2017 Buick Enclave Problems
Compared with other Buick Enclave years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
35/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× 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.
- 13 of its 179 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Air bag inflator recall, parts not available (114 complaints, median 66,350 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 179filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,953miles, 26 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Buick Enclave (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owner complaints for this model year are dominated by the driver-side air bag inflator recall: most sampled complaints describe owners who received a recall notice but could not get the repair because parts were unavailable at the dealer. Outside of the recall, reports are scattered across engine and drivetrain symptoms, electrical and starting faults, and a handful of air bag non-deployment or warning-light reports in crashes. Reported mileages in the sample range widely, from very low to well over 100,000 miles.
- Air bags
Air bag inflator recall, parts not available
- 114 complaints (64%)
- median 66,350 mi at 6.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2025
Most sampled complaints describe owners being notified of NHTSA campaign 23V334000 for the driver-side frontal air bag inflator and then being told by the dealer that the parts needed for the remedy were not yet available. Several mention repeated calls, scheduled appointments that were turned away, and that the manufacturer had not provided a date for the repair. A few report reduced trade-in value or a dealership declining resale while the recall remains open. Mostly filed from mid-2023 through 2024, very soon after the recall notice; miles reported in these complaints vary from about 48,000 to 170,000.
What to check: Ask whether recall 23V334000 has actually been completed and request the repair paperwork; a VIN check at a dealer confirms whether the remedy is still outstanding.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“GM (Buick) issued this recall over a year ago In spite of numerous phone calls, e-mails, there is no remedy in sight and I have to wonder if GM intends to follow through with a remedy for this issue or just ignore it and run out the clock with no fear of any repercussions for them. Do Fed regulations really have any teeth in them to provide incentive for GM to care about their customers. The dealers are caught in the middle and at the mercy of GM. I'm sure this is an industry problem and gets very little media attention. …”
NHTSA complaint #11597595, filed 2024-06“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11530894, filed 2023-07, 64,000 miles - Air bags
Air bags did not deploy in a crash
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Several complaints describe collisions in which the air bags did not deploy, including a low-speed turning collision, a rear-end impact while parked, and a deer strike that sent the vehicle off the road. In some cases a "Service Air Bags" message appeared only after the crash; another owner reported an intermittent air bag warning light traced to a failed air bag sensor. Owners describe seeking answers from the dealer and manufacturer afterward. Reported from about 5,000 to 75,000 miles, in collisions at low to moderate speeds.
Recall 23V334000Recall 21V782000Recall 21V246000
What to check: Confirm the air bag warning light goes out after the bulb-check at startup and that any air bag recalls have been completed; ask about prior collision repair.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were driving our Buick Enclave on I 94 expressway near merriman road near detroit metro airport when we hit a construction zone. We slowed down to 15 MPH when car behind hit us going full highway speed. There were 4 people in the car. 2 of the people (the driver and passenger behind the driver) did not have the shoulder seat belt hold. The driver hit the steering wheel and the passenger hit the back of the drivers seat. The airbag did not deploy. The answer from GM was a simple 'well it should have'. …”
NHTSA complaint #11279595, filed 2019-11, 33,000 miles“The car was rear ended while parked. The car is totaled. The car moved up several feet upon impact in park and hit the trailer that was parked in front of it. The airbags did not deploy and the screen showed an error message following the accident that said service airbags . There was no prior notification of this sort previous to the accident. This airbag issue should have been alerted before the accident took place.”
NHTSA complaint #11322594, filed 2020-04, 43,000 miles - Engine
Engine misfire, vibration and stalling
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 46,453 mi at 3.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe a service engine light with abnormal vibration, in one case traced to misfires on two cylinders and left unrepaired. Others report the vehicle jerking and decelerating at various speeds with the stability control light on, a stall with no warning lights at all, and intermittent engine failure before a complete stall. Complaints also describe reduced engine power messages and traction control warnings appearing on dry roads. Reported from roughly 15,000 to 170,000 miles, often described as intermittent before becoming more frequent.
What to check: Have a scan tool check for stored and pending misfire or emissions codes, and ask whether the vehicle has a history of repeated check-engine visits.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine light with engine power is reduced, traction control service came out several times on the highway with no snow ice or rain.very scary moments, need to check out.”
NHTSA complaint #11309667, filed 2020-02, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11531531, filed 2023-07, 58,000 miles - Electrical system
Water intrusion causing no-start or no-shutoff
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe water entering the vehicle during rain and shorting the ignition switch, so the vehicle sometimes would not start and sometimes would not shut off. One owner reports a wiring harness failure diagnosed at the dealer after the accelerator pedal stopped responding, the door locks cycled on their own, and a traction control message appeared. Another describes a battery that failed to crank the engine at 80,000 miles. Reported from about 52,000 to 100,000 miles, in some cases following heavy rain.
What to check: Check carpets, door sills and the spare-tire well for dampness or water stains, and ask whether the vehicle has had any no-crank or intermittent starting issues.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car which I have had for 9 months is taking on water from rain. It shorted out the egnition switch, and after rain yesterday it did it again. It wont turn start at times, or it wont turn off! Looking through Buick forums these have been having these problems sience 2008 with heavy rain!”
NHTSA complaint #11176413, filed 2019-02, 52,000 miles“Our vehicle was shifted in reverse to back out of a parking space. Engine was on, all controls normal, no warning lights, etc. As we backed out of our parking space all of a sudden the gas and brake pedals locked up and could not be moved. The car slowly rolled backyards due to slight inlcine. I quickly shifted back to park, turned off the car and waited a minute before restarting. All seemed fine. 2.5 weeks later, the same exact thing happened again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030274, filed 2017-09, 250 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration or stuck pedals
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
A few owners describe the vehicle accelerating on its own after cruise control was disengaged, with braking needed for an extended period to stop it, and dealers unable to find a fault. Another reports the gas and brake pedals locking up while backing out of a parking space, which happened twice within weeks of delivery. Complaints also mention delayed throttle response. Reported at low mileage, from under 1,000 miles to about 75,000 miles.
What to check: Test the throttle and brake response at low speed on a test drive, and ask whether any throttle-body or pedal sensor work has been performed.
An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The door locks independently latched and unlatched. In addition, the traction control error message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with wiring harness failure. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11755312, filed 2026-08, 100,000 miles
Buying note. The main practical item for this model year is recalling whether the driver-side air bag inflator recall has been completed, since many owners reported waiting on parts; also ask for service records covering earlier check-engine, starting and water-intrusion visits before buying.
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 179 consumer complaints for the 2017 Buick Enclave. 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,953 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,006 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 35 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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 bags145 81%
- Electrical system8 4.5%
- Other or unknown7 3.9%
- Engine5 2.8%
- Vehicle speed control5 2.8%
- Seat belts4 2.2%
- Body and structure4 2.2%
- Seats3 1.7%
- Brakes2 1.1%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Fuel system (2), Lane departure (2), Steering (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Received safety recall last year 2021 and made arrangements with John Holt Auto Sales in Chickasha, OK. They took all the information and said we would be notified when the air bag replacement had arrived. It's been over a year now and this problem still exists. Not sure how much longer I should wait while driving this hazardous vehicle on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11562086, filed 2023-12Electrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to have the vehicle serviced at the dealer, but services were declined. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000, and at the time of obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 95,015. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for service, but was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11725463, filed 2026-03, 95,015 milesOther or unknown: “Waiting in line at sonic driveway started reversing at breakneck speeds - finally stopped afte r jumping a curb and hitting a heavy pickup, air bags did not open malfunction of vehicle several days before the gear shift seemed sticky”
NHTSA complaint #11145220, filed 2018-11, 24,000 milesEngine: “Power steering stops functioning while driving and attempting to make a turn, resulting in a likely car accident. Driving in city making any king of turn either left or right. This has happened twice already. Rough idle when engine is cold.”
NHTSA complaint #11374379, filed 2020-11, 27,200 milesMileage when problems were reported
58% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 9,700 and 75,000 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 2017 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 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: 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 2017 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 | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Enclave FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
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.
- 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.
Recall details for the 2017 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. 1,006 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 2017 Buick Enclave?
Owner complaints for this model year are dominated by the driver-side air bag inflator recall: most sampled complaints describe owners who received a recall notice but could not get the repair because parts were unavailable at the dealer. The issues reported most often: Air bag inflator recall, parts not available; Air bags did not deploy in a crash; Engine misfire, vibration and stalling.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Buick Enclave have?
NHTSA recorded 179 consumer complaints for the 2017 Buick Enclave as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Buick Enclave is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 145 complaints (81% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 2017 Buick Enclave been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Buick Enclave do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 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 2017 Buick Enclave get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Buick Enclave (Enclave FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Buick Enclave reported?
Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,953 miles and the middle half falls between 9,700 and 75,000 miles; 58% 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.