2012 Buick Enclave Problems & Complaints

Most common 2012 Buick Enclave problems

• Body & structure~76,000 miles
  2418%
• Engine & cooling~112,000 miles
  2418%
• Air bags~75,000 miles
  2116%
• Electrical system~66,000 miles
  1914%
• Other / not specified~98,000 miles
  1914%
• Steering~60,000 miles
  1713%
• Transmission & drivetrain~89,000 miles
  1310%
• Fuel & propulsion system~37,000 miles
  86%
• Brakes~75,000 miles
  75%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~72,000 miles
  32%
• Seat belts~65,000 miles
  32%
• Suspension~45,000 miles
  32%
• Speed control & acceleration~160,000 miles
  32%
• Seats~0 miles
  22%
• Wheels & tires
  22%
• Stability & traction control~100,000 miles
  22%
• A/C & heater~120,000 miles
  22%
• Lights~12,000 miles
  11%

Share of the 132 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Buick Enclave complaints by model year

Best Enclave years: 2013, 2022, 2018. Years to avoid: 2025, 2010, 2008. Compare all years →

2012 Buick Enclave recalls (6)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2012 Buick Enclave:

What 2012 Buick Enclave owners say

Body & structure all 24 →

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.

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while placing groceries into his vehicle, an abnormal noise began to emit from the rear liftgate. As the contact moved out of the way, the liftgate slammed down independently without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V415000 (Structure) which he linked to the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and he was informed that his vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was then referred to a dealer for assistance. The dealer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Engine & cooling all 24 →

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving uphill and while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired after the dealer made a contract for the repair; however, the failure recurred, and the contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was then taken to two independent mechanics, who retrieved failure codes from the wheel speed sensor. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the engine started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated when he disengaged the accelerator pedal and depressed it again, the engine stopped shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure however, the check engine light was reset. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring from the original date of purchase. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times. The contact stated that the catalytic converter, alternator, battery, fuel pump and fuel pressure sensors were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.

Air bags all 21 →

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph a second vehicle crashed into the passenger side causing severe damage to the vehicle. During the crash, the passenger-side curtain air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained neck, back, and shoulder inquiries. The front passenger sustained head neck and back injuries. The second-row driver-side passenger suffered a head injury. The second-row passenger-side occupant suffered a head and neck and arm injury. The service dog located in the 3rd row was also injured during the crash. Medical attention was sought a couple of days after the incident. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was not towed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000

Was involved in an accident where another driver seemingly proceeded thru a stop sign without an actual stop, my car was hit on the left side of the car...from side driver's door to front portion of vehicle, including grill...left side tire was buckled into vehicle with probable axle damage, etc. None of the air bags were deployed, and I hit my head on the driver's window, breaking the window, resulting in serious head injuries, etc. My vehicle was on a city street, 4 way stop, and had just started auto motion to turn left at intersection. I will be able to provide photos and additional documentation as requested.

2012 Buick Enclave engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.