Home · 2020 Buick Enclave · Complaints

What 52 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Buick Enclave

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (52)Crash / fire / injury (3)Engine (14)Electrical system (9)Transmission & drivetrain (8)Fuel system (7)Brakes (4)Body & structure (2)Engine & cooling (2)Seat belts (2)Steering (2)Suspension (2)

7 of 52 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters

Mar 16, 2026EngineFuel system

The vehicle developed an exhaust leak caused by both weld points on the front exhaust pipe breaking. A dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the exhaust welds had failed, creating a hole in the exhaust pipe and triggering a P0420 catalyst efficiency code. The failure occurred at approximately 31,500 miles. The exhaust leak caused increased exhaust noise and emissions warning codes. The dealership recommended replacement of the front exhaust pipe assembly. This appears similar to known failures on the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse platform where the front exhaust pipe mounting bracket separates from the pipe due to weld failure. GM has issued special coverage adjustments for similar exhaust pipe bracket weld failures on other model years of these vehicles. The failure occurred at relatively low mileage and appears to be a structural weld defect in the exhaust system.

NHTSA ODI 11724643

Feb 19, 2026Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Vehicle & Incident Details: * Make/Model/Year: 2020 Buick Enclave * VIN: [XXX] * Mileage: ~116,834 miles (purchased at ~62,000 miles, used) * Purchase Date: [Insert Month/Year] * Dealer: Kyle Durrence Claxton Dealership Repair History: * First repair attempt: TPMS system * Second repair attempt: Connector assembly block * Total out-of-pocket spent: $4,000+ * Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Safety Impact: * Engine shuts off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of collision. * Vehicle is my only mode of transportation. * Dealership has not provided a loaner vehicle. Additional Concerns: * I have discovered forged signatures on my original finance/loan paperwork from the dealership, which I previously reported to the dealership General Manager without response. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA record this safety issue, investigate the repeated engine shutdowns, and consider whether this defect warrants a recall or further manufacturer action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11719053

Jul 14, 2025Fuel system

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the evaporative emission system, vapor canister purge solenoid, and the control solenoid were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start, and the instrument cluster gauges were fluctuating. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V639000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673314

Feb 1, 2025EngineFuel system

Welds have broken loose from exhaust creating a hole and loud noise & strong exhaust smell

NHTSA ODI 11640093

Aug 21, 2024Electrical systemFuel system

Vehicle would not go into park fortunately we were in a safe location to avoid a possible accident or injury. The vehicle has electronic transmission shifting. According to the dealership the park solenoid in the transmission valve body failed. This prevented us from putting the vehicle in park so it could safely be shut off. We were able to set electronic parking brake but ignition continued to remain on. Eventually had to disconnect the negative battery terminal. Had vehicle towed to dealership but could not release electric park bake or start vehicle with battery terminal reconnected. This is becoming a common problem with this transmission, so common that parts are on back order. This could be a very unsafe problem with this vehicle in the right circumstance. There should be a recall on this transmit that is used on multiple GM vehicles

NHTSA ODI 11610097

Oct 9, 2023Fuel system

After filling up fuel, vehicle runs rough, hesitates, and stalls at idle speeds. This occurs after every fill up. The check engine light comes on and states an issue with the anti-lock brake system. I’ve had the vehicle checked by Buick 5 times and they have not been able to replicate the issue, so troubleshooting stopped. I know a recall came out this July for 2019 Buick Enclaves to replace the evaporative emissions purge valve due to not fully closing. This is the issue with my 2020 Buick Enclave and is a massive safety concern as the vehicle stalls while driving at slow speeds after fill up. Most recent event occurred on October 5th. I’ve posted a picture from last year that captured the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11548946

May 10, 2021Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WITH 'CAN NOT SHIFT IN THIS POSITION' MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SOMERSET BUICK LOCATED AT 1850 W. MAPLE RD, TROY, MI 48084, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE FUEL TANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,100.

NHTSA ODI 11415777

Working with the data? Download all 52 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 11, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2020 Buick Enclave verdict →