Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Buick Enclave problems

Owners filed 133 complaints about the 2012 Buick Enclave with NHTSA between Jun 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (24).

Complaints
133
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
25
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine24
  2. Structure24
  3. Air bags21
  4. Electrical system20
  5. Steering17
  6. Power train13
  7. Fuel/propulsion system6
  8. Service brakes6
  9. Vehicle speed control3
  10. Seat belts3
  11. Suspension3
  12. Equipment2
  13. Visibility/wiper2
  14. Visibility2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20122
20134
201410
201517
201614
20177
201817
201919
202010
202111
20224
20233
20247
20255
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

24 reports1 crash
“While driving, the vehicle suddenly and without warning experienced a severe, dangerous loss of acceleration. The dashboard immediately displayed a "Reduced Engine Power" warning message along with a "Service StabiliTrak" light, forcing the vehicle into an immediate electronic fail-safe "limp mode." This sudden, drastic reduction in engine power severely restricts the vehicle's ability to maintain safe roadway speeds, accelerate from a stop, or merge safely into traffic, posing an immediate rear-end collision hazard to myself and other motorists. Furthermore, the defect simultaneously disables critical active safety systems by shutting down the StabiliTrak and Traction Control networks. A diagnostic scan revealed code P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensors 1-2 Correlation Not Plausible). Investigation reveals that this is a widespread, systemic safety defect caused by design flaws in the vehicle's body. Rainwater and moisture from clogged factory sunroof drains or cowl seams leak directly down into the interior cabin wall, pooling into the primary instrument panel-to-body wiring harness block (X218 connector) in the driver's side footwell. This water…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11738309

Structure

24 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and hesitated while attempting to accelerate and depressing the accelerator pedal. During the failure, the check engine warning light momentarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while opening the rear liftgate door, there was a clicking sound coming from the driver's side rear liftgate door strut. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V415000 (STRUCTURE). The failure mileage was 118,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2025Structure, EngineODI 11645043

Air bags

21 reports6 crashes3 related recalls
“PURCHASED CAR USED FROM CAR DEALER. DEALER STATES HIS MECHANIC INSPECTED VEHICLE. I DROVE OFF THE LOT WITH NO ISSUES. LESS THAN 48 HRS LATER, SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IGNITION TURNED ON WHEN LIGHT CAME ON. LIGHT COMES ON, GOES OFF AND REPEATS THIS...”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2023Air bagsODI 11554703

Electrical system

20 reports
“I am reporting three unexpected vehicle behaviors that raise safety concerns. While stopped at a red light with the transmission in Drive and my foot remaining on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly lurched forward. I had not released the brake. On another occasion, after I had parked and turned the vehicle off, the driver’s power seat moved all the way backward and the seatback reclined all the way down without my intentionally activating those adjustments. Afterward, while the vehicle was still off, the doors repeatedly locked and unlocked without anyone touching the controls. I am concerned about unexpected vehicle movement and uncommanded operation of the seat and door locks. I request that NHTSA review these incidents for a possible safety defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11774858

Steering

17 reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lunged forward while accelerating. The failure was more persistent at speeds of 40 MPH and lower. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right there was a clunking sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 22, 2024SteeringODI 11584396

Power train

13 reports1 crash
“When pulling onto a county road with traffic the transmission kept slipping and the engine would rev higher. It took a lot longer to get up to speed and the cars behind me had to brake quickly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2024Power trainODI 11614684
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.