Buick Enclave ball joint problems

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · NY

While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions and without any collision, accident, or road hazard impact, a catastrophic structural failure occurred in the front left suspension assembly. Upon accelerating from a complete stop at a traffic light, the front left suspension suffered a catastrophic structural collapse. The left front tire violently jammed backward into the wheel well, instantly slamming the vehicle to a violent, immediate stop and leaving it entirely immobilized in the roadway. This occurred without warning and presented a severe safety hazard. The vehicle had to be flatbed-towed. It is at an authorized GM dealership, where a technician confirmed a completely snapped tie rods inner and outer, along with a broken axle, control arm, stabilizer links, and bushings. The vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by insurance company. I have filed a case with GM/Buick Corporate as well. This vehicle model year is subject to separate GM safety recalls for lower control arm weld separation (Recall 19V312) and unseated ball joints (N192211320) that cause identical structural separation. While this specific VIN is currently tracked just outside those active batches, the component failed identically to the manufacturing defects described.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · LA

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding serious mechanical and safety issues with my 2020 Buick Enclave. These issues have created ongoing financial hardship, significant safety concerns, and an urgent need for investigation and resolution. Over the past several months, my vehicle has repeatedly displayed low‑oil notifications, sometimes occurring within one month of receiving a full oil change. During a recent visit to my mechanic for yet another low‑oil alert, he recalled that I had previously brought the vehicle in for the same issue. After conducting a more thorough inspection, he informed me that there was a failure within the engine/transmission assembly. He showed me the area where oil was seeping from the engine. I also inspected the oil filter and oil plug, both of which showed no signs of leakage. Following this diagnosis, I brought the vehicle to Royal Buick GMC. Their service department performed a SAVI Dongle test and a GM‑Certified Multi‑Point Inspection. The service technician informed me that the vehicle requires a complete engine replacement including the following: replacement of the engine, repair of a rear main seal failure, resealing of the oil pan, and replacement of the lower control arm. It is my belief that these issues are consistent with reported problems. In addition to the oil‑related failures, I have experienced sudden acceleration and jerking while driving. These incidents are alarming and pose a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. I am deeply concerned that this defect could lead to an accident through no fault of my own. This vehicle is my only means of transportation for work and for caring for my family. The cost and severity of the required repairs are catastrophic, and I believe the manufacturer should be held responsible for addressing these defects. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate these issues and assist in ensuring that GM/Buick replaces the engine for its safe operation.

Filed Feb 28, 2023 · Suspension · 33,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was inadvertently pulling to the left. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds, and unknown parts detached from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the control arm, ball joint, and axle driveshaft needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer confirmed that the vehicle would be sent to the body shop for the damaged body components. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and dispatched an investigator to the dealer to inspect the vehicle; however, the manufacturer declined to disclose any information. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The contact stated that GM authorized the repairs for the vehicle after inspecting it. The contact is still unaware of what caused the failure.

Filed Sep 3, 2021 · Steering · TX

The steering wheel develops play because the components of the tie rod loosen and it is difficult to maintain control of the vehicle at high and low speeds. Besides that, steering is very stiff. Cracks and screeches are heard coming from the steering rack when you turn the wheel, can even be felt from the steering wheel. My vehicle has only 26k miles on it, but I've heard some others start at 5k

Filed Nov 6, 2020 · Lights, Suspension · 112,769 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 buick enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle the vehicle was being inspected at the residence, she was informed that the driver's and passenger's side lower control arms and ball joints were faulty. The vehicle was taken to greens auto repair (23 e orvis st, massena, ny 13662, (315) 514-1282) to be diagnosed however, the result was still pending. The vehicle repair was started but not yet completed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,769. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 10, 2020 · Brakes, Suspension · 25 miles · IL

Brake grinding changed brakes and rotors and also control arm hub bearing and strut

Filed Feb 27, 2020 · Driver assistance · 80,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 buick enclave. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the traction control and stabili trac warning lights illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that her husband was notified of the failure and restarted the vehicle and drove back to the residence. The contact stated that on several occasions, the traction control and stabili trac warning lights flashed intermittently and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal operation once the warning lights was no longer displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to terry labonte chevrolet (1401 bridford pkwy, greensboro, nc 27407) where the steering sensor was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was also taken to hendrick chevrolet (100 auto mall drive, cary, nc 27511) where the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced, which was still pending. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition wires, spark plugs and upper control arm were repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 620,000 miles · MI · crash

The power sterring pump and rack pionion is out and needs both front and lower control arms need to be replace cannot turn the steering wheel while ran into a park vehicle now I am being sued

Filed Mar 8, 2018 · Steering, Wheels · MN

I bought my 2014 buick enclave at the end of may and had it in the shop at the beginning of december, after putting 3000 miles on it, for power steering issues, (noise and vibration) and it turns out the needed to replace the pump but were not comfortable with the design, while they were looking at it they said they needed to also replace a ball joint. Then in mid jan. The noise started again, I had it checked and they said it was from the cold, well that became untrue as it became worse in the next few weeks (noise and vibration as I was turning) and I brought it in again 3-7-2018 and sure enough the same problem is there!! So the mechanic has to figure out a different solution by calling the buick dealer. I am extremely disappointed with this as this is my first "new" vehicle I bought, very unhappy!! Buick needs to recall and find a fix for all these problems!

Filed Jun 27, 2016 · Suspension · 74,431 miles · IA

Rear upper control arms loose while taking my care for lube & oil filter change at holzhauer motors in cherokee, ia (authorized dealer) I mentioned to the service advisor that my vehicle road like an "old dodge pickup." after doing the lube & oil filter change I received a call from the service advisor contacted me stating that the rear upper control arms were loose and needed replacing. An estimate of $850.00 plus tax was given. The replacement was made on november 18, 2015 and the vehicle still rides like a tank.