Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% | 72,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% | 27,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% | 69,000 miles |
| 2015 | 12 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 2014 | 11 | 4% | 57,000 miles |
| 2013 | 12 | 17% | 52,000 miles |
| 2012 | 17 | 13% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 41 | 19% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 126 | 46% | 68,000 miles |
| 2009 | 108 | 49% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 99 | 18% | 74,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Steering wheel repeatedly locks while turning followed by loss of power steering. Also accompanied by warning messages such as "Service ESC", "Park Assist Off", "Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care", as well as the stability control and stability control off lights. Began in October 2023. Brought in to dealership 4 times in 5 months (waiting on loaner availability to bring in for a 5th time) and still not repaired. Dealership unable to replicate problem but finds error codes when diagnosing. Below is a summary of each visit to "fix" the problem: Visit 1 (October 17, 2023): problem due to software out of date, reprogrammed the brake control module Visit 2 (October 30, 2023): problem due to battery low voltage, replaced battery Visit 3 (January 12, 2024): problem due to software out of date, reprogrammed power steering control module Visit 4 (February 19, 2024): problem due to …
Vehicle suffered a catastrophic, uncommanded electronic and mechanical system failure within 30 days of purchase, resulting in a severe crash.Prior to the incident, the vehicle exhibited a violent, unexpected jerking motion while accelerating up a highway on-ramp, though control was briefly regained. A few days later at the end of May, while driving in the rain, the electronic systems completely failed with zero dashboard warning lights or error messages appearing.The vehicle completely overrode driver input, veering uncontrollably from lane to lane on its own. Simultaneously, a total loss of braking power occurred; pressing the brake pedal had no effect on reducing the vehicle's speed. To stop the runaway vehicle and prevent hitting other drivers, I was forced to intentionally steer the SUV into a physical wall. …
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventilation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down. Eventually, the vehicle failed to turn off, and the owner disconnected the battery. A towing company was called to tow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Traveled and car begin to shake when I got to destination. The shift gears lights started going from neutral to Low gear and my speed began to drop down even when I was accelerating. The engine light came on and the stabilitrak light was on during times I stop at lights or stop lights only when in traffic but not on the highway. After seen by an auto service dealer, the stabilitrak light still comes on during stops at the light or stop signs and hesitation to accelerate with a heaviness to steer. There appears to be a dragging or pull when accelerating not very smooth. The service was with the transmission, however, no attempt to fix the stabilitrak and now I am to take it back in, not really enjoying my vehicle, my American vehicle, this really saddens me.
Was driving my car and went to turn into the gas station. When I tried to turn it was a loud whirring sound. I took it back to where I bought it. I haven't even owned the car for 30 days yet. They said power steering fluid was leaking. They checked to see if it was coming from pump or hose and it was from the pump. So had to replace power steering pump. Got my car back last night and the steering still feels off it isn't making the whirring noise now. It is so hard to explain. It feels bouncy when you make a right turn I guess you could call it. The car makes a squeaking noise when turning as well and they couldn't figure out why.
I have a 2016 Buick Enclave - the have exceeded my warranty by approximately by approximately 7,000 miles noticed that the vehicle had begun making squealing sound mainly when turning. Took it to my local mechanic and he confirmed a leak from the power steering hose. He found that there is a published service bulletin regarding the issue. I feel this should be covered under a warranty or a recall.
The steering wheel develops play because the components of the tie rod loosen and it is difficult to maintain control of the vehicle at high and low speeds. Besides that, steering is very stiff. Cracks and screeches are heard coming from the steering rack when you turn the wheel, can even be felt from the steering wheel. My vehicle has only 26k miles on it, but I've heard some others start at 5k
Squealing noise when using steering wheel. Even if the car is heated up for over 20 minutes. Steering wheel slow to turn or hard to turn. Happens everyday now. Took to a dealership and they are advising that will cost almost 3K to resolve issue. Will have to send invoice once I pick up vehicle
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Enclave years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (126), 2009 (108), 2008 (99), 2011 (41) and 2012 (17) model years. Steering complaints make up 46% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Buick Enclave steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › pump (2 mentions), followed by the linkages › tie rod assembly (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.