2016 Buick Enclave Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 110 airbag complaints for the 2016 Buick Enclave, 78% of all complaints filed for that year, with 2 crashes and 3 injuries reported. Two related recalls (23V334000 and 21V782000) cover a driver's airbag inflator defect. Median mileage at failure is 89,000 miles.
- Airbags complaints
- 110
- 78% of 141
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 89,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy during rear-end collisions at highway speed, even with visible impact damage and smoke smell from the vents.
- A service airbag warning light stays on continuously, traced by technicians to a faulty wiring harness on the passenger-side airbag.
- Owners receiving recall notice 23V334000 for the driver's airbag inflator report that replacement parts were not available at dealerships for extended periods.
- Some owners report the manufacturer did not respond or offer alternatives when recall repair parts were delayed.
When 2016 Buick Enclave airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 28, 2018, latest Feb 26, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2016 Buick Enclave
- NHTSA 23V334000May 10, 2023Airbags995,085 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.
- NHTSA 21V782000Oct 7, 2021Airbags555 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212349040.
Airbags complaints by Enclave model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does the 2016 Buick Enclave have?
- NHTSA lists 110 airbag-related complaints for the 2016 Buick Enclave, which is 78% of all 141 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an airbag recall for the 2016 Buick Enclave?
- Yes. Two recalls, 23V334000 and 21V782000, cover a driver's airbag inflator that may explode during deployment on 2016 Enclaves.
- Did the 2016 Buick Enclave airbag problems cause injuries?
- NHTSA data show 3 injuries and 2 crashes linked to airbag complaints for the 2016 Enclave.
- At what mileage do airbag problems usually appear on the 2016 Enclave?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 89,000 miles.
- Were recall parts available right away for the 2016 Enclave airbag recall?
- No. Multiple owners reported in complaints that replacement parts for recall 23V334000 were not yet available at dealerships when they sought repairs.