2020 Buick Enclave Owner Complaints

The mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe separates from the pipe. This issue has been identified on 2019 and 2021 models and special coverage adjustment N212356540 Front Exhaust Pipe has been issued. The same exact defect has occured to my 2020 model Enclave.

12/13/2023

The vehicle's exhaust intermediate pipe mount has broken has caused damage in the intermediate pipe requiring both the be replaced. The cracked exhaust allows exhaust fumes to enter the passenger compartment. A recall (N222385510) for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has been made however is addressing this on only the 2021 models, even though the same issue is applicable to other models. On the this forum, there are several complaints of this design flaw reported. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/06/gm-to-fix-2021-chevy-traverse-front-exhaust-pipe-issue/

9/28/2024

REAR SUNSHADE CLIP HAS BROKEN TWICE IN THE 5 MONTHS.

10/8/2020

While driving my car in normal weather/temperature conditions, the driver side sunroof literally exploded. There was a very loud bang, like someone fired a gun next to my head, and initially I thought someone had shot out one of my car windows with a gun. Upon seeing it was the sunroof I then thought an object had falled through the sunroof window. However, upon inspection, the sunroof window glass was actually blown from the inside out. See attached photographs. There was no prior apparent damage/crack/chip to the sunroof glass or mechanism. There was no sudden change in weather, internal or external temperature or pressure inside the car at the time of the explosion.

10/7/2022

OnStar system and WiFi intermittently do not work, was told that this is a known issue when radio is being used, no fix. In my case radio was not being used, so this does not apply. Seat/mirror position memory gradually changes over time. Does not recognize that exit function has been turned off. Signal lights randomly flash (without indicator on dash flashing) when car is at idle & mirrors are folded. Tire Pressure monitoring system, not accurate and will notify driver that tires are underpressured by 10lb or more. Dealership reset them and are now fine. Brakes on passenger front randomly grind since day one of ownership Dealership told me that there is an obvious electrical issue, however since no codes are being thrown, they cannot repair it. Best that can be done is to continue to drive it and show up at a dealership when problems are occurring. OnStar diagnostics was able to determine vehicle was not connecting. Dealership indicated they'd let GM know about the issue, but nothing else could be done for what is a relatively new vehicle. Also was told they would not ensure that vehicle was not affected by structural issues because the VIN was not listed

3/10/2022

The rear liftgate locking mechanism failed to latch causing cargo to exit the vehicle where the car behind this car smashed into the cargo causing an accident. For whatever reason the rear door will not lock at all. The fuse was perfectly fine, appears the actuator is defective. No warning was given because the rear liftgate was open and unlatched. After realizing the gate would not close it would notify it was open but the power liftgate operates just fine, and when you activate it, it will push the gate closed and not give a warning until maybe you hit a bump in the road.

5/26/2023

I BOUGHT A 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE, (OWNED BY GMC) WITH 6 MILES ON IT, 1 WEEK AGO. YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED JERKING ANYTIME THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED GEARS. I CALLED TO TRY TO GET IT IN TO A CERTIFIED BUICK DEALERSHIP TO BE LOOKED AT AND NOWHERE CAN GET IT IN FOR 3-5 DAYS AND NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS WILL GIVE A LOANER CAR UNTIL THE TIME OF THE VEHICLE APPOINTMENT. I CONTACTED BUICK DIRECTLY REGARDING THIS AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING, THAT WE CAN'T GET A SAFE DRIVING VEHICLE, UNTIL THE ONE WE HAVE CAN BE LOOKED AT BY A DEALERSHIP AND IF WE TAKE IT TO AN UN-CERTIFIED SHOP THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH EITHER DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR 50 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS OR NOT BEING ABLE TO GO TO WORK. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR DRIVEN STRAIGHT OUT OF THE FLOOR ROOM! BUICK IS PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIFE AT RISK BY INSISTING THAT WE DRIVE THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL WE CAN GET IT LOOKED AT! LOOKS LIKE A HUGE LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING!!!!! *TR

6/22/2020

BOUGHT BRAND NEW 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE, WITH 4 MILES ON IT, ON 6/13/20. STARTED HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR WOULD JERK HARD (HARD SHIFT) WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS AND ALSO ANYTIME IT WAS PLACED IN PARK. ON 6/21/20 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BARELY SHIFT. CALLED LOCAL BUICK - GM DEALERSHIP TO GET REPAIRED. LOCAL SHOP RESTARTED COMPUTER ON 6/24/20 AND SAID THAT IT WAS GOOD TO GO. DROVE IT LESS THAN 3 MILES BEFORE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND JOLTING STARTED AGAIN. ON THE DRIVE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE CAME TO A HARD JOLTING ABRUPT STOP ON THE ROAD. VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER START OR SHIFT. HAD TO LEAVE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD UNTIL DEALERSHIP COULD COME GET IT. ON 6/26/20 DEALERSHIP CALLED TO SAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING GOOD AND READY TO PICK UP. ON 6/27/20 DROVE CAR ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE HARD SHIFT STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE HARD JOLTED US BACKWARDS AND THEN DIED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER START OR SHIFT GEARS. ON 6/28/20 GOT THE VEHICLE TO START SO DROVE THE VEHICLE, AS IT WAS STILL HARD SHIFTING, BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DROPPED IT OFF. THE DEALERSHIP STILL HAS IT AS OF TODAY AND HAS REFUSED TO GIVE US ANY PAPERWORK FROM OUR PREVIOUS 2 ATTEMPTS AT GETTING IT FIXED HOWEVER GAVE US FALSIFIED DOCUMENTATION STATING THAT WE ONLY BROUGHT IT IN THE SHOP 1 TIME, WHEN IT ACTUALLY IS THE 3RD TIME TO BE TAKEN IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM TO BE FIXED. GM HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE NOR RETURN OUR MONEY PAID FOR IT.

7/1/2020

VEHICLE JERKS AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN ACCELERATING. BRAKES GRIND WHEN APPLIED AT HARD BRAKING OR REGULAR BRAKING.

11/27/2020

BRAKE GRINDING NOISE

5/8/2021

After filling up fuel, vehicle runs rough, hesitates, and stalls at idle speeds. This occurs after every fill up. The check engine light comes on and states an issue with the anti-lock brake system. I’ve had the vehicle checked by Buick 5 times and they have not been able to replicate the issue, so troubleshooting stopped. I know a recall came out this July for 2019 Buick Enclaves to replace the evaporative emissions purge valve due to not fully closing. This is the issue with my 2020 Buick Enclave and is a massive safety concern as the vehicle stalls while driving at slow speeds after fill up. Most recent event occurred on October 5th. I’ve posted a picture from last year that captured the same issue.

10/9/2023

Vehicle would not go into park fortunately we were in a safe location to avoid a possible accident or injury. The vehicle has electronic transmission shifting. According to the dealership the park solenoid in the transmission valve body failed. This prevented us from putting the vehicle in park so it could safely be shut off. We were able to set electronic parking brake but ignition continued to remain on. Eventually had to disconnect the negative battery terminal. Had vehicle towed to dealership but could not release electric park bake or start vehicle with battery terminal reconnected. This is becoming a common problem with this transmission, so common that parts are on back order. This could be a very unsafe problem with this vehicle in the right circumstance. There should be a recall on this transmit that is used on multiple GM vehicles

8/21/2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WITH 'CAN NOT SHIFT IN THIS POSITION' MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SOMERSET BUICK LOCATED AT 1850 W. MAPLE RD, TROY, MI 48084, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE FUEL TANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,100.

5/10/2021

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the evaporative emission system, vapor canister purge solenoid, and the control solenoid were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start, and the instrument cluster gauges were fluctuating. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V639000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

7/14/2025

My driver side seat belt has always been hard to click and secure. I am unable to secure my seatbelt at this time at all.

1/19/2024

The driver's seat belt will not click into place unless it is inserted multiple times until it finally latches.

1/27/2024

I BOUGHT A 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE, (OWNED BY GMC) WITH 6 MILES ON IT, 1 WEEK AGO. YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED JERKING ANYTIME THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED GEARS. I CALLED TO TRY TO GET IT IN TO A CERTIFIED BUICK DEALERSHIP TO BE LOOKED AT AND NOWHERE CAN GET IT IN FOR 3-5 DAYS AND NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS WILL GIVE A LOANER CAR UNTIL THE TIME OF THE VEHICLE APPOINTMENT. I CONTACTED BUICK DIRECTLY REGARDING THIS AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING, THAT WE CAN'T GET A SAFE DRIVING VEHICLE, UNTIL THE ONE WE HAVE CAN BE LOOKED AT BY A DEALERSHIP AND IF WE TAKE IT TO AN UN-CERTIFIED SHOP THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH EITHER DRIVING AN UNSAFE CAR 50 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS OR NOT BEING ABLE TO GO TO WORK. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR DRIVEN STRAIGHT OUT OF THE FLOOR ROOM! BUICK IS PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIFE AT RISK BY INSISTING THAT WE DRIVE THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL WE CAN GET IT LOOKED AT! LOOKS LIKE A HUGE LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING!!!!! *TR

6/22/2020

I WAS DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY WITH OPEN FIELDS ON BOTH SIDES. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS OR TRUCKS ON THE ROAD. CLEAR BLUE SKY AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 50 DEGREES. NO WINDOWS WERE OPEN IN THE CAR. I WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 62 MPH. THERE WAS WHAT I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE AS AN EXPLOSION SOUND SOMETHING CLOSE TO THE SOUND OF A 45ACP PISTOL DISCHARGE.. LUCKILY I HAD THE SUN SCREEN CLOSED OR I WOULD HAVE HAD GLASS EVERYWHERE. THE FRONT SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND THERE WAS A 18" HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. THE FORCE OF THE BREAK WENT UP, MEANING THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN GLASS WAS RAISED ABOUT AN INCH AND A HALF ABOVE THE REST OF THE GLASS AND WINDOW FRAME. THAT KIND OF A BREAK IS CAUSED BY STRESS NOT FROM SOMETHING LIKE A STONE HITTING IT.. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST SO THE CAR IS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE CAR TO BERGSTROM MOTORS IN GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN, FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THEY TOOK PICTURES. SERVICE MANAGERS NAME IS [XXX]. HE HAS ALL THE INFORMATION. THERE IS NO POLICE REPORT. [XXX] GOT BACK WITH ME TODAY, DECEMBER 10, 2020, AND TOLD ME BUICK WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE IT'S GLASS. I WAS TOLD THE REPAIR WOULD BE ABOUT $1000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

12/10/2020

FACTORY RUNNING BOARDS ON 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE ICE UP IN WINTER DRIVING BLOCKING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS FROM OPENING. VEHICLE CAN BE PARKED AND IF ICE ACCUMULATES OR SNOW MELTS AND FREEZES THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. IF VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND ICE/SLUSH BUILD UP AND FREEZE THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN.

12/14/2020

Hello, My Enclave’s back up camera keeps going out and it’s identical to the issue that was under investigation by the NHTSA, which GM ultimately just issued a recall for the Cadillac XT5, XT6 and Acadia models. These cars are basically the short wheelbase versions of the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Traverse, and use the same parts for the backup 360 camera failure, so it makes sense that these vehicles would be affected as well. Attached are pictures of multiple times. This is happening which creates an unsafe environment. On the others it appears that it’s a faulty cable. If I turn the car off and let it reset, the camera will work again, but that’s not feasible when in a situation that it is needed immediately. My car is barely out of warranty, I reached out to the dealer and he agreed and it’s the same issue but because these other cars have a recall and mine, doesn’t there’s nothing he can do until a recall is issued. Thank You

1/19/2023

Hello, My Enclave’s back up camera keeps going out and it’s identical to the issue that was under investigation by the NHTSA, which GM ultimately just issued a recall for the Cadillac XT5, XT6 and Acadia models. These cars are basically the short wheelbase versions of the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Traverse, and use the same parts for the backup 360 camera failure, so it makes sense that these vehicles would be affected as well. Attached are pictures of multiple times. This is happening which creates an unsafe environment. On the others it appears that it’s a faulty cable. If I turn the car off and let it reset, the camera will work again, but that’s not feasible when in a situation that it is needed immediately. My car is barely out of warranty, I reached out to the dealer and he agreed and it’s the same issue but because these other cars have a recall and mine, doesn’t there’s nothing he can do until a recall is issued. Thank You

1/19/2023

Hello, My Enclave’s back up camera keeps going out and it’s identical to the issue that was under investigation by the NHTSA, which GM ultimately just issued a recall for the Cadillac XT5, XT6 and Acadia models. These cars are basically the short wheelbase versions of the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Traverse, and use the same parts for the backup 360 camera failure, so it makes sense that these vehicles would be affected as well. Attached are pictures of multiple times. This is happening which creates an unsafe environment. On the others it appears that it’s a faulty cable. If I turn the car off and let it reset, the camera will work again, but that’s not feasible when in a situation that it is needed immediately. My car is barely out of warranty, I reached out to the dealer and he agreed and it’s the same issue but because these other cars have a recall and mine, doesn’t there’s nothing he can do until a recall is issued. Thank You

1/19/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was inadvertently pulling to the left. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds, and unknown parts detached from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the control arm, ball joint, and axle driveshaft needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer confirmed that the vehicle would be sent to the body shop for the damaged body components. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and dispatched an investigator to the dealer to inspect the vehicle; however, the manufacturer declined to disclose any information. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The contact stated that GM authorized the repairs for the vehicle after inspecting it. The contact is still unaware of what caused the failure.

2/28/2023

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 short in steering rack, replaced steering rack There is no pattern to when the power steering goes out or when the wheel locks. Must constantly drive on guard to be prepared. We live in a city and drive in a lot of traffic. It is dangerous to have the wheel lock while turning, causing the car to potentially head into traffic, pedestrians, curbs, etc.

3/2/2024

The chest clip does not stay fastened. It comes unfastened with a very slight amount of pressure.

3/27/2025

I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exited the vehicle and got to the side of the road. The police arrived and were able to push the car to the side of the road as well. I opened the hood and checked the negative battery terminal and upon pulling the lever, the power came back on. We have an appointment at a GM dealership on Monday to fix the issue to ensure we are not put at risk again.

9/27/2025