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2021 Buick Enclave Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

26

Total

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

BRAKES
7
ELECTRICAL
6
ENGINE
4
SEAT BELTS
3
OTHER
3

Owner Complaint Reports

Showing 25 of 26 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.

ODI #11768213

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 09/12/2026

Eboost intermittent. Loss of brakes.

ODI #11753269

SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/23/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the contact and her daughter inside the vehicle, her daughter's seat belt became extremely tight. The seat belt failed to unlatch, forcing the contact to cut the seat belt to remove her daughter from the seat. The contact believed that the seat belt had malfunctioned. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

ODI #11744657

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/17/2025

The muffler and tail pipe has fallen off 6 times and ive had to get repaired. I believe it is due to the bad torque converter that others have complained about and goggle says that is a likely failure on the buick.

ODI #11744102

STRUCTURE — Filed 04/15/2026

The liftgate of my vehicle began opening on it's own at no apparent interval, but now occurs frequently while waiting for a repair part to come in. This has happened while parked - including in public parking lots (where someone malicious could have entered the vehicle and the closed the liftgate after entering the vehicle - I would have been unaware of their presence) as well as while driving, which presents multiple safety issues including belongings falling out of the vehicle or causing an accident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and repair and the part has been on backorder since April 20, 2026. Multiple user forums report a plethora of other individuals experiencing the same issue.

ODI #11743361

SEAT BELTS — Filed 06/06/2026

Passenger side seatbelt latch gets stuck so when trying to buckle it doesn’t go in, you have to try multiple times. Get a notification on dashboard every once in a while saying seatbelt or airbag issue contact dealer. Warning light (air bag and seatbelt system) lights up. My safety is put at risk as I am pregnant and not sure whether the seatbelt will buckle or not while I’m in the passenger seat. I have not taken this In to be looked at yet.

ODI #11734364

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/28/2026

About six months ago the tailgate foot sensor failed and has not worked. Since then, the tailgate began randomly opening on its own, mostly when the car is parked and shut off, but as of today(4-28-2026) it started occurring while I'm driving. In addition to the hazard of items falling from my vehicle unto the highway and/or other cars, the only way for me to close the tailgate from the driver's seat is to place the transmission in Park and push the tailgate button. Other than that, I must stop and get out and physically close it. Both actions are potential risks depending on my location and the traffic around me. I've brought this in to the dealership service department in January 2026 with this complaint, but was told they couldn't find anything wrong with it. In the meantime, it continues to get worse.

ODI #11732015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/13/2026

The trunk latching system malfunction even when it is set to OFF. When the vehicle is off or running it will open automatically then will not shut unless you turn the car on then shut the car off put on lock then unlock the car. While driving short distances the lift gate will open enough to trigger the alarm. I have woke up my trunk is open. It is safety for me and others due to exposure of material in trunk falling out. Safety for me sitting in car this happens all the time. I have called the dealer they want to charge $90 hr to diagnose and fix it.

ODI #11679079

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/09/2025

Problem: The back hatch or trunk door pops open randomly on its own, many times a day. In a parking lot once. It hasn't happened while I've been driving. Safety issue because if it were to open while in public and a person wasn't in the vehicle, then anyone could enter the vehicle and theft could occur. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. A service center confirmed that it's the switch in the back hatch. No, the vehicle hasn't been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance. No, there haven't been any warning lights with this issue.

ODI #11670139

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/06/2025

The catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times. The flex pipes has been repaired and replaced 4 times and the exhaust pipes has been welded on 5 times. The back tail pipe fail off while driving and had to be welded. The exhaust on this vehicle has given me many problems.

ODI #11659614

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 04/27/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate latch independently unlocked. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for an inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 39,700.

ODI #11648845

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 03/17/2025

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the door locks intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the doors had failed to lock and unlock as needed. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred after it had rained. The contact related the failure to the Manufacturer's Communication Number: 10211091. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided a cost for the diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,188.

ODI #11644448

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE — Filed 02/17/2025

Power Liftgate was functioning erratically and now it won't open at all. Currently there is no way to manually open the liftgate or access the rear of the vehicle without climbing through the vehicle to get to the trunk area. Electrical switches on inside, exterior of vehicle nor the keyfob will open the liftgate. Previously the liftgate opened on its own at unintended times and now it has simply quit working. Safety issue was when it was opening while driving. It is not currently doing this since it won't work anymore. Complete Failure happened around 54K miles.

ODI #11621844

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/15/2024

Catalytic converter was defective in October 2022. Had to wait to get part in. Vehicle taken to dealer for repair in December 2022/ Told that the second catalytic converter needed to be repaired. I stated that I was not aware that cars had two catalytic converters. Parts were ordered and replaced. Engine light came back on-again October 15, 2024. Portable CO detector in car was beeping when engine around time engine light came on. Not covered by warranty or insurance. A new car with 55, 000 miles to date should not have these issues.

ODI #11573738

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE — Filed 02/05/2024

The rear switch on our tailgate has failed and it allows the tailgate to open/close randomly on its own while the vehicle is locked even. I contacted Buick about the problem and they said didn’t care, but this can happen while the vehicle is moving down the road as well as when parked. It’s not necessarily a typical safety issue that are normally recalled for, but it does pose significant safety issues if you want your car to be locked and you come back from the store and it’s not and people are free to break it or if it were to happen while moving. We had this happen on our car at around 38,000 miles. From reading other Buick forums to try and figure out what the cause is, it sounds like it’s a somewhat common occurrence. It’s alarming that it can open while the vehicle is locked.

ODI #11566689

SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/01/2023

Passenger seat belt doesn't always work. Has to click several times

ODI #11483900

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/29/2021

AWD has vibration at highway speeds when engaged

ODI #11454577

ENGINE — Filed 02/28/2022

When driving my car down the street today, it abruptly stopped in the middle of the street and and engine locked up. I could not shift gears. I could not put my car in neutral. I was literally stuck in the middle of the street with a vehicle that gave me no warning of malfunctioning. This is the 3rd transmission that I have had in this car. It is a 2021 Buick Enclave with just over 12,000 miles.

ODI #11430863

STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 07/17/2021

This car crosses the line before the lane keep assist does anything. The car nearly hit an oncoming car. I asked the Koons Tysons Buick Service rep about it and he said he has heard this from a number of people but noting has been done. It seems like a software patch is necessary to make this safe.

ODI #11430512

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/23/2021

Brakes started grinding at 1000 miles. I will filed a complaint with the dealership and hope they record it. Now I have approximately 2100 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brake pad and rotor on the right front are grinding every time I apply the brakes. On July 23 2021 an own coming 18 wheeler did not see me and made a left turn in front of me at the traffic light . I step on the brakes lightly to stop but the car made the metal to metal sound and kept moving forward. So I had to jam on the brakes to stop. All wheels slid forward immediately except the front right. I think different brake pads and rotors are needed on this vehicle. This is definitely a safety issue to all drivers as well as others that are on the road.

ODI #11426025

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/02/2021

No accident. I bought this brand new car on May 29, 2021, and have been experiencing brake issues. When I apply the brakes, there is a weird noise, grinding type and it feels like there is less traction (like when slowing down on snow). I have to apply more pressure to my brakes to slow the vehicle and come to a stop. The problem occurs quite often.

ODI #11423968

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/01/2021

Brakes started grinding at 300 miles. I have filed a complaint with dealership who did record it and advised that it was a known issue that GM is working to resolve. I now have approximately 2000 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brakes are grinding every time I apply the brakes. Occasionally, when I apply the brakes and they are making the grinding feeling - it feels as if the vehicle is not wanting to slow down and I need to apply more pressure to my brakes. This definitely would be a safety issue to the driver as well as others that are on the road.

ODI #11421887

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 04/19/2021

This vehicle has an auto stop start feature that the dealer refuses to override. The problem is that if you are stopped to make a left turn, the engine stops. When you need to go when there is a break in traffic, there is a hesitation to get going just when you need instant power. Also at stop lights or signs you tend to keep tapping the brake to keep it running resulting in a dangerous situation. Also if you are stopped and forget and get out of the car, it can start up and run into something. I just want the ability to disable this dangerous feature.

ODI #11419828

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/06/2021

when applying the brakes it sounds lile metal on metal

ODI #11419275

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/01/2021

I have a 2021 Buick Enclave Premium purchased 01.03.2021from Alden Buick-GMC been having problems with my brakes when I apply my brakes I have a brake noise grinding growling noise coming from the brakes. Took vehicle to dealership today 06.01.2021. Was told cause is Composition of brake material, dealers informed by GM not to replace any parts or attempt any repairs at this time. Was informed vehicle is safe to drive and GM engineering is working on a solution to this concern. I am concerned should the brakes not work properly when applied causing an accident. Would like to know if NHTSA is aware of this problem on the 2021 Buick Enclaves and 2021 Cadillac XT5-XT6, 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2021 GMC Acadia? Would like to know if NHTSA feels it is safe to drive?

ODI #11415287

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/05/2021

WHEN I DRIVE MY BUICK ENCLAVE AFTER IT SITS FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME, IF I APPLY THE BRAKES, I HAVE A LOUD GRINDING TYPE SOUND AND I NOTICE THE NOISE CONTINUES AS I DO MY SHOPPING AND IT DOES NOT ALWAYS GO AWAY. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE BUICK DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY (GM) WERE TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE NOISE. ALSO, I WAS TOLD THAT I CAN CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AS IT WOULD POSE NO SAFETY ISSUES. I FIND IT UNNERVING TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH NOISY BRAKES AND I INQUIRED WHEN GM FINDS A FIX WILL I BE CONTACTED? I WAS TOLD TO CALL BACK PERIODICALLY TO SEE HOW GM HAS DECIDED TO CORRECT THE NOISE PROBLEM. AS OF THIS WRITING I HAVE ONLY 684 MILES ON THIS BUICK ENCLAVE. I DO FEEL THIS ISSUE IS WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION BY THE NHTSA 05/05/2021

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov