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2013 Buick Enclave Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20264 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2013 Buick Enclave Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Buick Enclave has 103 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.2/ 10

Based on 103 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

13 12.6%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 11.7%

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

12 11.7%

POWER TRAIN

12 11.7%

STEERING

11 10.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 12.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 18 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Buick Enclave

The 2013 Buick Enclave has 103 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 13% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Buick Enclave are ENGINE (13), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12), ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (12).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 51 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Buick Enclave?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Enclave complaints2014 Enclave complaints2011 Enclave complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 18 of 18 systems

ENGINE

13 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE USED FROM HENNESSEY BUICK DEALERSHIP 9 MONTHS AGO AS CERTIFIED USED CAR. MAY 4 TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 75 NORTH, AT SIXTY FIVE MILES PER HOUR/THE TRANSMISSION GIVE A LOUD BAND SOUND AND THE CAR STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY. WITH TRAFFIC TRAVELING BOTH WAYS. THE DRIVE TRAIN STOP PULLING. HAD CAR TOWED BACK TO HENNESSEY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION BLEW UP ALONG WITH THE ENGINES THIS CAR COST ME $ 32, AND I BELIEVE THAT GANG SHOULD REPLACE THIS CAR BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND CAUSED GREAT DANGER TO ME. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FOR ME, I DO NOT HAVE A PHOTO TO UP LOAD OF THIS INCIDENT. MY NUMBER IS: [XXX]. [XXX] AND [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *JB *TR

5/7/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 20 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE AND STABILITY TRAC MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE, AND THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (ALEXANDER BUICK GMC CADILLAC, 1501 VENTURA BLVD, OXNARD, CA 93036) FOUR TIMES WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY FOB ALARM NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

1/18/2018

11 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE LEASED A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE IN DEC. 2012. EVER SINCE WE'VE HAD THE VEHICLE WE HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ENTERTAINMENT/NAVIGATION CENTER. THE UNIT SHORTS OUT WHEN WE ARE BACKING UP THE VEHICLE, USUALLY WHEN WE ARE GOING BACK AND FORTH TO PARK IN OUR GARAGE. SOMETIMES IT SHUTS DOWN WITH A LOUD "POP" WHICH IS VERY UNSETTLING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE BACKUP CAMERA SHUTS DOWN AS WELL. WE HAVE TO RESTART THE SYSTEM BEFORE IT WORKS AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH AND SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK.

4/14/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE HEATER OVERHEATED AND AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN TO THE FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT OVERHEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

7/11/2014

10 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

12 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION (AROUND 35-40 MPH) THE STABILITRAK, ABS, A/C, BLIND-SPOT MONITOR SHUTS OFF; SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, BATTERY GAUGE ON DASHBOARD ALL GO DOWN TO ZERO (EVEN WHEN CAR IS MOVING); ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING, BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATOR IS APPLIED. IF ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND ALLOWED TO REST A MINUTE OR TWO AND THEN RESTART IS TRIED, IT EITHER DOES NOT START AT ALL OR IT WILL START, BUT WILL NOT MOVE OVER 20 MPH (JUST ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE ROAD.) IF ALLOWED TO REST @10 MINUTES, ENGINE WILL START AGAIN, DASHBOARD IS FUNCTIONAL, BUT ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT REMAINS ON. ACCELERATION SEEMS "SLUGGISH" WHEN DRIVING AFTER THIS EVENT, BUT CAN GET UP TO @50MPH. HOWEVER, THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN AND THE CAR GOT UP TO 50MPH, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN (AS DESCRIBED ABOVE) BUT I COULD "COAST" HOME, THANKFULLY. THE WEATHER IS IN 80S SO A/C IS ON EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS (SO FAR). THIS SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN ON SHORT TRIPS (5 TO 20 MILE TRIPS SUCH AS FOR SHOPPING, ERRANDS, ETC.). IT HAS NOT HAPPENED (YET) ON LONGER TRIPS. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, THE GM SERVICE REP SAID "CONFIRMED SES LIGHT ON WIRE HARNESS OUT OF FIREWALL MAKING CONTACT ON A/C LINES. HAS RUB-THRU ON WIRE. REPOSITION WIRE AND RESEAL." AFTER 1 MONTH (1,243 MILES), THE SAME EXACT INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN. GM SERVICE REP THIS (SECOND) TIME SAID THERE ARE A LOT OF "COMMUNICATION CODES" THAT INDICATE COMMUNICATION FAILURES. GM SERVICE REP IS STILL INVESTIGATING ISSUE. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ALREADY FOR THIS PROBLEM (OR ONE LIKE IT): TSB REF# PI-1202, NHTSA REF# 10055394. *TR

8/26/2014

04/24/2014 3:56PM OUR 2013 ENCLAVE SUDDENLY WENT INTO REDUCED ENGINE POWER MODE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEEDS OF 65-70 WHEN SUDDENLY SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 35-45MPH. MY WIFE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. SHE CONTACT ONSTAR FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. (NOT ISSUES OR DIAGNOSTIC CODES FOUND) WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT LIT, TRACTION OFF LIGHT LIT, FLASHING SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT LIT. CAR RUNNING ROUGH AND WENT INTO POWER REDUCED MODE WITH SUDDEN REDUCED SPEED WHILE DRIVING ON HWY. TO DATE THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND UNTIL THIS PAST SUNDAY, 10/26/2014 HAD NEVER STORED A CODE TO SHOW A PROBLEM. THIS EVENT SHOWED A C0561 CODE STORED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT IT UNTIL TODAY, 10/29/2014 AT THIS POINT THERE APPARENTLY WERE TOO MANY DRIVE CYCLES AND THE CODE HAD CLEARED. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO BRING IT IN ASAP ON THE NEXT EVENT OF THIS HAPPENING WITHOUT TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, I HAVE KNOW IDEA WHEN OR WHERE I'LL BE WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN.... THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I JUST HOPE TO NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT FROM THIS BEFORE THEY ARE ABLE TO FIX IT. *TR

10/29/2014

10 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

04/24/2014 3:56PM OUR 2013 ENCLAVE SUDDENLY WENT INTO REDUCED ENGINE POWER MODE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEEDS OF 65-70 WHEN SUDDENLY SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 35-45MPH. MY WIFE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. SHE CONTACT ONSTAR FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. (NOT ISSUES OR DIAGNOSTIC CODES FOUND) WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT LIT, TRACTION OFF LIGHT LIT, FLASHING SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT LIT. CAR RUNNING ROUGH AND WENT INTO POWER REDUCED MODE WITH SUDDEN REDUCED SPEED WHILE DRIVING ON HWY. TO DATE THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND UNTIL THIS PAST SUNDAY, 10/26/2014 HAD NEVER STORED A CODE TO SHOW A PROBLEM. THIS EVENT SHOWED A C0561 CODE STORED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT IT UNTIL TODAY, 10/29/2014 AT THIS POINT THERE APPARENTLY WERE TOO MANY DRIVE CYCLES AND THE CODE HAD CLEARED. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO BRING IT IN ASAP ON THE NEXT EVENT OF THIS HAPPENING WITHOUT TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, I HAVE KNOW IDEA WHEN OR WHERE I'LL BE WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN.... THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I JUST HOPE TO NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT FROM THIS BEFORE THEY ARE ABLE TO FIX IT. *TR

10/29/2014

THE CAR WAS AT A LOCAL (SUMMIT,NJ) HARQUILL BROS. FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE. WHEN THEY BACKED UP THE CAR TO BRING IT INTO A BAY THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF ITS YOKE TO THE GROUND. THE DAY BEFORE I FOUND A BRACKET AND BOLT IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME AND THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE LANDSCAPERS MOWER. I PLAN TO GIVE THAT PART TO THE DEALER TODAY WHEN I GET THE REPAIRED CAR. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE PART.

7/15/2015

10 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

11 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR WAS AT A LOCAL (SUMMIT,NJ) HARQUILL BROS. FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE. WHEN THEY BACKED UP THE CAR TO BRING IT INTO A BAY THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF ITS YOKE TO THE GROUND. THE DAY BEFORE I FOUND A BRACKET AND BOLT IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME AND THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE LANDSCAPERS MOWER. I PLAN TO GIVE THAT PART TO THE DEALER TODAY WHEN I GET THE REPAIRED CAR. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE PART.

7/15/2015

THE CAR WAS AT A LOCAL (SUMMIT,NJ) HARQUILL BROS. FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE. WHEN THEY BACKED UP THE CAR TO BRING IT INTO A BAY THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF ITS YOKE TO THE GROUND. THE DAY BEFORE I FOUND A BRACKET AND BOLT IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME AND THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE LANDSCAPERS MOWER. I PLAN TO GIVE THAT PART TO THE DEALER TODAY WHEN I GET THE REPAIRED CAR. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE PART

7/15/2015

9 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

9 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,500.

5/30/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALPINE BUICK GMC (8120 W TUFTS AVE, DENVER, CO 80123 (720) 746-2697), BUT THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS AND REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO ALPINE BUICK GMC SEVERAL TIMES. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FAILURE WAS SERVICED, BUT THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS AND REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL PREVIOUS AIR BAG FAILURES WERE SERVICED PER A WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT ONLY OFFERED TO PAY FOR PART OF THE REPAIRS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000...UPDATED 07/24/17 *BF *CN

6/16/2017

7 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP BULB EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLAMP BULB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,780....UPDATED 01/25/16 *BF *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE BULB WAS REPLACED WITH DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

12/30/2015

VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS A SHORT IN THE HEADLIGHTS REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLES.

2/9/2016

4 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 05/25/2017. I NOTICED THAT NIGHT THAT THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. I LOOKED IT UP AND FOUND THAT SOME OF THESE MODELS HAD RECALLS ON THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A RECALL(S) ON THIS VEHICLE AND IF SO HAVE THEY BEEN RESOLVED OR HOW DO I GET THEM RESOLVED?

5/26/2017

SIDE OBJECT DETECTION MODULE HAS AN INTERNAL OPEN SIGNAL. REPLACEMENT COST EXCEEDS $500.00. ODOMETER READING AT TIME OF DETECTION WAS 83,218 MILES. VEHICLE WAS/IS IN MOTION.

12/12/2018

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

04/24/2014 3:56PM OUR 2013 ENCLAVE SUDDENLY WENT INTO REDUCED ENGINE POWER MODE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AT SPEEDS OF 65-70 WHEN SUDDENLY SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 35-45MPH. MY WIFE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. SHE CONTACT ONSTAR FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. (NOT ISSUES OR DIAGNOSTIC CODES FOUND) WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT LIT, TRACTION OFF LIGHT LIT, FLASHING SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT LIT. CAR RUNNING ROUGH AND WENT INTO POWER REDUCED MODE WITH SUDDEN REDUCED SPEED WHILE DRIVING ON HWY. TO DATE THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND UNTIL THIS PAST SUNDAY, 10/26/2014 HAD NEVER STORED A CODE TO SHOW A PROBLEM. THIS EVENT SHOWED A C0561 CODE STORED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT IT UNTIL TODAY, 10/29/2014 AT THIS POINT THERE APPARENTLY WERE TOO MANY DRIVE CYCLES AND THE CODE HAD CLEARED. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO BRING IT IN ASAP ON THE NEXT EVENT OF THIS HAPPENING WITHOUT TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, I HAVE KNOW IDEA WHEN OR WHERE I'LL BE WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN.... THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I JUST HOPE TO NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT FROM THIS BEFORE THEY ARE ABLE TO FIX IT. *TR

10/29/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND THE SPEED REDUCED TO 20 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE AND STABILITY TRAC MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE, AND THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (ALEXANDER BUICK GMC CADILLAC, 1501 VENTURA BLVD, OXNARD, CA 93036) FOUR TIMES WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY FOB ALARM NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

1/18/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

GM IS DOING THE RECALL FOR CHAFING AFFECTING THE STEEL CABLE (14V266000 OR 14187) THE RUBBER SLEEVE MY DEALER INSTALLED IS AGGRESSIVELY CHAFING WORSE THAN BEFORE, EVEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH BARELY GETS ANY USE. IT APPEARS THE FIX IS WORSE THAN BEFORE ... THE PLASTIC AROUND THE SEAT IS EASILY TEARING AWAY THE SLEEVE (AFTER ONLY A FEW WEEKS) AND WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT THE SEAT BELT. SOMEONE COULD GET KILLED, AND PEOPLE ARE PROBABLY NOT CHECKING SINCE THEY THOUGHT THE RECALL SOLVED THE PROBLEM... I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE PROBLEM IS YOU WANT, AND I CALLED GM ON 6/17/14 ... 800-462-8782 .. A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME THEY CAN ONLY KEEP FIXING IT THIS WAY. I ASKED HER TO ESCALATE MYREPORT SINCE THE FIX COULD (ALSO) GET SOMEONE KILLED AND SHE SAID SHE CAN'T ESCALATE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. WHAT????? *TR

7/17/2014

CONSUMER WRITING IN REGARDS TO 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLE. HE IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIR. *KL

11/12/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE STALLS DURING ACCELERATION AT ABOUT 1800 TO 2200 RPN, MORE OFTEN AFTER A STOP OF VEHICLE AND IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEEDS FROM 20 TO 50 MPH IN BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY BUT MORE OFTEN IN CITY STREETS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. NO ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON SO MECHANICS ARE TELLING ME THAT THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE WITHOUT ANY CODES ON THE ENGINE. VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 100K MILES AND THIS FAILURE STARTED ABOUT 95 K MILES AND GETTING WORSE WITH TIME. SO FAR THE ENGINE HAS NOT SHUT OFF.

6/21/2018

THE CAR STARTED DYING WHETHER I'M ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 OR STOPPED OR ACCELERATING...SO MANY DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES.. THE CAR WILL BE GOING ALONG FINE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT SAYS TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SERVICE STABILITRAK SYSTEM, ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND THEN IT DIES...IT DOES ALL OF THIS IN A MATTER OF 3 SECONDS THEN I'M LEFT TRYING TO STEER WITH NO POWER STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED PROBABLY 35 TO 40 TIMES IN THE FEW MONTHS THAT I HAVE HAD THE CAR. YESTERDAY WAS JUST THE LAST TIME

12/12/2018

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE FRONT DOORS OF THE 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE HAVE RAZOR SHARP CORNERS THAT CAN CUT THE CALF OF YOUR LEG AS YOU EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE DOORS ARE DESIGNED WITH A SHARP CORNER THAT JUTES OUT ON ITS LOWER EDGE. AS A DRIVER, I HAVE BEEN CUT TWICE IN THE 6 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, ONE TIME EVEN THROUGH A PAIR OF JEANS! OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY HAVE ALSO BEEN CUT. ALL CUTS DREW BLOOD. *TR

11/22/2013

POWER LIFT GATE SUDDENLY FALLS. MOVES TO THE TOP AND THEN SIMPLY FALLS CLOSED, ON YOU. STATIONARY.

6/19/2017

SUSPENSION

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR WAS AT A LOCAL (SUMMIT,NJ) HARQUILL BROS. FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE. WHEN THEY BACKED UP THE CAR TO BRING IT INTO A BAY THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF ITS YOKE TO THE GROUND. THE DAY BEFORE I FOUND A BRACKET AND BOLT IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME AND THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE LANDSCAPERS MOWER. I PLAN TO GIVE THAT PART TO THE DEALER TODAY WHEN I GET THE REPAIRED CAR. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE PART.

7/15/2015

THE CAR WAS AT A LOCAL (SUMMIT,NJ) HARQUILL BROS. FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE. WHEN THEY BACKED UP THE CAR TO BRING IT INTO A BAY THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT OF ITS YOKE TO THE GROUND. THE DAY BEFORE I FOUND A BRACKET AND BOLT IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME AND THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE LANDSCAPERS MOWER. I PLAN TO GIVE THAT PART TO THE DEALER TODAY WHEN I GET THE REPAIRED CAR. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE PART

7/15/2015

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WIPERS FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MORE THAN ONCE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 05/17/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED GAINSVILLE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW WIPER MOTOR ON APRIL 27, 2016. *TR

3/28/2016

MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH FAILED. FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED. THEY WOULD ONLY ENGAGE WHEN YOU USED THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. NO OTHER FUNCTION OF THE WIPER MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WOULD WORK. THIS LEFT NO WIPER FUNCTIONALITY UNLESS YOU TURNED RIGHT FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE INTERMITTENT FUNCTION AND FRONT WINDSHIELD CLEANER BUTTON DID NOT FUNCTION. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY DURING PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN MAKING VISIBILITY LITTLE TO NONE UNLESS THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS PHYSICALLY ENGAGED. THIS CONTINUED THROUGH CITY STREETS, TURNING, AND THEN STATIONARY AT A COMPLETE STOP WHERE IT QUIT FUNCTIONING ALL TOGETHER. ALL FUSES TESTED AND CHECKED AND NO FAULTS WERE REPORTED ON THE DRIVER DISPLAY OR FROM OBD CHECK. UPON REPLACEMENT OF MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (HIGH BEAM, TURN SIGNAL, WIPER SWITCH) IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE 4 PIN WIRE HARNESS (BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, ORANGE) THAT IS SOLDERED TO THE PCB BOARD HAS ONLY ONE SPOT OF PROTECTION ELECTRICAL TAPE ON THE BACK OF THE UNIT.. AS THE WIRES ROUTE THROUGH THE PLASTIC HOUSING TO THE TURN SIGNAL MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH THEY ARE SUBJECT TO WEAR AND BECOMING SNAGGED BY NORMAL USE OF THE TURN SIGNAL OR HIGH BEAMS. HAVING ZERO PROTECTION OVER THIS WIRING CAUSED THE ORANGE WIRE TO BECOME BRITTLE AND BREAK AWAY FROM THE MODULE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE NO WIRE GROMMET PROTECTING SUCH A CRITICAL MOVING PART OF THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONALITY. IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS WAS A CHEAP DESIGN WITH LITTLE TO NO OVERSIGHT. ALL OTHER PLASTIC HOUSING , COPPER CONTACT POINTS AND MOVING PARTS WERE CLEAN AND FREE OF DEBRIS AND HAD SUFFICIENT GREASE TO MOVE PROPERLY. THIS IS A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM TO COMPLAINT # 14V266000 WHERE MOVING PARTS HAVE CLEARLY NOT HAD PROPER PROTECTION AROUND WIRING OR WIRE HARNESSES.

1/11/2020

WHEELS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY ORIGINAL MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR 255/60R 19 WAS RECALLED. HOWEVER MY DOT IS OFF BY MAYBE 8 MONTHS. ISSUE WAS DEFECT INSIDEWALL. PERFORATION ETC. I HAVE THE WEXACT SAME ISSUE YET MY PRODUCTION DATES ARE NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE HELP ME. THESE ARE ORIGINAL INSALLED TIRES AND MY CAR HAS 19,1000 MILES AND ALL 4 TIRES HAVE THIS SAME SEVERE CRACKING ON ALL SIDEWALLS. MICHELIN WONT CONSIDER TO INCLUDE MINE IN THE RECALL BECAUSE THEY SAID ONLY THE NUMBER FROM 1913 TO 2113 ARE IN THE RECALL. I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY SAME BRAND TYOE TIRES TOO. I CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND $1000 ON TIRES (WHICH HAS THE SAME DEFECT BUT HAVE NOT BEEN RECALLED. PLEASE HELP

6/21/2016

ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE PREMATURE SIDEWALL CRACKS AND CRACKS BETWEEN THE TREAD PATTERN. THE VEHICLE HAS THE ORIGINAL FOUR MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR TIRES. THE MILEAGE IS 28790 AT THE TIME IDENTIFIED BY THE LOCAL BUICK DEALERSHIP DURING A GENERAL INSPECTION. I CONTACTED MICHELIN CUSTOMER SERVICE ON DECEMBER 31, 2016. PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED.

1/23/2017

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION (AROUND 35-40 MPH) THE STABILITRAK, ABS, A/C, BLIND-SPOT MONITOR SHUTS OFF; SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, BATTERY GAUGE ON DASHBOARD ALL GO DOWN TO ZERO (EVEN WHEN CAR IS MOVING); ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING, BUT VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATOR IS APPLIED. IF ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND ALLOWED TO REST A MINUTE OR TWO AND THEN RESTART IS TRIED, IT EITHER DOES NOT START AT ALL OR IT WILL START, BUT WILL NOT MOVE OVER 20 MPH (JUST ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE ROAD.) IF ALLOWED TO REST @10 MINUTES, ENGINE WILL START AGAIN, DASHBOARD IS FUNCTIONAL, BUT ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT REMAINS ON. ACCELERATION SEEMS "SLUGGISH" WHEN DRIVING AFTER THIS EVENT, BUT CAN GET UP TO @50MPH. HOWEVER, THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN AND THE CAR GOT UP TO 50MPH, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN (AS DESCRIBED ABOVE) BUT I COULD "COAST" HOME, THANKFULLY. THE WEATHER IS IN 80S SO A/C IS ON EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS (SO FAR). THIS SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN ON SHORT TRIPS (5 TO 20 MILE TRIPS SUCH AS FOR SHOPPING, ERRANDS, ETC.). IT HAS NOT HAPPENED (YET) ON LONGER TRIPS. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, THE GM SERVICE REP SAID "CONFIRMED SES LIGHT ON WIRE HARNESS OUT OF FIREWALL MAKING CONTACT ON A/C LINES. HAS RUB-THRU ON WIRE. REPOSITION WIRE AND RESEAL." AFTER 1 MONTH (1,243 MILES), THE SAME EXACT INCIDENT HAPPENED AGAIN. GM SERVICE REP THIS (SECOND) TIME SAID THERE ARE A LOT OF "COMMUNICATION CODES" THAT INDICATE COMMUNICATION FAILURES. GM SERVICE REP IS STILL INVESTIGATING ISSUE. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ALREADY FOR THIS PROBLEM (OR ONE LIKE IT): TSB REF# PI-1202, NHTSA REF# 10055394. *TR

8/26/2014

TIRES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR TIRES, SIZE: P255/60R19 108S. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD CRACKS AROUND THE PERIMETER. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

10/27/2015

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD CAME ON WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH INDICATING AWD, TRACTION CONTROL AND ANTI-LOCK BREAKS WERE NOT WORKING. POWER STEERING ALSO WAS NOT WORKING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO LOCAL GM DEALER FOR REPAIR. ASSESSMENT INDICATED NEED TO REPLACE POWER STEERING PUMP AND ELECTRONIC BREAK MODULE. THE LIGHTS CAME OFF AND ON REPEATEDLY OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS WAITING ON THE REPAIRS. THE TWO RECOMMENDED PARTS WERE REPLACED AND ONE WEEK LATER THE SAME LIGHTS CAME ON AND POWER STEERING AND OTHER FUNCTIONS WERE LOST AGAIN, INDICATING THAT THE ISSUE WAS NOT FIXED BY REPLACING THESE PARTS. *TR

11/28/2016

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Buick Enclave?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Buick Enclave is ENGINE, with 13 owner reports. That is about 13% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC).

Are complaints about the 2013 Buick Enclave a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 51 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Buick Enclave?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Buick Enclave severe?

51 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Buick Enclave: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
103
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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