Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems with the 2020 Buick Enclave include transmission problems, electronic system problems, brake problems, and structural issues.
Six recalls have been issued for this vehicle: one for a cracked frame rail, one for an airbag, one for missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator, one for a fuel pump malfunction, and two for overcured tires.
No consumer expects their new vehicle to come laden with a defect or defects, but unfortunately that is sometimes exactly what happens.
The 2020 Buick Enclave, like many other vehicles, can suffer from certain defects that other consumers have described and reported across many different platforms.
Armed with these reports, you can make better decisions about your own vehicle or about potential future vehicle purchases.
Keep reading to find out what problems the 2020 Buick Enclave commonly suffers from, and how you can use the lemon law to be compensated for purchasing a lemon!
Common 2020 Buick Enclave Problems
- Transmission Problems: Unexpected shifting into other gears, sudden acceleration, jerkiness while accelerating
- Electronic System Problems: Infotainment system issues, hazard lights randomly turning on, radio problems
- Brake Problems: Harsh braking, brakes grinding
- Structural Issues: Overcured tires, airbag failure to deploy, cracked frame rail
2020 Buick Enclave Transmission Problems
Transmission problems impact the driver’s ability to properly manage acceleration. Accidents commonly caused by transmission issues include rear-end collisions and steering the car off of the road in order to avoid hitting another vehicle.
In the 2020 Buick Enclave, consumers mention their vehicles suddenly shifting into other gears, suddenly accelerating, or jerking while accelerating. These are the types of issues that could result in a collision, and should therefore be addressed through inspection and repair if discovered.
Buick issued a recall on the 2020 Buick Enclave due to missing bolts in the start/stop accumulator, which is a part of the transmission. This recall was issued in October 2020, and the NHTSA Recall ID is 20V668.
2020 Buick Enclave Electronic System Problems
Most modern vehicles come equipped with a plethora of electrical systems, and the 2020 Buick Enclave follows them. Unfortunately, these systems are somewhat prone to breaking due to their electronic (as opposed to mechanical) nature.
Consumers reported their infotainment system screens being blank or blue, their hazard lights randomly turning on, and radio problems.
Electronic system issues may not be as severe as other problems, but they can still negatively impact the driving experience or confuse other drivers on the road (such as with unintentionally lit hazard lights).
2020 Buick Enclave Structural Issues
Though not explicitly reported by many consumers, Buick has issued a handful of recalls for primarily structural issues in the 2020 Buick Enclave.
The most substantial are two recalls for overcured tires. Overcured tires are less sturdy than properly cured ones and can wear down much quicker or suddenly blow out. The two recalls for tires were issued in November 2020 and February 2021, and the NHTSA Recall IDs are 20V684 and 21V115.
A recall was also issued in July 2020 for an airbag that could fail to deploy. This recall impacted only a small number of vehicles, and its NHTSA Recall ID is 20V446.
Finally, the right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may have been cracked in a small number of vehicles. Buick issued a recall for this frame rail in September 2019, and the NHTSA Recall ID is 19V643.
2020 Buick Enclave Owner Complaints
“Infotainment screen will appear black when it should be showing the image from the rear-facing camera, and is showing a red triangle and a circle with a line through it.”
“After waiting at stop light with foot on the brake (auto stop not engaged) the light turned green. After releasing brake pedal and the car rolling approx 1 foot , then starting to accelerate, within 1-1/2 seconds the transmission went into park abruptly. The shift lever displayed “Park” and “Parking brake” on the DIC illuminated. This almost caused a rear end accident as it was so abrupt. If it would have happened at over 5 MPH the airbags could have gone off causing occupant(s) injury. The resolve was to apply the brake and shift into drive with no issue after that. Will contact dealer tomorrow.”
“Took the Enclave in for transmission service because of slipping at 80000 miles. They said a fluid change should help. After the fluid change it doesn’t move at all. Service manager said they did nothing wrong and these cars are known for bad transmissions and burning oil. I’m over a quart low at each gas fill up. Oil changes were always done on time. I can’t wait to get it fixed ( $5000 ) and traded in on anything but a GM auto.”
Lemon Law Options for Addressing Your Faulty Enclave
The lemon law allows consumers to be compensated for purchasing or leasing defective vehicles, commonly referred to as “lemons.” The lemon law process typically begins when a consumer identifies recurring issues with their new or use vehicle that impair its safety, value, or use.
To be considered a lemon, the vehicle must have undergone multiple repair attempts for the same or similar problem, or it must have been out of service for an extended period during the manufacturer warranty period. The first repair attempt typically must take place within the original warranty period of the vehicle.
Once these criteria are met, the vehicle is likely to be considered a lemon. At this point, the consumer can initiate a lemon law claim against the manufacturer and seek a refund or a replacement vehicle.
The consumer will need detailed documentation, including repair records, purchase or lease agreements, and correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer.
If an agreement cannot be reached with the manufacturer, the consumer may pursue a lemon lawsuit. Either way, if the consumer prevails, they will receive either a replacement vehicle or a refund for the defective vehicle.
Typically both remedies include a usage fee that is charged to the consumer for the time the vehicle was driven without problems causing it to be a lemon.
Typically, as the prevailing party, the defendant manufacturer is responsible to pay for the consumer’s reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, meaning the legal representation comes at no cost to the consumer.
Get a Free Consultation with a Lemon Law Expert
The lemon law process is designed to be consumer-friendly, aiming to ensure that individuals are not burdened with defective vehicles. However, navigating the process can be complex, and many consumers choose to seek legal assistance to ensure their rights are fully protected and to maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
If you are planning on bringing a lemon law claim, look no further than the Lemon Law Experts!
Our team of talented attorneys has been working with consumers like you since 2009 to ensure manufacturers are held accountable for selling defective vehicles. For a free case evaluation, contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a form on our website!