2011 Buick Enclave: whining or grinding noise

Filed Nov 4, 2019 · Steering · AR

2011 buick enclave makes a whining noise when accelerating, turning and slowing down. Dealership informed me that car is "cold" and needs warming up because temperature has changed. However, my car was making this noise just not as bad during the summer. I asked if it was the power steering pump or if I needed fluid. They informed me they capped off the fluid during each of my service visits but the noise is still there. Now I'm going to have to take it somewhere else for a second opinion after reading other people's issues with their enclave. My issue is always during start up, turning and stopping which is a huge problem. It has been escalating for the past few months. It's worst now.

Filed Oct 18, 2017 · Steering · 103,900 miles · TX

Loud whining noise and leaking from rack/pinion pump. Hewlett chevy/buick dealership acknowledges pump is covered under special coverage adjustment but won't perform repair until pump and rack actually go out...putting my family in danger.

Filed Aug 2, 2016 · Steering · 41,480 miles · CA

Noticed a whining noise in my steering wheel when turning. Called the dealership and was told this was "normal". Not being satisfied with this took it in and insisted they check it. I was then told the rack and pinion is failing and needs to be replaced. The cost would be $2000. I bought this car new and it only has 41,000 miles on it. I feel that this should be paid by gm since this is a common complaint and very dangerous and could result in an accident. I will no longer buy anything built by gm if this is how they treat their customers. I paid $53,000 and I thought I would have this car for a few more years. I guess not.

Filed Mar 16, 2016 · Steering · 50,000 miles · TX

Over time our 2011 buick enclave experienced a whining noise at idle and lower speeds, particularly when turning. Dealership indicated that this was due to a leaking/defective power steering pump and potentially the entire steering column may need to be replaced. This vehicle is approximately 3 years old and approximately 50k miles - disappointed to discover that this issue is not currently covered under warranty/recalls. I would not expect to encounter an issue of this magnitude with a car at this point in the life cycle - this is a potential safety concern if this issue progresses to a situating where the steering totally fails.

Filed Mar 26, 2014 · Steering · 70,000 miles · TN

Steering column was whining. Took it in and was told the steering gear was leaking and it would cost $1500 to repair. According to gm forums this is a very very common complaint that gm has done nothing about. Why is a recall not being instituted?

Filed Feb 23, 2014 · Steering · 60,441 miles · NY

Reported issue to dealer of car making whining noise at low speeds. Dealer says I need a new power steering rack, hoses and possibly a new pump! The car is a is only a 2011 and very well maintained! Spoke with gm - they contacted dealer wondering why no recall since every single forum I read has hundreds of people complaining about this same exact issue. I was furious that they refuse to acknowledge this as a problem. They say that there are not enough power steering noise problems reported to require them to issue a recall. They say that they are not responsible for this decision. It is a federal safety issue and that they issue recalls based on numbers, however, this has not happened often enough to issue a recall. They are offering me a "deal" to get the car fixed at my dealer. They will pay all but $500 toward the rack and labor. I need to cover the hoses and possibly the pump if it is bad. Also, if there is a recall in the future I will be reimbursed retroactively for my expenses. Isn't this an admission that there is a problem??? I am so angry! My dealer, however sings a different tune from gm. Says that this problem exists quite frequently in the enclave, acadia and the chevy traverse...... I am not sure that I believe or trust anything they have to say! I have a 2011 enclave (which I absolutely loved up until now!) with 60k on it. Now out of warranty - eventually this will have to be fixed - leaving a very large dent in my pocket and a hole in my heart because I really thought I would have this car for a long time. However, once it is paid off I am dumping it. No more buicks or gm cars for me. Not ever! I really wish that someone would begin investigating gm and this issue. It is a huge safety concern, not to mention a very expensive fix. Please contact me to discuss and let me know what concerned folks such as myself can do to deal with this! Thank you!!!!!