2016 Buick Enclave Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 140 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 4 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2016 Buick Enclave receives a 4.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 140 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 4 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports with a median failure point at 55,000 miles (IQR: 35,000 – 75,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $400 – $1,200 .
31.1 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
4 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“I am seeing that these have been repaired, when in fact it has not been repaired.”
“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirme...”
“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall ...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves”
“During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it ...”
“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop uphill, with his children in the middle rear passenger’s seats, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact shifted to neutral and allowed th...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves”
“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while accelerating, the fourth gear jumped to the fifth gear and was stuck. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission specialist test-drove the vehicle and was unable...”
“When stopped on a incline and you step on brake the transmission will go out of gear ,then when you start off you have to hold brake till transmission engages, it is really scary , I have almost rolled back into another car several times . Went back to place we bought the car ...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Buick Enclave on November 25, 2025 from an independent dealer. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the Odometer reading was 102,068. After contacting Endurance Warranty Company, the...”
“During a rainstorm water is entering the fuse box under the glove box and the carpet and padding underneath is soaking wet on the right front floor.When the fuse case was opened water started to drip out.The engine continues to run with the key off and the only way to stop it ...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“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...”
“POWER STEERING HAS STARTED FAILING WHEN TURNING, MAKING IT EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. SEEMS WORSE AT SLOW SPEED. HAPPENS WHENEVER AND WHEREVER I TRY TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. WILL DRIVE OKAY WHEN GOING STRAIGHT. MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE. I SUSPECT POWER S...”
“MY CAR WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP IN TEXAS. FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS A FUEL INJECTOR. THEY REPLACED THAT. THEN THEY SAID THAT THAT DIDN'T WORK SO THEY SAID I HAD A CRACKED HEAD. THEY REPLACED THAT. I BROUGHT IT HOME TO SHREVEPORT, LA. AND IT HAD GAS FUMES COMING OF OF THE A/C ...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“When stopped on a incline and you step on brake the transmission will go out of gear ,then when you start off you have to hold brake till transmission engages, it is really scary , I have almost rolled back into another car several times . Went back to place we bought the car ...”
“I WAS DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY IN OUR NEW 2016 BUICK ENCLAVE WHEN I WENT TO PASS SOMEONE ON A CITY STREET AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO FULL ACCELERATION. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD BUT IT DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN OFF THE IGN...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“MY CAR WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP IN TEXAS. FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS A FUEL INJECTOR. THEY REPLACED THAT. THEN THEY SAID THAT THAT DIDN'T WORK SO THEY SAID I HAD A CRACKED HEAD. THEY REPLACED THAT. I BROUGHT IT HOME TO SHREVEPORT, LA. AND IT HAD GAS FUMES COMING OF OF THE A/C ...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (4)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
SEATS
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2016 Buick Enclave
Before purchasing a used 2016 Buick Enclave, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2016 Buick Enclave
Is the 2016 Buick Enclave a reliable used car?
The 2016 Buick Enclave earns a 4.5/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 140 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2016 Buick Enclave?
The leading complaint category is Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 55,000 miles (IQR: 35,000 – 75,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2016 Buick Enclave?
Yes, the NHTSA records 4 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.