Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Buick Enclave
The 2009 Buick Enclave has several recalls and complaints, mostly around airbags, seat belts, and the steering system. While some issues are related to safety features, electrical systems also present some challenges. Despite these, it's generally a reliable vehicle if well-maintained. Check for resolved recalls and consistent maintenance history to ensure purchase confidence.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Buick Enclave has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 220 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V782000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V415000 Liftgate Struts may Fail and Liftgate may Fall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V266000 Flexible Steel Cable for Seat Belt may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V118000 Side Impact Air Bags Wiring Connections NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V375000 SECOND ROW SAFETY BELT INTERFERENCE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V240000 HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER MODULE SHORT CIRCUIT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V073000 SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR/FMVSS 102 & FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V615000 FMVSS 209/SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 108 complaints
- Engine 35 complaints
- Power Train 33 complaints
- Electrical System 22 complaints
- Unknown or Other 12 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 11 complaints
Of the 220 complaints on file, 3 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 220 complaints, owners report 11 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Driver airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Verify recall work for airbag inflator completed
Faulty hatchback liftgate
How to check: Inspect liftgate operation for smoothness and sound
Seat belt pretensioners not deploying
How to check: Check for unaddressed seat belt recall notices
Heated washer fluid system issues
How to check: Test heated washer operation and check for warnings
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute driving
What to check: Ensure smooth transmission shifts
Red flag: Jerky or delayed gear changes
- 03
Turning in parking lot
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and noises
Red flag: Rough or clunking steering feel
- 04
Cruising at steady speed
What to check: Observe if wheel alignment is straight
Red flag: Vehicle pulls to one side
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure power delivery is smooth and strong
Red flag: Hesitation or significant lag
- 06
Braking from highway speed
What to check: Feel for strong, even braking response
Red flag: Pulsing or grinding noise
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag inflator been replaced?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- How often was the transmission serviced?
- Did you notice any steering issues?
- Is the heated washer fluid system functional?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle title
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair invoices
- Service history report
- Emissions test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Buick Enclave at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 Buick Enclave? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.