Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | 39% | 15,000 miles |
| 2023 | 3 | 14% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 21% | — |
| 2021 | 7 | 27% | — |
| 2020 | 6 | 10% | 3,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% | 30,000 miles |
| 2018 | 21 | 32% | 23,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2014 | 6 | 2% | 64,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 2012 | 7 | 5% | 75,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 4% | 53,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 4% | 38,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 3% | 16,000 miles |
| 2008 | 16 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the brakes suddenly failed with the "Brake Assist Failure" and "Service ESC" warning lights illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the contact received a secondary message that the vehicle would be limited to 45 MPH, with an instruction to press the brake pedal very hard. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt extremely squishy and unsafe to operate because it failed to operate properly. On a separate occasion, the vehicle shut off without warning, with a very loud clicking sound coming from the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted, and the audio and electronics functioned as needed for minutes of driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the electrical failure, and the technicians attempted a telematics control module reprogramming. …
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control mode became inoperable, and the vehicle unexpectedly shut off. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, messages related to the braking system, forward collision system and the ABS were displayed. Additionally, the ABS was inoperable during inclement weather, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive. The contact pulled over to the side of the road because children were also inside the vehicle. The contact's husband then drove the vehicle to the dealer, where the failure was duplicated, and several diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a known issue and that several technical service bulletins related to the failure had been issued. The vehicle was not repaired. …
As my husband was backing out of the garage to the East and turning the back end to the North so we could head forward out of our drive which is on a curve, the car accelerated and the brakes would not work. We went backwards down a very steep drive that goes to our machine shed and towards the bottom we were stopped by a tree. We could have suffered head trauma from the abrupt stop. If we had been backing out of the drive or a parking place, since we couldn't stop, there could have been others involved and severe injuries. I called the sheriff's office and they filed a report. Our insurance agent came out and took pictures. I called General Motors Buick and they opened a case. The car was towed to the body shop the dealership we bought it from uses. We noticed no warning lights or messages on the dash. …
In Driver info center messages displayed are ESC "this is anti lock cracking system not working". Steering assist reduced "this is lane departure steering assist not working" Parking brake. "not working" Also cruise control is not working Buick service tells me this has happened often enough in other vehicles that there is a repair bulletin on it. Also the initial cost to repair is $3000 + if this bulletin repair fixes the problem if not there would be more costs. This vehicle is within the 36 month bumper to bumper warranty period but has recently exceeded the 36000 mile warranty threshold. I have already paid for the initial part so it could be ordered.
my 2022 buick enclave was involved in a minor accident that was a stop and go traffic . THE car is supposed to have anti collision sensors in the front grill but the car did not stop or slow down and no warning lights went off , also from the hood had a buckled bacl along with the front fenders and pushed both fenders back a little enough to prevent either front door from opening had to exit through the back seat if the car had caught on fire a person would have not survived , all parts in accident where replaced by the body shop and buick dealer had to recalibrate the collision equipment thanks for any help jeff quicksell
I have a 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir. I purchased the car Dec 2021. I received a low pressure indicator October 26, 2022 in which I had the tire repaired. The brakes started grinding in December of 2022. I took it to the local dealership several times and have called to report the issue as well. On one visit the brake pads were repaired because of a bulletin received from GM. A few days after the replacement, the brakes are still grinding. (see attached documents) I called the dealership again and was told, I assure you that you are not the only one. There are at least 4-5 other customers in my area having the same issue and there is nothing the dealership can do until they receive instructions from GM. What can be done about this? I am concerned with this issue and would like to see it resolved or get a replacement. …
I have a 2021 Buick Enclave Premium purchased 01.03.2021from Alden Buick-GMC been having problems with my brakes when I apply my brakes I have a brake noise grinding growling noise coming from the brakes. Took vehicle to dealership today 06.01.2021. Was told cause is Composition of brake material, dealers informed by GM not to replace any parts or attempt any repairs at this time. Was informed vehicle is safe to drive and GM engineering is working on a solution to this concern. I am concerned should the brakes not work properly when applied causing an accident. Would like to know if NHTSA is aware of this problem on the 2021 Buick Enclaves and 2021 Cadillac XT5-XT6, 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2021 GMC Acadia? Would like to know if NHTSA feels it is safe to drive?
Brakes started grinding at 1000 miles. I will filed a complaint with the dealership and hope they record it. Now I have approximately 2100 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brake pad and rotor on the right front are grinding every time I apply the brakes. On July 23 2021 an own coming 18 wheeler did not see me and made a left turn in front of me at the traffic light . I step on the brakes lightly to stop but the car made the metal to metal sound and kept moving forward. So I had to jam on the brakes to stop. All wheels slid forward immediately except the front right. I think different brake pads and rotors are needed on this vehicle. This is definitely a safety issue to all drivers as well as others that are on the road.
NHTSA investigations
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a "Brake System Failure" message at start up or while driving.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Enclave years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (21), 2008 (16), 2025 (15), 2010 (12) and 2015 (10) model years. Brake complaints make up 32% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Buick Enclave brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Buick Enclave model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Enclave brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles; 60% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (1 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.