While wife was driving her Buick enclave with the kids the power steering pump failed and she narrowly averted being in an accident while trying to turn on an intersection. She was unable to maneuver the vehicle after the pump failed. Vehicle was taken to the dealership and it was confirmed that the pump was indeed bad. The dealer also stated that the need to keep the pump in stock because of the…
2009 Buick Enclave steering problems
moderate 108 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
108
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 108 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 10 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2009 Buick Enclave by each odometer reading. Median failure: 67,000 mi.
10% have failed by50,000 mi
Half the fleet by67,000 mi
90% have failed by98,500 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 49% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 108 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report power steering loss or lockup during low-speed turning—pulling into parking spots, making turns at intersections, or braking while turning—often with no warning. The steering wheel becomes rock-hard or locks up entirely, forcing owners to muscle the wheel with both hands or stop and back up. Several owners nearly collided with other vehicles; some with children in the car cite serious safety concerns.
Mechanics and dealers point to the same culprits: a failing power steering pump (moaning, grinding, or whining before complete loss of assist), a damaged steering rack and pinion, or a sticking solenoid in the Variable Effort Steering (VES) system. Multiple owners report replacing both pump and rack—at costs of $1,500 to $3,000—only to have the problem return within weeks or months.
General Motors issued a "Special Coverage Adjustment" for 10 years or 150,000 miles from sale date, but it operates quietly. Second owners and some original owners were never notified; dealership service advisors often fail to mention it. Dealers keep power steering pumps in stock because failures on the Enclave and Chevy Traverse are common enough to warrant inventory. One dealer service advisor confirmed GM switched from a 7-vane to a 12-vane pump design after 2009, an implicit admission the original design was inadequate. Owners on forums and in legal discussions describe this as a design defect, not wear-and-tear.
Same Buick Enclave steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering loss or lockup at low speeds
Intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist, or severe steering stiffness/lockup, typically occurring when turning at speeds below 35 mph, especially during parking, low-speed turns, or when applying brakes while turning. Often resolves temporarily or worsens progressively. Multiple owners report having to muscle the wheel with both hands or being unable to complete turns safely.
When: Typically under 100k miles; many reports cluster around 55k–90k miles; some as early as 1k–11k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn or locks up at low speeds; Power steering assist cuts out intermittently, then may return; Loss of power steering during turns across traffic or in parking lots; Steering becomes difficult or impossible to turn during braking and turning combined; Stiffness increases gradually over time; No warning before failure
Codes mentioned: DTC codes for power steering system (not always captured), ABS/StabiliTrak warning lights sometimes illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear/rack and pinion replacement commonly recommended ($900–$3000); power steering pump replacement also frequently necessary. Many owners report problem recurs even after replacement. One owner replaced pump and gear, problem returned within month at higher mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: General Motors issued a 'Special Coverage Adjustment' (not a recall) covering 10 years or 150,000 miles from vehicle sale date. Multiple owners report dealers claim no recall exists; second owners often unaware of coverage. One owner reported coverage expired (10-year window ended) and dealer refused to help. Dealer TSBs and pump design changes (from 7-vane to 12-vane pump) confirmed by dealer service advisors, indicating manufacturer awareness.
Power steering pump failure
Power steering pump malfunctions, producing noise (moaning, whining, grinding, knocking sounds) and eventually losing effectiveness or failing entirely. Noise often precedes functional failure. Fluid leakage and metal shavings from pump deterioration contaminating the system are reported.
When: Generally 55k–90k miles; one report at 1k miles; one at 60k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Moaning or whining sound during steering; Grinding, knocking, or vibration noises from power steering; Rubbing or squeaking sound when turning; Vibration felt in steering wheel when holding turn; Fluid leakage from pump or pressure lines; Metal shavings found in power steering fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement cost typically $900–$2500 depending on labor; one owner paid $342.81 for initial throttle body cleaning and valve cover replacement (misdiagnosis). Replacement does not always permanently resolve loss of power steering issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Included in Special Coverage Adjustment for power steering failures. Dealer service advisors have confirmed pump inventory kept in stock due to high failure frequency on Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. Design change from 7-vane to 12-vane pump implemented after 2009 model year.
Steering rack/pinion failure or looseness
Steering rack and pinion becomes damaged, loose, or misaligned, causing binding, stiffness, or disconnection from mounts. Metal degradation within steering gear produces shavings that contaminate power steering fluid. One owner reported steering rack disengaging from mount.
When: Commonly 60k–107k miles; earliest report at 36k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel binds or becomes very stiff, especially at low speeds or turning corners; Rack looseness or disconnection from mounts; Grinding noise near front left of vehicle; Scraping sounds at ends of steering travel; Detent or resistance felt at center/straight-ahead position; Leak from rack and pinion assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement typically $900–$2500; one owner paid $1968.51 for full repair (pump + rack). Loosened steering rack described as 'highly unusual for a car this new' and 'engineering issue.' Replacement often necessary alongside pump replacement due to metal contamination.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Included in Special Coverage Adjustment. One mechanic and multiple owners note this is a design defect related to the Variable Effort Steering (VES) system solenoid sticking, causing steering gear valve malfunction.
Steering system electronic/control module failure
Electronic brake control module, steering column control, or related electronic steering assist components malfunction. Variable Effort Steering (VES) system solenoid sticks or fails, disabling low-speed steering assist. One owner diagnosed with electronic brake control module issue preventing solenoid energization.
When: Timing varies; often concurrent with or preceding mechanical failure
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic steering assist cuts out at low speeds; Solenoid does not energize to provide low-speed assist; Steering wheel sensor malfunction (reported at 179k miles); System does not provide assist unless engine revved to 2000 rpm
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic control module replacement or reprogramming; one owner initially misdiagnosed as rack and pinion, then identified as electronic brake control module requiring replacement. Steering wheel sensor replacement attempted on one vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. One owner explicitly notes VES system design as root cause per online research.
Power steering fluid leak and system contamination
Leaks in power steering lines, pump seals, or rack and pinion allow fluid to escape and allow air to enter the system, causing loss of assist and system malfunction. Contamination from metal shavings or residual oil from previous repairs prevents proper system function. One owner reported master cylinder leaking hydraulic fluid into brake lines (brake system, not steering).
When: Variable; some early, some after extended use
Symptoms owners cite: Visible power steering fluid leaks underneath vehicle; Air bubbles in power steering lines; Fluid level drops despite no visible leak; Soft or spongy steering feel
Repairs/costs cited: System flushing (multiple flushes sometimes required); line replacement if necessary. One misdiagnosis: Buick dealer claimed $2700 rubber bearing leak; Sears found residual oil from service only. Another owner had steering pump and gear burned due to minor oil leak under engine, requiring $2500 in steering repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Steering wheel column failure/separation
Steering column tilting mechanism fails, causing steering wheel to come partially or completely loose or out of position while driving. Reported as column coming entirely out at highway speed.
When: One report at highway driving speed (vehicle age not specified in that narrative)
Symptoms owners cite: Tilt steering lock comes undone while driving; Steering wheel column comes out of position or separates entirely; No warning lights or indicators before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete steering column replacement or repair required; one owner reported 3-car accident resulting from complete column separation at 65 mph and no manufacturer follow-up or inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Complaint indicates no recall or manufacturer contact after reported accident.
Synthesized from 108 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick enclave. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. The contact stated that he had to increase the amount of effort in order to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
Periodically after backing out of a parking spot and put in drive have extremely hard time turning the wheel to get car to turn. Example would be if you are in the car key on engine not running and you try to turn the wheel and it doesnt want to move. Very scary and dangerous.
While driving 65 mph on the hwy, in rush hour traffic my entire steering column came completely out and I lost control of my vehicle causing a 3 car wreck. The only indicator that something was wrong was that just prior to this happening the tilt on my steering wheel came undone 2 times and by the 3rd time when I pushed the wheel back up to lock it into place it came out entirely. There was no…
The steering will bind up and almost lock up resulting in a very difficult turn. This is a major safety issue as if the vehicle will not turn there could easily be a crash. This "steering lock up" issue seems to happen while turning into an entrance, or parking lot or turn signal or onto another road. There are no issues while driving but having a vehicle lock up while trying to turn is a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick enclave. The contact stated that while sitting at a complete stop, smoke emitted into the cabin from under the hood. The engine compartment then became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was discovered that the power steering components had failed and allowed fluid to leak onto…
In august of 2014, around 60k miles, I noticed a moan when I steered as well as a "knock" that I had heard previously and taken into the dealership under warranty (they said it was a tire rod; clearly it was not). I was aware the moan may be my power steering pump, so I brought it in for diagnostic appointment to a local repair shop. Not only did I find my power steering pump needed replacement,…
I took my car in to be fixed again. I needed the running lights and a hesitation in the car fixed. So they fixed the problems, but when they went to test drive it the power steering failed. Now the power steering needs to be replaced. It seems this car is needs to be fixed all the time. I have had a lot of cars and this is the most I have ever had problems with a car. It really scares me that…
The key gets stuck in the ignition in the direction of the car being on and wont turn backwards so you cant turn vehicle off. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Buick enclave. When the steering wheel was turned to the left or right, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2009 Buick Enclave?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 108 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 101 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 60,000 and 89,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 89,000. 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 $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.
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.