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
This page covers 5 recalls, 68 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Buick Enclave.
18–19 mpg combined
12.4–13.1 L/100km
Standard 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 for the 2013 Buick Enclave cluster around three systems roughly equally: airbags, steering, and the powertrain. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission shudder during low-RPM acceleration, hesitation or jerking from a stop, and sudden power reduction accompanied by check engine, traction control, and StabiliTrak warning lights appearing together, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. Some owners report the issue persisting after multiple shop visits and, in a few cases, after full transmission replacement. Steering complaints center on power steering stiffness, with owners describing the wheel as unusually heavy to turn and, in some cases, noting a persistent rubbing or squeaking noise. Airbag complaints are largely limited to warning lights illuminating without a clear triggering event, often at higher mileage, with many owners noting the vehicle hadn't yet been diagnosed when they filed.
68
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Buick Enclave has 5 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Three additional recalls affect the restraint systems. The side-mounted airbags in the front seats can develop increased electrical resistance in their wiring harnesses, preventing both the side airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners from firing in a crash, leaving front occupants without that protection when they need it most. Separately, the side curtain airbags may not be properly secured to their mounting points, meaning they can fail to deploy correctly in a rollover or side impact. A seatbelt recall also covers this vehicle: a steel cable within the seatbelt assembly can fatigue and separate over time, leaving an occupant without reliable restraint in a crash.
On the electrical side, the chassis electronic module can develop an internal short circuit, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving and raising the risk of a crash with other traffic.
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
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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 →
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module at no cost to you.
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 chassis electronic module may have internal contamination that causes an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the chassis electronic module at no cost.
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.