2016 Buick Enclave problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 141 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Buick Enclave, filed between 2016-01-19 and 2026-08-31. The most common problem areas are the air bags (110, 78%), power train (10, 7%) and engine (9, 6%). Owners reported 2 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Buick Enclave complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 110 | 78% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Power train | 10 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 7 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 110 complaints
- 110 complaints of 141 (78%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the seat belts; owners reported 2 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Buick Enclave; the latest, campaign 23V334000, says: “The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.”
Power train: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 141 (7%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Enclave covers this system.
Engine: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 141 (6%) name the engine.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Enclave covers this system.
Electrical system: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 141 (6%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Enclave covers this system.
Seat belts: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 141 (2%) name the seat belts — belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
- 2 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 1 crash and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Enclave covers this system.
Steering: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 141 (2%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Enclave covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2024 | 67 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 3 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ENCLAVE, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Buick Enclave recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Enclave?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Buick Enclave's most common problem areas are the air bags (110 of 141 complaints), power train (10 of 141 complaints) and engine (9 of 141 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Buick Enclave have?
NHTSA has 141 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Buick Enclave, including 2 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Buick Enclave's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Buick Enclave; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.