2012 Buick Enclave Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 13%of 132 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Buick Enclave, 13% of the 132 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 60,000 miles noticed a slight squeak in my steering when turning. Dealership checked it and stated I needed a new steering rack ...found noice coming from sttering gear input shaft seal, but aslo found steering gear leaking fluid out both end of gear . Quoted me a $1589.00 repair. I was informed this has been an issue on enclaves & traverses, but not a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10808989, filed 2015-12, 59,500 miles“Power steering failure in the middle of a turn onto local highway, steering wheel suddenly became stiff and impossible to turn ' I was almost got hit by a truck! Later on I had similar issues intermittently. Sometimes power steering works but many other times doesn't. This happened after a winter snowstorm when I left the car outside, so my suspicion is that the extremely cold temperature caused some Buick Enclave's manufacturing defects to have revealed itself.”
NHTSA complaint #11097560, filed 2018-05, 32,000 miles“Power steering pump was replaced sept 2017 due to intermittent steering problems when making right had turns generally at lower speeds (78066 mileage). November 2019 same issue (98302 mileage) dealer told me with some cars two years is the life of a power steering pump. I would not be able to control the vehicle if this happened a any rate of speed. Also, the air conditioner has been repaired every year since 2015. Earlier in 2019 the blower on the heater totally quit and had to be replaced”
NHTSA complaint #11286801, filed 2019-12, 98,000 miles“A week ago, I felt my 2012 Buick Enclave wasn't steering properly...like I suddenly have considerably less control...as if the steering wheel is fighting me when I turn. I noticed it because I could not get my car's steering to respond coming onto an entrance ramp onto 76w in pa and it almost veered into the lane to the left (as I was fighting to hold my wheel to the right coming off the ramp). I brought the car to my local GM certified mechanic who did diagnostics and discovered a malfunction in my steering pump and a leaky hose. …”
NHTSA complaint #10789555, filed 2015-11, 85,000 miles“Twice in the last 30 days our Enclave was showing low on gas (usually not an issue) but both times the car sputtered to a stop. Once it quit I lost all power steering and braking. Even after I put gas in the car, the key would not move so I was unable to start the car without a jump. Car was towed to dealership. They were unable to recreate the issue although they were unable to explain why the key would lock up in the ignition. According to Buick everything checked out fine. Based on what we are hearing on the news, this issue seems very similar to the cobalt issue. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10583576, filed 2014-04, 36,900 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017868Apr 11, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10233331Mar 8, 2023This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 1 | 14% |
| 2023 | 1 | 5% |
| 2021 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 5% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 12 | 7% |
| 2014 | 11 | 4% |
| 2013 | 12 | 17% |
| 2012 | 17 | 13% |
| 2011 | 41 | 19% |
| 2010 | 126 | 46% |
| 2009 | 108 | 49% |
| 2008 | 99 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2012 Buick Enclave
24 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Buick Enclave
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology