2008 Buick Enclave: loss of power steering

Filed May 10, 2022 · Steering · 125,637 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 3-5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to continue driving the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,637.

Filed May 7, 2020 · Steering · 121,000 miles · WI

The power steering fails on turns with no warning. From what I read this is common on buick enclaves. I was almost in an accident from the power steering failure. Once I was on a 55 MPH highway changing lanes when it failed, the rest are usually when turning. My mechanic said the power steering pump needs replacement.

Filed Apr 22, 2019 · Steering · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick enclave. The contact stated that the electric power steering failed and caused the steering wheel to seize in either direction. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the intermittent failure and was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified. The dealer was not contacted. The diagnostic results were not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jan 28, 2019 · Steering · 158,501 miles · CA

While driving and making a turn the power steering failed to function. Took the car to a mechanic and he replaced the rack and pinion and pump. The problem continues . Power steering works when accelerating and stepping on the gas. When you take your foot off the gas or are stopped power steering does not work. When making a turn at an intersection the power steering goes off and it is difficult to complete the turn. I read on line that other 2008 buick enclaves have the same problem.

Filed Aug 21, 2017 · Steering · 77,000 miles · WA

Power steering is hard to turn at low speed

Filed Jan 16, 2017 · Steering · 10,008 miles · NC

No power steering

Filed Dec 27, 2016 · Electrical · 161,000 miles · FL

While driving engine turned off on 4 separate occasions in the past 2 weeks. Never any warning lights or check engine light just engine turns off suddenly.the first time I was driving on a busy city road middle lane at 25-45 m/hr. No power steering or brakes. Unable to restart I was able to push into a parking lot and call for help, it was towed to my mechanic who said rollover switch tripped. 2 days later engine turned off again while exiting highway at the same speed but was able to restart in neural after a min stopped, I drove it straight to my mechanic who reset computer and drove it around for 3 days unable to diagnose problem on computer. 2 days later while driving 45 m/hr engine turned off again. I was on a small decline 2 lane busy road and able to restart in neutral position. A few times in the past few weeks vehicle would not start after parked for a few hours but would start in neural eventually after many attempts, 12/24/2016 while driving on a busy 2 lane street in town engine stopped again no power steering or brakes at 20 m/hr. Unable to restart and passengers had to get out of my buick and push into nearest parking lot. Unable to restart, towed on 12/26/2016 to local buick dealership to be diagnosed by a certified dealership per the suggestion of buick USA. They can not find a problem per computer diagnosis and are trying to tell me there is some water damage behind dash on fuse block that will cost me thousands of dollars to repair but no guarantee that that is the problem I have never had any problems with lights, radio , AC or any other electrical issues that would lead me to believe that the fuse block has water damage..per gm forums there are many issues with ignition switches or ignition control module . Could this be the problem . My engine turning off while driving is a real safety concern and how do I resolve this problem.

Filed Nov 15, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 86,000 miles · OH

Under 100k miles, transmission went out. Dealership stated, faulty wave washer and snap ring. This caused the vehicle to go into a neutral position at 70 miles/hr. Engine revved. Lost steering and vehicle would not accelerate. Had to coast to the shoulder during heavy traffic. Gm stated replacement would cost $4500 for new transmission. Declined gm's estimate and went to a different auto shop and rebuilt the transmission. Mechanics at the transmission shop stated that gm/buick was well aware of the faulty transmission but they have not recalled these faulty transmissions. Auto shop stated the part to fix the transmission only costs $7. Didn't want to get a new gm transmission as it may be just as faulty as the current transmission that had the problem. Gm should be held accountable and I expect full reimbursement for the payment and emotional distress this problem has caused me.

Filed Oct 11, 2014 · Steering · 63,000 miles · MA

As the 2008 buick enclave vehicle was slowed to make a right turn into a driveway, it suddenly and unexpectedly became very, very difficult to steer, such that the vehicle almost went off of the road and into a telephone pole. Fortunately, the vehicle was going slowly enough that it could be abruptly stopped in the middle of the road and it was not rear-ended. This is a very dangerous condition. When I called general motors customer care, I discovered that this was a known condition for which special coverage #14329 was issued. Given how dangerous this condition is that dramatically affects the ability of a driver to steer the vehicle, I am very upset that general motors failed to notify owners of the affected cars that this hazardous condition existed and that general motors failed to issue an emergency vehicle recall. It is urgent that the federal safety agency requires that general motors issue a recall for this safety defect. Pasted below is the dealer notification that was issued to gm service departments on september 16, 2014 by general motors. "#14329: special coverage adjustment - loss of power steering assist - (sep 16, 2014). Condition. Some 2008-2011 model year (my) buick enclave, 2009-2011 my chevrolet traverse, 2007-2011 my gmc acadia, and 2007-2010 my saturn outlook vehicles may develop a power steering pump wear condition that can cause an intermittent drop of power steering hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss of steering assist. The vehicle may revert to manual steering which requires greater driver effort, particularly at low vehicle speeds."

Filed Sep 13, 2014 · Steering · 95,000 miles · TN

Lost power steering. Vehicle is difficult to turn at low speeds. Dealership said it was the axles. I replaced them but the problem was not fixed. Maneuvering in parking lots is almost impossible and driving around curves is nerve-racking because the wheel wants to jerk to the side, almost forcing me unto oncoming traffic. It's only a matter of time before I have a wreck because of this issue.

Filed Jun 26, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 80,001 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buick enclave. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed the wave plate needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 80,001. The consumer stated the power steering went out. The vehicle was almost impossible to turn. The vehicle was towed the dealer. An inspection revealed the power steering rack was leaking from both sides, and the pump seized. Also, the dealer replaced the water pump, because it was leaking. Updated 08/06/14 updated 08/11/14

Filed Jun 6, 2014 · Steering · 89,800 miles · IN

Power steering went out at 10-35 MPH at 5:00 6/4/2014. Took the enclave to the dealer 6/5/2014 no word yet on what has gone wrong. Hopeful for more info today 6/6/2014. Car drove fine for the past 1-1/2 years, then out of no where very difficult to steer a 6,000 lb. Vehicle without power steering. Lucky that I was not on the highway with my family in this vehicle. But, still scary even on city streets as turning had to be accomplished very widely.