This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Buick Enclave electrical problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2fires
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up the Active Fuel Injector Tool incorrectly on vehicles equipped with a direct fuel injection system. This Preliminary information instructs the dealer of a repair kit they received that will prevent this issue when installed correctly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2009 Enclave electrical complaints span battery drain, ignition/ignition-coil failures, dashboard and lighting malfunctions, and fire events. Battery problems are chronic: several owners report parasitic power drain forcing them to run the vehicle every few days to keep it charged, even after dealer diagnostics and battery replacement. One owner discovered water pooling around the battery after seal failure. Multiple owners cite repeated ignition-coil failures—one replaced coils 4 and 2 in late 2015, coil 1 in 2017, then faced coil 3 and 5 failures; another owner had three coils (same side) fail simultaneously. Check-engine lights tied to coil misfire codes (P0304, P0306) are common. Dashboard and infotainment failures include the radio/control panel going blank despite power at the connector, navigation screens going blank (addressed by GM document 237119 via software update), and the park-assist indicator light cycling on intermittently with no stored codes. One owner reported simultaneous warning-light activation (park assist, all-wheel drive, ABS, brake lights) that dealers claimed was safe to ignore. Two owners reported fire events: one vehicle caught fire while parked in a garage at low mileage (GM declined to investigate); another fire originated in a seat. One owner noted a timing-chain wear issue traced to engine control module, addressed by recall 10287.
Same Buick Enclave electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Parasitic battery drain
Battery drains even when vehicle is parked and not in use, forcing owners to operate the vehicle every few days to maintain charge.
When: Typically 4 months to several years into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: battery goes dead after inactivity for a few days; parasitic power draw; vehicle unable to start without external charge
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed parasitic drain diagnostics overnight, replaced battery twice in one case, installed upgrades; GM issued service bulletin (not a recall) but no permanent fix offered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin (not a recall) acknowledges parasitic power draw; no systematic fix available
Water intrusion around battery
Seal failure near battery allows water to seep up through underside and accumulate around battery compartment, soaking floor carpeting.
When: Battery is only 2 months old
Symptoms owners cite: battery goes dead; water surrounding battery; soaked undercarpeting and floorboards
Repairs/costs cited: AAA technician noted seal failure near battery; warranty had expired so owner did not pursue dealer repair
Ignition coil failures
Repeated ignition coil failures leading to misfire, hesitation, and sluggish performance. One owner replaced 5 coils over approximately 2 years.
When: One case at unspecified mileage; another at approximately 110,000 miles; recurring pattern over 2-year span
Symptoms owners cite: misfiring; hesitation; sluggish acceleration; check-engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced coils 4 and 2 (Dec 2015), coil 1 (Oct 2017), then coils 3 and 5; another replaced three coils on same side; plugs also replaced alongside coils
Dashboard and infotainment power loss
Radio and main control panel goes completely blank; navigation/main control panel goes blank intermittently. Power reaches the radio but not through the connector.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: radio completely blank with no display; control panel unresponsive; navigation screen goes blank
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer removed radio, repaired connector for circuit, and reprogrammed unit; GM document 237119 addresses navigation issue; updated software and reprogrammed radio via SPS
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM document 237119 provides TSB for navigation/control panel blank condition
Park-assist indicator light malfunction
Park-assist service indicator light comes on intermittently and repeatedly, with no stored diagnostic codes and no problem found on inspection.
When: Sporadic; one case at approximately 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: park-assist indicator light comes on; light cycles on repeatedly; no codes stored in system
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; light not on at time of service inspection; issue recurs
Multiple warning lights activated simultaneously
Park assist, all-wheel drive, ABS, and brake warning lights activate all at once while driving. Dealer advised restarting vehicle and said it was safe to drive despite multiple warning lights.
When: Three months after ignition coil replacement; low mileage beyond warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: park assist warning light; all-wheel drive warning light; ABS warning light; brake warning light; all activate simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested power cycling vehicle; no further repair documented
Daytime running light and key fob failures
Daytime running lights fail and key fobs cease to function; failures recur multiple times even after repair.
When: Approximately 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: daytime running lights do not operate; key fobs do not function
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and sensor replaced in key fob; bulbs replaced for lights; failures recurred several times
Engine control module-related timing chain wear
Premature timing chain wear attributed to engine control module fault, addressed by manufacturer recall.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: timing chain wear
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair 10287 performed; engine control module reprogrammed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10287 issued for timing chain wear due to ECM
Battery failure with bad cell
Battery failed prematurely with one or more bad cells, unable to hold charge and requiring frequent jumps.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: battery not holding charge; frequently needs jump start
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced after dealer verification of bad cell
Vehicle fire while parked
Two separate fire events reported: one vehicle caught fire while stationary in a garage at low mileage; another fire originated in the seat.
When: First case at approximately 30,000 miles; second case unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: fire started in right front of vehicle; fire originated in seat; vehicle totaled
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM declined to investigate first fire, stating it is an insurance matter and does not involve manufacturer responsibility
Door lock and latch malfunctions
Rear hatch opens on its own with motor continuously running; driver-side door lock fails to engage; door lock pops up while in park but inside handle remains locked.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: rear hatch opens on its own; motor in lock keeps running; driver-side lock will not work; door lock pops up but inside handle locked; indoor lock becoming difficult
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Buick Enclave?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 9,906 and 79,000 miles, with the median around 48,043. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,906; a quarter make it past 79,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Buick/Enclave.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.