2016 Buick Enclave Safety Report
2016 Buick Enclave: Excellent Crash Ratings Undermined by Unresolved Airbag Recall and High Complaint Volume
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Buick Enclave
Reliability Score
The 2016 Buick Enclave receives a reliability score of 40 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Buick Enclave
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Buick Enclave:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Inflator Explosion Risk (Unrepaired Recall) Driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect, potentially causing sharp metal fragments to strike occupants. Many owners report parts for recall 23V334000 are unavailable. |
High | Common | all miles |
| Seat Frame Welding Defect Affected vehicles (manufactured Nov 6-12, 2015) may have improperly welded seat frames, compromising safety in a crash. |
High | Rare | new miles |
| Wiper Motor Overheating/Fire Risk Wiper motor may overheat due to a manufacturing defect, increasing the risk of fire (affected vehicles manufactured Aug 18-Sep 24, 2015). |
High | Rare | new miles |
| Repeated Spark Plug Failures Owners report spark plugs failing repeatedly, requiring multiple replacements. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Water Intrusion Into Fuse Box Water entering the fuse box under the glove box, leading to wet carpets and electrical issues like the engine running with the key off. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Buick Enclave:
Overwhelmingly, the most reported issue relates to the airbag system, specifically the unrepaired recall for inflator explosion risk (107 complaints).
Issues related to the transmission or drivetrain, with 5 complaints.
Problems with the engine, including repeated spark plug failures, with 3 complaints.
Structural issues, including water leaks into the fuse box, with 3 complaints.
Problems with the steering system, with 3 complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Buick Enclave
Is the 2016 Buick Enclave safe?
The 2016 Buick Enclave received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings (5 stars overall, frontal, and side; 4 stars rollover). However, its safety is significantly compromised by a critical, unresolved airbag recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000) where replacement parts are unavailable, posing a risk of serious injury or death. This recall is the subject of 107 out of 139 total complaints, indicating a widespread and unaddressed safety concern.
What are common problems with the 2016 Buick Enclave?
The most reported issue by far is related to the AIR BAGS, accounting for 107 (77%) of the 139 total complaints. Many of these complaints highlight the unavailability of parts for a critical airbag inflator recall. Other less frequent but notable problems include POWER TRAIN issues (5 complaints), ENGINE problems (3 complaints, including spark plug issues), and STRUCTURE issues (3 complaints, such as water leaks).
Are there any open recalls for the 2016 Buick Enclave?
Yes, there are 4 recalls for the 2016 Buick Enclave. The most critical and frequently complained about is related to the driver's airbag inflator (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000), which may explode during deployment. Many owners report that the remedy parts for this recall are still unavailable, despite the recall being issued.
How does the 2016 Buick Enclave perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Buick Enclave performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving an Overall 5-star rating. It received 5 stars for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and a 4-star rating for Rollover resistance.
What should I do if I own a 2016 Buick Enclave?
If you own a 2016 Buick Enclave, it is critical to check if your vehicle is affected by the airbag inflator recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000) and contact your dealer. Be aware that many owners report parts are unavailable, and continue to monitor for updates on the recall remedy. Also, be vigilant for symptoms related to other known issues like repeated spark plug failures or water intrusion.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the critical, unresolved airbag recall and high volume of related complaints, exercise extreme caution. While crash test ratings are good, the potential for a dangerous airbag inflator explosion without a readily available fix is a significant safety concern that should heavily influence any purchasing decision.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Buick Enclave
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Buick Enclave. The data includes 139 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Buick Enclave an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.