FRIDAY DEC 26TH AT 4:30 PM I WAS ACCELERATING TO MERGE INTO RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON I-35 WHEN I HAD A CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE WERE NO ALARMS, LIGHTS, NOISES, SMELLS OR ANYTHING ELSE TO ALERT ME TO THE FACT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO FAIL. AS I MERGED MY RPM'S SUDDENLY WENT PAST 5000 AND MY 2008 ENCLAVE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. BY THE GRACE OF GOD THERE WAS NO LOSS OF LIFE, MINE OR THE …
2008 Buick Enclave steering problems
severe 99 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
99
Recalls
0
Crashes
6
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
STEERING COLUMN MAKES A CLICKING AND SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN TURNING. ALSO, WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN AND AT COMPLETE REST, THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO TURN. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER IN OUR AREA THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE AND HE THOUGHT A RECALL WOULD BE ISSUED, SOON. *TR
VEHICLE WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED TO THE RIGHT. THE RESULTING JERKING MOVEMENT/FEEDBACK RESULTED IN THE OPERATOR UNDER STEERING THE VEHICLE AND STRIKING A LARGE BOULDER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE PARKING LOT ENTRANCE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, SKIRTING AND RIGHT FRONT FENDER. THIS VEHICLE HAD IT'S…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 25-40 TIMES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STAT…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 99 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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