2011 Buick Enclave Airbag Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  725%
• 25k–50k
  621%
• 50k–75k
  414%
• 75k–100k
  725%
• 100k–150k
  27%
• 150k+
  27%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Buick Enclave owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to an unknown recall. The mechanic contacted an unknown dealer and was informed that they could not assist because vehicle had previously been repaired under TSB Number: 15536. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Driving down the road on a 50mph zone and a vehicle pulled out in front of us. Our car t-boned the car that pulled in front of us. Everyone had there seatbelts on but the front airbags never deployed. I dont understand why they wouldnt have deployed when we hit the other car at at least 40mph after slamming on the breaks.

2011 Buick Enclave, all recalls completed. When turning into driveway from a total stop vehicle experienced unexpected acceleration and crashed through part-way up garage door, side wall of garage, (right wheel over 6" concrete foundation), pushed items stored in garage into front wall and moved wall 12" into laundry room. Vehicle stopped when left front wheel hit concrete step into service door although tire left tread mark on floor until engine turned off. Distance traveled was about 2 1/2 car lengths. Damage to right front mainly. $12,300 dealer estimated damage. Driver suffered soft tissue bruising, chipped tooth, soreness. Air bags did not deploy. Odb showed no DTC codes. Vehicle visually/manually inspected by dealer per insurance company request - nothing found. Claim filed with esis/GM central claims unit. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered head, neck and shoulder injuries and was transported for medical treatment. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to a collision center but was not inspected to determine the cause of the air bag failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number 14V118000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000. Updated 07/15/14 ma

Turned corner on ironwood46615 and rear ended car that stopped suddenly. Crushed my front end back to puncturing the radiator. No air bag deployed and no seat belt on impact. My knees hit the dash under the steering wheel. No OnStar as no airbag deployed. Holding steering wheel was my only deterrent to hitting forward. Repairs cost $5000.+ and GM dealer insisted airbag and seat belt were functioning. Knees still hurt. And seen doctor about knees and going again soon. I am reporting this after hearing that there are recalled on seat belts and airbags on driver side.

Driver exiting a parking lot did not see my vehicle and did not stop. Hit my vehicle mid way on the passenger side pushing my vehicle sideways causing it to hit a light pole on the driver side front fender and hood. Air bags did not deploy and seat belt did not work causing me to hit the steering wheel with my chest and my knee on the dash. I was taken to emergency room. Nothing was broken but had extensive soft tissue, muscle strains and cartilage damage. Am still receiving treatment at this time.

My vehicle struck the back of a stopped semi at 25 MPH. Had sever damage to hood, driver side headlight, fender, door, window, driver side windshield, front frame, wiper motor and front bumper. Only had ignition shut off airbag and on star was not notified. After two recalls for airbags one in June or July of 2013. I took the vehicle for the second recall later that day I was hit while making a right turn by a vehicle that ran a red. I was turning from a stop. No notification again.

This vehicle has only about 55,000 miles and was purchased used. It underwent the major recall GM had for defective airbags in 2014. The airbag light came on again while the vehicle was on motion and has been intermittently on and off. The dealer wants $145 for diagnostics and GM will not cover under previous recall unless we prove there was a defect with the previous recall parts. Of course GM will not disclose what the previous recall parts were .

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the warning light illuminated, which indicated that the air bag needed servicing. When the vehicle was diagnosed, the mechanic stated that the air bag coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. Updated 02/12/16 the vehicle was repaired at the consumers expense. Updated 03/09/16.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness in the passenger seat needed to be replaced with soldered connections. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V118000 (air bags) however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Related recalls

Airbag complaints in other Enclave years