2015 Buick Enclave Problems
Compared with other Buick Enclave years
Typical for this model
44/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Buick Enclave year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 11 of its 171 complaints were filed by the end of 2017.
- Most reported problem: Driver air bag recall — parts not available (83 complaints, median 98,500 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013, 2017, 2018
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 171filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,046miles, 48 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Buick Enclave (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the driver-side air bag recall: many complaints say the recall notice arrived but parts were unavailable, in some cases with the air bag warning light on. A smaller but steady group describes sudden loss of power or speed on the highway with traction-control and stability messages, and others report power steering that becomes hard to turn, brake pedal or ABS symptoms, and seat belt buckles that are hard to release.
- Air bags
Driver air bag recall — parts not available
- 83 complaints (49%)
- median 98,500 mi at 8.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2024
Owners say they received the driver-side inflator recall notice but were told the replacement part was not yet available, in some cases waiting many months or over a year. Several mention the air bag warning light staying on while waiting; a few describe check lights or swaying steering. Complaints also include owners who had the part replaced only after calling the dealer repeatedly. Reported from about 40,000 to 150,000 miles, most often between 2023 and 2024 as the recall notices went out.
Recall 23V334000Recall 22V246000Recall 21V782000
What to check: Ask whether the driver-side air bag inflator recall (23V334000) has actually been completed, and get proof of the repair rather than just a notice; if the air bag light is on, have it scanned before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2015 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 repair. The contact stated that the air bag and control system warning lights had been displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was swaying from left to right while driving at 50 MPH or above. …”
NHTSA complaint #11531865, filed 2023-07, 97,000 miles“A recall has been made on May 10, 2023 for the driver's airbag deployment and the possibly of death being caused by metal pieces flying into the person driving. Recall has been made, yet parts are not available. I am very concerned of injury or death in the event of an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11522487, filed 2023-05 - Electronic stability control
Sudden power loss or speed drop while driving
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 74,500 mi at 4.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2025
Complaints describe the vehicle abruptly dropping speed on the highway, sometimes from around 70 mph to near 10 mph, often with "Engine Power Reduced", traction control off and service StabiliTrak messages. Some say the engine shut off or dropped to limp mode; dealers reportedly found no stored codes, and in a few cases a brake booster or master cylinder was blamed. Owners describe the car returning to normal after being shut off for a while. Mostly reported between about 20,000 and 85,000 miles, often at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask whether the vehicle has ever dropped into reduced-power mode and whether any diagnostic codes were stored; a test drive at highway speed and a scan for stored powertrain codes can help.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car has stalled several times in the middle of the road while driving. It seems to be similar to the issue that is in the recall of the 2014 model, but there are no recalls for the 2015. Since there are no recalls, the dealer is not looking for this issue on my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10908358, filed 2016-09, 7,500 miles“While driving my 2015 Enclave the vehicle jerks and the engine light comes on. Then starts rattling and steering wheel locks and my speed reduces to 40, 25 then 10-5 miles per hour, the warnings read engine power reduced, traction control off, service stabillitrak. I pull my car on the side of the street, wait a few minutes and sometimes turn on my car and rattles again. Need to wait a few more minutes and the starts, the engine light stays on for a few minutes, maybe couple hours or for a day and then clears up. …”
NHTSA complaint #11329312, filed 2020-06, 74,000 miles - Steering
Power steering hard to turn or pump failure
- 9 complaints (5%)
- median 75,000 mi at 6.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2022
Owners describe the steering wheel becoming very hard to turn at low speed, sometimes with an abnormal noise or a burning smell, and in some cases the steering locked while driving. Several say the power steering pump or the whole steering assembly had to be replaced, and a few mention a leak in the power steering hose. Broadly spread from about 60,000 to 150,000 miles, typically noticed at parking-lot or low speeds and while turning.
What to check: Check for a power steering whine, a fluid leak or heavy steering effort at idle, and ask whether the pump or hoses have been replaced; a service bulletin describes flushing the power steering system for noise or leaks in cold weather.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Shortly after purchasing my 2015 Buick Enclave the power steering pump had to be replaced. About 15k miles later, the power steering hose needs to be replaced. I have researching into this and it looks like this system has been faulty for numerous vehicles of this model. The person at the dealership told me this can cause a fire if left untreated. This is a major safety concern and should be looked into.”
NHTSA complaint #11229297, filed 2019-07, 80,000 miles“Blind spot warning light stays continuously lit in both mirrors; power steering is completely out. Vehicle is almost undeliverable at this point. Very hard to turn. Have had fluids, basic maintenance checked. Told it could be the electronic power steering sensor or the the power steering pump”
NHTSA complaint #11404966, filed 2021-03, 150,000 miles - Brakes
Brakes lock up or pedal feels inconsistent
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe all four brakes locking while the vehicle is moving and releasing only after sitting, inconsistent brake pedal travel with a spongy feel, and applying the brakes with little or no effect. One owner says the dealer described the brake system as out of calibration, and another reports brake booster and master cylinder repairs. Reported from as low as 14,000 to about 103,000 miles, at both low and highway speeds.
What to check: Test the pedal for consistent travel and firmness, ask for service records on brake booster or master cylinder work, and have the brake system inspected before and after purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving a sensor came on for staiblitraks and no all wheel drive mode was disabled and ABS came on. Car started to jerk or lunge forward numerous times, until car got up to speed. After I shut the car off and my wife & son who was in a bowling tournement, we came out and started the car and I noticed that when I put the brakes on at first there wasn't any till I started moving.”
NHTSA complaint #11187324, filed 2019-03, 69,400 miles“On thursday, 7/26/2018, I had parked my car in a restaurant parking lot. I appear to have pulled the vehicle up onto a concrete space divider. When I tried leaving the restaurant, I couldn't back off of the space divider, the car wouldn't move backward, so I tried pulling foreword. When the car came free from the divider, it shot foreword. Applying the breaks had no effect. In fact the car appeared to accelerate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11114144, filed 2018-07, 64,592 miles - Seat belts
Seat belt buckle sticks or will not release
- 9 complaints (5%)
- median 100,000 mi at 8.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2025
Owners describe seat belt buckles that lock tightly and will not release, in some cases requiring the belt to be cut off, and buckles that twist or jam during use. One complaint notes a second-row buckle that broke and became inoperable, and another mentions seat belts that seized. Reported from very low mileage up to about 116,000 miles, across all seating rows.
What to check: Check each seat belt buckle by latching and releasing it several times, including the second and third rows, and ask whether any buckle has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My daughter ended up getting the seat belt twisted around her waist when she was trying to get out. The seatbelt was locked tightly around her waist and she could not get out. I tried turning off the car, unlocking the car, and pulling the seat release but the seatbelt would not unlock. We called the local fire department and the seatbelt had to be cut off.”
NHTSA complaint #11241030, filed 2019-08, 55,000 miles“The scariest thing and I have never experienced a seat belt locking to the point of a child nearly fainting because it was chocking him around the belly area. The more I tried to give it leverage to release the lock the more it rolled in and wouldn't unlock. There are no emergency release buttons. God forbid there was an accident there would be no way to get someone out. Scariest moment of my life. Cops had to cut the seat belt. I do not want to put my kids in this car again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10763443, filed 2015-09, 2,000 miles
Buying note. A used example is worth checking first on recall status — confirm the driver-side air bag inflator recall was completed with documentation, not just announced. Then test highway power delivery, steering effort and brake pedal feel, and work each seat belt buckle, since those are the areas owners describe most often.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 171 consumer complaints for the 2015 Buick Enclave. 48 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,046 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,409 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Buick Enclave model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 44 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags105 61%
- Electrical system14 8.2%
- Other or unknown13 7.6%
- Engine12 7.0%
- Steering12 7.0%
- Brakes10 5.9%
- Seat belts6 3.5%
- Vehicle speed control6 3.5%
- Exterior lighting5 2.9%
Also reported: Lane departure (4), Body and structure (4), Suspension (4), Transmission and drivetrain (4), Fuel system (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Forward collision avoidance (2), Tires (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The passenger 'service airbag' light has been coming on. A dealer has looked at it twice now without a successful repair. The most recent was on 5/24. Supposedly a poor connection at a seat connector was found, code b0021, and wires were cut and spliced together. 2 days later the light came back on just like last time. Our concern is that if we were to be in an accident would the airbag deploy?”
NHTSA complaint #11210458, filed 2019-05, 67,000 milesElectrical system: “The rear door to my vehicle will not stay closed so I have to turn off the auto door opener. I have to open it by hand and not by the electric key opener. I was on a trip to florida and going 70 miles per hour and the back came open. I took it to colonial auto where I purchased it and he told me that it would be between 150.00 - 175.00 to fix it because he said that he thought the lack may be out of line that he had several other people with the same problem. If this problem is reported to Buick than they need to recall them to be checked or fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208208, filed 2019-05, 60,000 milesOther or unknown: “Tires: experiencing tread cracking, loss of tire pressure. I am constantly stopping to add air to tires, loss of pressure is intermittent. Car is in motion on city streets, highways and freeways. Loss of tire pressure is a great safety concern to me and my family especially when the tire pressure light goes on suddenly and often.”
NHTSA complaint #11083132, filed 2018-04, 15 milesEngine: “May 11, 2011 I went to work and turned my car off only the car did not stop it continued to run without the key in the switch. I waited almost an hour and tried it again and it turned off. When I left work it cranked right up but when I got home, it would not turn off. I called onstar and they told me before I had it towed, I needed to disconnect the battery. I called a mechanic to come to my house and he disconnected alternator and battery and it continued to run. He then had to disconnect the cable on the power box under the hood before it would shut off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11207038, filed 2019-05, 157,710 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 48 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 36,000 and 85,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Buick Enclave. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enclave · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| Enclave · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2015 Buick Enclave version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enclave AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Enclave FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V334000May 10, 2023Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Buick Enclave 2014–2017, Chevrolet Traverse 2014–2017, GMC Acadia 2014–2017
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.
- 22V246000Apr 14, 2022Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Buick Enclave 2015, Chevrolet Traverse 2015, GMC Acadia 2015
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- 21V782000Oct 7, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Buick Enclave 2008–2017, Chevrolet Traverse 2013–2017
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.
- 21V246000Apr 8, 2021Air bags › Critical fastenersCovers: Buick Enclave 2010–2015, 2017, Chevrolet Traverse 2010–2019, GMC Acadia 2011–2016
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- 15V044000Jan 28, 2015TiresCovers: Buick Enclave 2015, Chevrolet Traverse 2015, GMC Acadia 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 14, 2015, 2015 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 20, 2015, and 2015 GMC Acadia vehicles…
Recall details for the 2015 Buick Enclave → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,409 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035690Jul 27, 2026Other or unknown. This is to advise about a part concern
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Other model years of the Buick Enclave
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 38 | 8,650 | 0 | — | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 7 | 44,000 | 0 | 4–5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 22 | 13,500 | 0 | 4–5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 14 | 29,000 | 1 | 4–5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 26 | 62,188 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2020 | 61 | 5,550 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 56 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 44 | 15,500 | 1 | 5 | 21 | 9 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 66 | 24,400 | 0 | 5 | 21 | 13 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 179 | 38,953 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 35 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 141 | 45,000 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 171 | 64,046 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 292 | 60,592 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 75 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 70 | 53,500 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 132 | 78,000 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 213 | 55,606 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 72,500 | 6 | — | 19 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 220 | 73,648 | 8 | — | 19 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 536 | 80,850 | 6 | — | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
All Buick Enclave model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Buick Enclave?
Owners of this model year most often write about the driver-side air bag recall: many complaints say the recall notice arrived but parts were unavailable, in some cases with the air bag warning light on. The issues reported most often: Driver air bag recall — parts not available; Sudden power loss or speed drop while driving; Power steering hard to turn or pump failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Buick Enclave have?
NHTSA recorded 171 consumer complaints for the 2015 Buick Enclave as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2015 Buick Enclave is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 105 complaints (61% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.
Has the 2015 Buick Enclave been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2015 Buick Enclave do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Buick Enclave 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Buick Enclave get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Buick Enclave (Enclave FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Buick Enclave reported?
Among the 48 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,046 miles and the middle half falls between 36,000 and 85,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.