LAST NIGHT (11/21/2016) MY 2012 BUICK ENCLAVE'S PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 61,000 MILES. I TOOK IT IN AND FOUND OUT THAT THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACE AT A COST TO ME OF $1100. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. I'VE NOTICED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM MANY PEOPLE HAVE WITH THIS CAR. HOW IS THIS NOT A RECALL?
2012 buick Enclave airbags problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Crashes
6
Avg fix
$1,100
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
FREQUENT MESSAGE APPEARING IN THE MESSAGE CENTER WHICH INDICATES "SERVICE AIR BAGS'. THE AIRBAG SYMBOL IS ALSO LIT AT THE SAME TIME. THE MESSAGE APPEARS AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND WILL REMAIN LIT FOR ABOUT 8 SECONDS. IT HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR WHEN STOPPED, HOWEVER NOT AT ANY SPECIFIC TIME. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM THE BUICK DEALER IN EL PASO, TEXAS AND HAS NEVER BEEN …
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph a second vehicle crashed into the passenger side causing severe damage to the vehicle. During the crash, the passenger-side curtain air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained neck, back, and shoulder inquiries. The front passenger sustained head neck and back injuries. The second-row driver-side passenger suffe…
PURCHASED CAR USED FROM CAR DEALER. DEALER STATES HIS MECHANIC INSPECTED VEHICLE. I DROVE OFF THE LOT WITH NO ISSUES. LESS THAN 48 HRS LATER, SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IGNITION TURNED ON WHEN LIGHT CAME ON. LIGHT COMES ON, GOES OFF AND REPEATS THIS...
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2012 buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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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