NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2019 Buick Enclave Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 42 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 1 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: MEDIUM8 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2019 Buick Enclave receives a 7.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 42 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 1 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports with a median failure point at 49,241 miles (IQR: 22,42169,750 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $1,400 – $3,800 .

Buick Enclave PlatformBuick Enclave Series
DLC Port: Driver lower knee bolster panel

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
7.3 / 10

9.3 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
42

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
1

1 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Enclave Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (6)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity83% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

20
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):49,241 milesIQR: 22,42169,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11755753 • Filed: 08/09/2026Odometer: 72,000 mi

The problematic 9 speed transmission failed at 72,000 miles on .... GM required a flush due to the significant shudder problems in the transmissions. This was performed on this vehicle at 32,000 miles. GM knows the is issues. The car brought to Gerald Jones GM in Graniteville,...

ODI #11751653 • Filed: 07/20/2026Odometer: 29,481 mi

2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by ... mother-in-law (...). Her daug...

ODI #11742026 • Filed: 06/04/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at 30 to 40 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was hard to shift. The TPMS was illuminated. The contact indicated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). T...

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGMedium Severity77% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

19
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):36,620 milesIQR: 18,93054,310 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11752440 • Filed: 07/23/2026Odometer: 72,000 mi

Formal Complaint – 2019 Buick Enclave Rear A/C Evaporator Failure I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated refrigerant leaks and rear A/C evaporator failure on my 2019 Buick Enclave. My vehicle has 72,000 miles and has experienced two A/C system failures within 60 day...

ODI #11730218 • Filed: 04/09/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. ...

ODI #11696554 • Filed: 10/30/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...

#3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity86% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

12
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):29,481 milesIQR: 29,48129,481 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11751653 • Filed: 07/20/2026Odometer: 29,481 mi

2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by ... mother-in-law (...). Her daug...

ODI #11730218 • Filed: 04/09/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. ...

ODI #11696554 • Filed: 10/30/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...

#4 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSMedium Severity68% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

8
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11696554 • Filed: 10/30/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...

ODI #11639285 • Filed: 01/29/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while at a stop light the Auto START/STOP feature malfunctioned. The contact stated that after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle turned off instead of restarting the engine. The contact stated that several min...

ODI #11425610 • Filed: 07/20/2021

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning ...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONMedium Severity69% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

7
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):29,481 milesIQR: 29,48129,481 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11751653 • Filed: 07/20/2026Odometer: 29,481 mi

2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by ... mother-in-law (...). Her daug...

ODI #11730218 • Filed: 04/09/2026

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. ...

ODI #11696554 • Filed: 10/30/2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity71% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

4
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11553256 • Filed: 11/02/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while attempting to buckle the seat belt however, the seat belt failed to lock securely in the buckle. The contact inspected the buckle and became aware that an internal part of the buckle had detached, preventing the s...

ODI #11502536 • Filed: 01/19/2023

The passenger side seat air bag exploded and burned my daughter’s back while she was getting into the car. The car was in park and auto started. My son was sitting in the back seat behind her while this happened. She has 1st and 2nd degree burns and thankfully my son is okay. ...

ODI #11299634 • Filed: 01/15/2020

DRIVER SIDE 2ND ROW PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT IS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. WHILE DRIVING THIS RENTAL CAR ON VACATION, THE PANELING FELL OFF REVEALING THAT THE SEAT BELT SPOOL WAS HANGING LOOSE AND NOT MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. BASED ON WHAT I CAN SEE FROM THE THREADS, IT APPEARS NEVER ...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (1)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #20V668000Reported: 29/10/2020

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Safety Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 Buick Enclave

Before purchasing a used 2019 Buick Enclave, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 1 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 Buick Enclave

Is the 2019 Buick Enclave a reliable used car?

The 2019 Buick Enclave earns a 7.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 42 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 Buick Enclave?

The leading complaint category is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports, with a median failure point around 49,241 miles (IQR: 22,42169,750 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 Buick Enclave?

Yes, the NHTSA records 1 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.