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2012 Buick Enclave: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 132 owner complaints and 6 recalls on file for the 2012 Buick Enclave[1][2]. Several recalls involve air bags, seat belts and the power liftgate, so check that each one has been done before you buy.
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 132 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Enclave[1]. Nine mention a crash, none mention a fire, 25 injuries are reported and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The largest groups are:
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure[5] | 24 | 0 | 7 | 76,000 |
| Engine[6] | 24 | 1 | 0 | 107,000 |
| Air bags[7] | 21 | 6 | 9 | 75,000 |
| Electrical system[8] | 19 | 0 | 2 | 66,000 |
| Steering[9] | 17 | 0 | 0 | 59,500 |
| Power train[10] | 13 | 1 | 0 | 56,569 |
| Brakes[11] | 7 | 1 | 0 | 55,950 |
Another 19 complaints are filed under unknown or other[12]. Air bags stand out for severity, with the most crashes and injuries of any group in the table[7].
We read a small sample of complaint texts for four groups. Here is what owners describe in that sample[5][6][7][8]:
- Air bags. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 7 describe an air bag warning light or a "service air bags" message that stays on[7]. Three describe air bags that did not deploy in a collision[7]. Treat a lit air bag warning as a reason for a shop visit, because owners in the sample describe being told the air bags may not work while it is on.
- Structure. In a sample of 12, 6 describe the power liftgate falling or slamming shut on its own[5]. Seven were written by owners who had a liftgate recall notice and said the repair part was not available at the time[5][13].
- Engine. In a sample of 12, 5 describe shuddering or loss of power when accelerating, 3 describe the engine shutting off or not starting, and 2 describe a failed timing chain[6].
- Electrical. In a sample of 12, 5 describe stalling, no-start or sudden loss of power[8].
These samples are small. They show what some owners wrote, not how common a problem is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- Driver air bag inflator (21V782). The driver's air bag inflator can explode when it deploys because of a manufacturing defect. Metal fragments could seriously injure or kill the driver or others. Dealers replace the driver's air bag module for free[14]. The recall covers other GM models too. NHTSA lists 555 potentially affected units[14].
- Side curtain air bags (21V246). The side curtain air bags may not be attached properly, so they may not work as intended in a crash. Dealers check the weld nuts and adjust or replace them if needed, at no cost[15].
- Power liftgate (15V415). On cars with the power liftgate option, the gas struts that hold it up can wear early and the open liftgate can suddenly fall on a person. The fix is a dealer software update for the liftgate motor control unit so the motor prevents rapid closing. It is free[13].
- Seat belt cable (14V266). The steel cable that connects the front seat belts can wear out and separate over time, so the belt may not hold a person in a crash. Dealers are to inspect and, if needed, repair or replace the lap pretensioner for free. The recall fact says parts were not currently available and that owners would get a second notice when parts arrive, so ask a dealer whether parts are in now[16].
- Side air bag wiring (14V118). Extra resistance in the wiring harnesses of the seat-mounted side air bags can stop the side air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. Dealers replace the affected connections with soldered ones for free[17].
- Wiper arms (12V151). Snow or ice can make a wiper arm loosen and stop working, which reduces visibility. This recall covers cars registered in a list of states and the District of Columbia. Dealers tighten the wiper arm nuts for free[18].
Recall repairs are free, but they only happen if the car is checked. Ask a Buick dealer to check the VIN for open recalls on a specific car.
Fuel economy
The EPA lists one engine for this year, a 3.6L 6-cylinder with an automatic 6-speed, running on regular gas[3][19].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-wheel drive[3] | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| All-wheel drive[19] | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
The EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the prices when the car was new[3].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives both versions 5 stars overall[4][20]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars[4][20]. The rollover risk is 15.5% for the all-wheel drive SUV[4] and 16.9% for the front-wheel drive SUV[20].
Engine and size
These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada and can differ slightly from US models[21][22].
| All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 202 in | 202 in |
| Width | 79 in | 79 in |
| Height | 73 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 119 in | 119 in |
| Curb weight | 4,985 lb | 4,780 lb |
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 536 | 6 |
| 2009 | 220 | 8 |
| 2010 | 275 | 6 |
| 2011 | 213 | 6 |
| 2012 | 132 | 6 |
| 2013 | 70 | 4 |
| 2014 | 292 | 7 |
| 2015 | 171 | 5 |
| 2016 | 141 | 4 |
| 2017 | 179 | 3 |
| 2018 | 66 | 0 |
| 2019 | 44 | 1 |
| 2020 | 60 | 6 |
| 2021 | 26 | 2 |
| 2022 | 14 | 1 |
| 2023 | 21 | 0 |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 |
| 2025 | 38 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 | 1 |
NHTSA has 132 complaints on file for the 2012 model year[2]. Eight Enclave years have more: 2008 (536), 2014 (292), 2010 (275), 2009 (220), 2011 (213), 2017 (179), 2015 (171) and 2016 (141)[2]. Eleven years have fewer, including 2013 with 70[2].
For recalls, 2012 has 6[2]. Only 2009 (8) and 2014 (7) have more[2]. The years 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2020 also have 6[2]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales, Complaints are not adjusted for sales, so compare years with care..
Should you buy a used 2012 Enclave?
The 2012 Enclave has a 5-star overall crash rating[4][20] and fewer complaints than eight other Enclave years[2]. The concern is the recall list. Four of the six recalls involve air bags or seat belts[14][15][16][17], and the liftgate recall covers a part that can fall on people[13]. Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls, ask whether the seat belt parts are available[16], and treat any air bag warning light as a problem to diagnose[7]. EPA estimates fuel costs at $3,550 to $3,700 a year.[3][19].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Buick Enclave?
- NHTSA lists 132 complaints[1]. Structure and engine lead with 24 each, followed by air bags with 21[1][5][6][7].
- How many recalls does the 2012 Buick Enclave have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls: driver air bag inflator, side curtain air bags, power liftgate, seat belts, side air bag wiring and wiper arms[2][14][15][13][16][17][18].
- What gas mileage does the 2012 Buick Enclave get?
- EPA rates the front-wheel drive at 17 city, 24 highway and 19 combined MPG, and the all-wheel drive at 16, 22 and 18[3][19].
- Is the 2012 Buick Enclave safe?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall on both versions, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover[4][20]. It also has 4 recalls tied to air bags or seat belts[14][15][16][17].
- Is 2012 a good year for the Buick Enclave?
- It has 132 complaints, fewer than 8 other years, and 6 recalls, fewer than 2009 and 2014[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 132 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Buick Enclave (9 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 25 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Buick Enclave model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Enclave FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 107,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,569). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,950). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V415, filed June 30, 2015: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V782, filed October 7, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V246, filed April 8, 2021: Air Bags › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V266, filed May 20, 2014: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V118, filed March 17, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V151, filed April 9, 2012: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Linkages. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Enclave AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENCLAVE 4DR SUV AWD CX/CXL: length 202 in, width 79 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,985 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENCLAVE 4DR SUV FWD CX/CXL: length 202 in, width 79 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,780 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov