NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may explode when the air bag deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module at no cost to you.
This page covers 6 recalls, 211 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Buick Enclave.
18–19 mpg combined
12.4–13.1 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2011 Buick Enclave spread across several systems, with steering and the powertrain drawing the most reports. On the steering side, owners describe loss of power assist, stiff or unresponsive steering, and in some cases the wheel pulling or feeling disconnected while driving. Powertrain complaints center on stalling, hesitation, and unexpected loss of power, several owners report the engine cutting out at highway speeds with little or no warning. Airbag-related complaints round out the top three, with owners reporting warning lights staying on and concerns about whether the system would deploy correctly. A smaller set of complaints mentions brake performance, with some owners describing the brakes as insufficiently responsive even after pads and rotors had been replaced.
211
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Buick Enclave has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's airbag inflator, which can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Two other recalls affect airbag performance. The side curtain airbags on certain vehicles may not be properly secured and can fail to deploy correctly in a crash. Separately, increased electrical resistance in the wiring for the seat-mounted side impact airbags and seatbelt pretensioners can prevent both from firing in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without that protection. On the seatbelt side, a steel cable inside the belt assembly can fatigue and break, meaning the belt may not hold an occupant in a crash. There is also a liftgate concern: the struts that hold the rear hatch open can weaken and allow the gate to drop unexpectedly onto anyone standing beneath it. Finally, when snow or ice builds up on the windshield and restricts wiper movement, the wiper arm nut can loosen and leave that wiper inoperable.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator may explode when the air bag deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module at no cost to you.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached due to weld nut issues, which could prevent them from deploying correctly in a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the side curtain air bag weld nuts and realign or replace them as needed at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The gas struts that hold the power liftgate open may wear prematurely, causing the liftgate to suddenly fall when open.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power liftgate motor control software to prevent rapid closing of the liftgate.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The flexible steel cable connecting the seatbelt to the front outboard seats may weaken and break over time, potentially reducing seatbelt effectiveness.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the lap pretensioner at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion or poor connections in the side air bag wiring may prevent side air bags and seat belt tighteners from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected wiring connections with soldered connections to restore proper electrical flow.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Snow or ice buildup on the windshield or wipers can restrict wiper movement, causing the wiper arm nut to loosen and the wiper to stop working. This loss of visibility in rain or snow could lead to a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts to restore secure operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
