongst Enclave owners and fix it.

- Merrillville, IN, USA

problem #42

May 192016

Enclave

  • 136,000 miles
When it rains, water leaks inside of my vehicle. The leak is on all panels, wetting the upholstery on the driver and passenger side windows, as well as surrounding the sunroof. Water leaks from the sunroof area, rear view mirror, and side panel onto the driver while driving. I contacted GM recalls, and they advised there is no recall related to this issue on my vehicle. It occurs during driving and when the vehicle is sitting in the rain.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #41

Feb 082016

Enclave

  • miles
The air conditioner does not work most of the time. Once in a while cold air will come out but the majority of the time it does not work at all. It seems to have started when my car battery died and I had it jumped to start it.

- Moorpark, CA, USA

problem #40

Mar 242016

Enclave

  • 135,000 miles
I own a 2008 Buick Enclave which was parked stationary in my driveway on March 24th 2016. As I exited my home and attempted to unlock my vehicle I was surprised by a cloud of smoke that was released by the front passenger airbag. It had deployed for no apparent reason. Damaging the dash, radio, and destroying the windshield glass. I immediately contacted GM service department in which they sent out a tow truck to remove my vehicle from my premises and shipped it to a ed rinke Chevrolet service department. Their investigator claims that there was a previous crack in the windshield that caused the 12" of standing water damage on my floorboards and in the airbag sensor module. There was no crack... so after being inconvenienced for almost a month, GM claims that the windshield was an aftermarket product and that they've got no responsibility for the deployment or totaled vehicle damages. The truck was returned today Apr. 19,2016 very inoperable!

- Eastpointe, MI, USA

problem #39

Mar 252016

Enclave

  • 80,000 miles
Central locking has failed resulting in persons being locked in the car. All buttons and fobs still seem to illicit lights and beeping etc. But the doors will not lock or more importantly unlock. The plunger on the driver door could not even be pulled up manually. This is about a dangerous as a failure can get. I'm pretty clever but this is not something I'm going to able to fix.

- Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA

problem #38

Jan 022016

Enclave

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the front passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000. The VIN was not available.

- Thomaston, ME, USA

problem #37

Jan 112016

Enclave

  • 111,500 miles
My vehicle was purchase in August of 2014 and I received a letter a month ago saying to bring my vehicle in for service of the power lift gate because of a recall. Well about two to three days later I started to experience problems with my vehicle such as a popping sound when you unlock the doors, open the doors, turn on signal light or radio...I don't know what it could be but GM wants to charge me $125 dollars just to look at it when I believe they messed it up because my lift gate is making noises as well and did I mention my radio does not work nor does the signal when I back up work...

- Dickinson, TX, USA

problem #36

Jul 012013

Enclave

  • 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. While the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the rear hatch door by pressing the open button on the fobik; however, the liftgate failed to open. On several occasions, the liftgate failed to close when the close button was pressed on the fobik. The contact had to manually open and close the liftgate on several occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V415000 (structure), but the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

- Pleasant Grove, AL, USA

problem #35

May 142015

Enclave

  • 85,430 miles
For about 6 months my radio has been going in and out like it is shorting out or something. At the same time my put seat belt, turn signal, car open anything with sound goes in and out of working with the sound. My radio sometimes worked sometimes doesn't. today was blow out sound and I could not turn the sound down or off. It was like poltergist. Thank god it did not happen when I was driving. It scared me half to death. I turned my car off and on again to see if it would go away. I finally called my husband said I cant drive my car with this sound. About 5 minutes later I tried again just to see what would happen now I have no sound for radio, fasten seat belt nothing. Not sure if poltergist will be back but this is a real problem. This is not an isolated incident now that I have been on line. Buick has a recall on their hands. Something is seriously wrong with the Enclave electrical

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #34

Mar 032014

Enclave

  • 65,000 miles
In 2014 our Enclave began having a popping noise in the audio system. All sounds, radio, dvd, turn signals, warning chimes, stopped working. After the vehicle sat for a time the audio would work again. It happened several times with the last time occurring May 5, 2015. On May 5, 2015 the audio started making a loud, ear piercing popping noise which almost caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. My two young children were also in the vehicle right next to the rear speakers. The only way to stop the noise was to pull the vehicle to the side of a busy highway, turn the vehicle off and open the driver door. (to turn the power to the radio off) the audio has not returned this time. This is happening to most 2008 Enclaves at around 70-75K miles. Buick refuses to assist as usual. Without the audio system working, all warning chimes are silent. Check engine, seat belt, tire pressure, airbag, rear park assist. This is a huge safety issue!

- Casper, WY, USA

problem #33

Apr 202015

Enclave 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 167,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. While driving at approximately 35 mph, there was a burning odor and the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000. Updated 7/28/15 the consumer continued to get an error message from the battery charging system. The battery and the alternator were replaced. Updated 08/11/15

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #32

Jan 012014

Enclave 6-cyl

  • 83,000 miles
I purchased my vehicle January 2014. Since then I have had major issues with it leaking when it rains, . water enters the sunroof and drips throughout the vehicles overhead as well as soaks the passenger side carpet. Water drips from the visor, the overhead lights (which could result in an electrical fire) in the front middle and back of the vehicle it seeps through the seat belt height adjusters and the area where the side airbags deploy (which could cause deploy issues). The problem has gotten so bad my vehicle is starting to smell like mold and I am afraid that after a year of this problem mold has grown under the carpet as well as in the overhead foam. My biggest concern is if my child is exposed to this for an extended period of time it will flair up his asthma. A child with asthma is very sensitive to mold and mildew and he is very sensitive as well as has allergies to mold. Additionally, when it rains my exhaust smokes and car putts as if water has gotten into the engine/exhaust, the check engine light has come on several times while traveling and no one can seem to find the issue, the check airbag light came on a couple of months after the purchase, and my steering wheel tightens up when I turn and I have already had that taken care of once. As I was driving home today the emergency brake light came on and dinged all the way home. I believe there are now electrical issues with the vehicle due to the leaks and may cause a malfunction or fire.

- Pooler, GA, USA

problem #31

Feb 202015

Enclave

  • 102,000 miles
Power lift gate opening and closing on it's own, while vehicle is off, on but parked, and while driving down the road. Water leaks from sunroof causing the water to drain throughout the whole inside of the vehicle.

- Lewiston, MI, USA

problem #30

Mar 102014

Enclave

  • 67,500 miles
Purchased vehicle end of Feb 2014. Problems started right away. 3-13-14 replaced front struts, complained about trans shifts and heater motor working part time. Dealer said they could not duplicate. 4-8-14 replaced blower motor and pigtail. 6-5-14 replaced ac evaporator old one was shot. 7-5-14 replaced transmission, & water pump, & steering gear pinion shaft seal. Now we currently have clear coat pealing and water coming in on the drivers side floor.

- Arlington, OH, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »