Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Buick Enclave problems
Owners filed 61 complaints about the 2020 Buick Enclave with NHTSA between Jun 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (17).
Complaints
61
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine17
- Electrical system10
- Power train9
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Service brakes5
- Steering3
- Seat belts3
- Structure2
- Suspension2
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Fuel system, gasoline2
- Parking brake1
- Tires1
- Air bags1
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
6
3
2
7
10
9
24
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 24 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
17 reports
“My vehicle is taking oil into the engine and is available for inspection. The mechanic says some component in the engine is taking in oil. I am losing about 3/4 of a quart every 500 miles. He said his best estimate is in months to a year it will blow the motor. I have not taken it to a dealership just the mechanic company I use. No I got a message saying that I needed to add oil about 2 weeks after an oil change. My mechanic checked the oil levels for a couple weeks after that. And thats what I was informed after checking oil levels.”
Electrical system
10 reports2 crashes
“Vehicle suffered a catastrophic, uncommanded electronic and mechanical system failure within 30 days of purchase, resulting in a severe crash.Prior to the incident, the vehicle exhibited a violent, unexpected jerking motion while accelerating up a highway on-ramp, though control was briefly regained. A few days later at the end of May, while driving in the rain, the electronic systems completely failed with zero dashboard warning lights or error messages appearing.The vehicle completely overrode driver input, veering uncontrollably from lane to lane on its own. Simultaneously, a total loss of braking power occurred; pressing the brake pedal had no effect on reducing the vehicle's speed. To stop the runaway vehicle and prevent hitting other drivers, I was forced to intentionally steer the SUV into a physical wall. The impact deployed components, caused orange engine coolant to leak, and forced the electronic precision shifter into Neutral on its own before the vehicle lost all electrical power. The steering wheel airbag deployed during this initial impact.Approximately 5 minutes later, while the vehicle was disabled on the road and after I had safely exited, a…”
Power train
9 reports1 crash1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. While the contact's wife was attempting to park the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into park as needed. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle was parked. The contact used bricks to chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed valve body and internal transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
6 reports
“My car started making a loud and rattling noise and when I had my vehicle looked at there was a huge crack in my exhaust pipe which could potentially be leaking harmful toxins in the cabin of my vehicle. I have been to so many places who say they don’t have what they need to repair this and that I need to reach out to GM. I have seen over 30 similar stories in these complaints. This is very unsafe and something needs to be done about this for the 2020 model as it has been done for others. We are afraid to even keep all the windows rolled up with our children inside for fear of carbon monoxide leaking through.”
Service brakes
5 reports1 crash
“1st incident i was backing out of a parking spot and it went into emergency park i had to turn off the truck , turn it back on and take it out of emergency parking 2nd incident a week later i was at a stop light the truck did the automatic shut off.When you have your foot on a break , I'll let go of the break to go through the light and it went into emergency park again Engine light is on auto zone says it one of 2 different catalytic converters unsure which one would have to get them both replaced over 500 each 3rd incident auto shutdown when stopped burnt out the starter no way to turn off the auto start stop 4th incident TODAY pulling into the parking lot at the grocery store.Doing about 10 to 15 mph truck just shut off It putting it's into emergency park or shutting of while driving is a SAFETY issue but no recalls Single mother can't afford to even have it looked at right now”
Steering
3 reports1 crash
“See attached document for complaint.”
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.