2021 Buick ENCLAVE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
25 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
62,188 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 25 complaints (24.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 7 | 28.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 12.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 4.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
| Structure:Body | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
Electrical System: 6; Service Brakes: 6; Unknown Or Other: 4; Seat Belts: 3; Structure:Body: 3; Engine: 2; Power Train: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 22 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 6 |
2021: 9; 2022: 2; 2024: 3; 2025: 5; 2026: 6
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11415287 · 2021-05-05 (May 5, 2021)
WHEN I DRIVE MY BUICK ENCLAVE AFTER IT SITS FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME, IF I APPLY THE BRAKES, I HAVE A LOUD GRINDING TYPE SOUND AND I NOTICE THE NOISE CONTINUES AS I DO MY SHOPPING AND IT DOES NOT ALWAYS GO AWAY. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE BUICK DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY (GM) WERE TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE NOISE. ALSO, I WAS TOLD THAT I CAN CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AS IT WOULD POSE NO SAFETY ISSUES. I FIND IT UNNERVING TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH NOISY BRAKES AND I INQUIRED WHEN GM F…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11415287 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11419275 · 2021-06-01 (June 1, 2021)
I have a 2021 Buick Enclave Premium purchased 01.03.2021from Alden Buick-GMC been having problems with my brakes when I apply my brakes I have a brake noise grinding growling noise coming from the brakes. Took vehicle to dealership today 06.01.2021. Was told cause is Composition of brake material, dealers informed by GM not to replace any parts or attempt any repairs at this time. Was informed vehicle is safe to drive and GM engineering is working on a solution to this concern. I am concerned should the brakes not work properly when applied cau…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11419275 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11454577 · 2022-02-28 (February 28, 2022)
When driving my car down the street today, it abruptly stopped in the middle of the street and and engine locked up. I could not shift gears. I could not put my car in neutral. I was literally stuck in the middle of the street with a vehicle that gave me no warning of malfunctioning. This is the 3rd transmission that I have had in this car. It is a 2021 Buick Enclave with just over 12,000 miles.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11454577 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11734364 · 2026-04-28 (April 28, 2026)
About six months ago the tailgate foot sensor failed and has not worked. Since then, the tailgate began randomly opening on its own, mostly when the car is parked and shut off, but as of today(4-28-2026) it started occurring while I'm driving. In addition to the hazard of items falling from my vehicle unto the highway and/or other cars, the only way for me to close the tailgate from the driver's seat is to place the transmission in Park and push the tailgate button. Other than that, I must stop and get out and physically close it. Both actions…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11734364 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11644448 · 2025-02-24 (February 24, 2025)
Power Liftgate was functioning erratically and now it won't open at all. Currently there is no way to manually open the liftgate or access the rear of the vehicle without climbing through the vehicle to get to the trunk area. Electrical switches on inside, exterior of vehicle nor the keyfob will open the liftgate. Previously the liftgate opened on its own at unintended times and now it has simply quit working. Safety issue was when it was opening while driving. It is not currently doing this since it won't work anymore. Complete Failure ha…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11644448 at NHTSA ↗