2009 Buick Enclave problems
Owners have filed 290 complaints about the 2009 Buick Enclave with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 37.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine at 12.1%.
Complaints290
Crashes4
Fires8
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 37.2% · 108
Engine 12.1% · 35
Power train 11.4% · 33
Electrical system 7.6% · 22
Unknown or other 4.1% · 12
Vehicle speed control 3.8% · 11
Electronic stability control (ESC) 3.1% · 9
Structure 3.1% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 4 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the Buick Enclave in this data, 2009 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2008 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 12 in the last three years against 32 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 74,321 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Enclave. When the steering wheel was turned to the left or right, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The vin was unavailable. Steering · reported at 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Buick Enclave. While driving approximately 20 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Steering · reported at 90,000 miles
The power steering on my 2009 Buick Enclave intermittently (3-4 times per day) locks up preventing me from turning the wheel. After an incident, the power steering seems to re-engage. However, there have been multiple close calls when I have not been able to turn quickly. From the Buick/gm message boards, this seems to be a very common problem with little to no action from Buick/gm. Steering · reported at 130,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…