The Buick Enclave has been a consistent proposition in the midsize SUV segment. Ever since its introduction in 2008, the American vehicle has carved a niche for itself with its capacious build, an adult-friendly third row of seats, and smooth driving demeanor. It is amply equipped from the base variant itself and as you move to the higher trims, the Enclave converts into a full-blown luxurious proposition at an affordable price. The safety scores are top-notch and despite its flamboyance, the reliability remains top-notch. In the current iteration, the SUV has 199 complaints and 6 recalls alongside one investigation that deals with the seat belts. The 2011 Buick Enclave price starts at $35,865 and it competes with the likes of the GMC Acadia, the Volvo XC90, and the Lincoln MKT.
2011 Buick Enclave User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Illumination of the airbag warning light: The Buick Enclave issues list has consistent recurrences relating to the SUV’s airbag system. In almost all the cases, buyers have reported the passenger airbag warning light stays illuminated. While there is no known cause for the failure, the light does signify interference with the proper deployment of the airbags.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning exterior lighting: The Buick Enclave headlight problems are not a consistent issue. In a handful of cases, buyers have reported the daytime running lights losing power inadvertently, which restricts the driver’s visibility in certain conditions. While the burning of the lights can be a reason for the failure, no definitive solution is available to the buyers yet.
- Incorrect fuel information: The Buick Enclave electrical problems also deal with the malfunctioning instrument panel cluster. In several cases, users have reported the fuel gauge showing an incorrect level of fuel, which causes the drivers to assume that the vehicle might cover more mileage than intended, which can increase the risk of an unexpected stall.
Structural Complaints
- Malfunctioning rear liftgate: In the 2011 Buick Enclave problems list, complainants have recorded the power liftgate failing and closing without any input. This happens due to the failure of the gas struts, which causes the liftgate to fall, resulting in injuries to the buyers. Currently, Buick has introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 14V266000, to deal with the issue.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine failure: Buyers of the 2012 Enclave have also reported problems with the engine of the midsize SUV. In most cases, complainants have reported the timing chain or crankshaft/ camshaft components getting damaged, which results in the engine stalling. For others, the engine unit has seized due to metal pieces entering the unit, which warrants a replacement.
- Issues with the transmission unit: The Buick Enclave transmission problems are highly recurring. In most cases, buyers have reported the inability of the vehicle to register when the vehicle is placed in “Park”. As a result, when placed on inclined surfaces, the SUV rolls backward, which can increase the risk of a crash. Currently, there is no known cause for the issue, however, it does qualify as a safety concern.
- Failure of power steering: The 2011 Buick Enclave power steering problems are its most common issue. In almost all listed cases, users have reported the vehicle losing its power assist, which results in the steering becoming difficult to turn. This can increase the risk of a crash and while the problem is highly recurring, there is no recall available to eliminate the problem.
2011 Buick Enclave Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
7th Oct 2021 |
21V782000 |
The explosion of the driver’s airbag inflator |
Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the driver’s airbag inflator may explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag module, free of cost. |
|
2. |
8th Apr 2021 |
21V246000 |
Unsecured side curtain airbags |
Due to improper attachment, the side curtain airbags might not be properly secured. |
Upon inspection, dealers will realign or replace the weld nuts, free of cost. |
|
3. |
30th June 2015 |
15V415000 |
Failure of liftgate |
In vehicles equipped with power liftgates, the liftgate might fail and fall due to wear and tear of the gas struts. |
Dealers will update the power liftgate actuator control unit, free of cost. |
|
4. |
20th May 2014 |
14V266000 |
Detachment of the flexible steel cable |
The flexible steel cables that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating position may get damaged due to wear and tear. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the lap pretensioner, free of cost. |
|
5. |
17th Mar 2014 |
14V118000 |
Wiring connections of side impact airbags |
Due to increased resistance in the side impact airbag wiring harness, the curtain airbags, and seat belts might not function as intended. |
Dealers will replace the affected harness connections, free of cost. |
|
6. |
9th Apr 2012 |
12V151000 |
Loose windshield wiper arm nuts |
Due to snow or ice accumulating on the windshield or the wiper, the wiper arm may become inoperative. |
Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2011 Buick Enclave?
The 2011 Buick Enclave has been a revelation. For family-oriented buyers, the midsize SUV’s space and impressive comfort levels have allowed it to gain ascendancy in the luxury class. It reeks of utility and is a highly functional proposition, considering its towing and hauling capabilities. Even in terms of dependability, the American vehicle is top-notch. Against its sales units of 56,000, Enclave’s 199 complaints do not seem worrisome. Its recalls as well have a limited impact, which in the truest sense offers a hassle-free ownership experience. So, for us, the 2011 Enclave is a sensible choice, which can be considered alongside the 2011 Volvo XC90.
