This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Buick Enclave steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Buick Enclave have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 59,500 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Enclave | 99 |
| 2009 Enclave | 108 |
| 2010 Enclave | 126 |
| 2011 Enclave | 41 |
| 2012 Enclave (this page) | 17 |
| 2013 Enclave | 12 |
| 2014 Enclave | 11 |
| 2015 Enclave | 12 |
| 2016 Enclave | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 17 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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 informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report consistent steering system failures on the 2012 Enclave, most commonly power steering pump malfunction and steering gear leaks. The pump failures cause sudden loss of power assist during turns—especially at highway speeds or ramps—forcing drivers to slow to 20 mph or less to maintain control. One owner had a pump replaced at 78,000 miles, then failed again at 98,302; the dealer stated two-year lifespan is typical. Steering gear boots and seals leak hydraulic fluid starting around 50,000–76,000 miles, creating air in the system and producing loud noise when turning. Repair costs range from $1000 to $1800. One owner with just 50,000 miles faced a full steering system replacement bill. Dealers acknowledge the issue exists on Enclaves and Traverses but state no recall is in place. GM has issued a bulletin for earlier model years, but 2012s are sometimes excluded from coverage. Other reports describe steering pull to the left, clunking during turns, and rare complete steering lockup at low speeds that resolved after restart. Cold weather appears to trigger or worsen intermittent failures. The unsafe conditions—loss of control on ramps, inability to turn during braking, stiff wheel at highway speeds—create genuine hazards.
Same Buick Enclave steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Pump Failure
Steering pump malfunction causing loss of power assist, often intermittent. Owners report sudden stiffness in the steering wheel, inability to turn, and loss of control especially during turns at highway speeds or ramps. One pump replacement failed again within two years.
When: Varies from 50,000 to 98,302 miles; one failure reported at relatively low mileage with a 2-year recurrence pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering during turns; Steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn; Fighting with the wheel; feels like it's pulling in opposite direction; Intermittent power steering loss; Problem worse in cold weather conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Complete pump replacement with hose repair; one owner cited ~$1000 for pump and hose with 6 hours labor. Second failure suggests premature wear; dealer stated 2-year lifespan is normal for these pumps.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a bulletin for power steering issues on earlier Enclave models, but 2012 models sometimes excluded from coverage. One owner reported GM opened a case but required further dealer verification before determining financial assistance.
Steering Gear/Rack and Pinion Leaks
Steering gear boots and seals leak hydraulic fluid; steering gear input shaft seal failure. Leaking fluid compromises steering function and creates air in the system. Occurs at moderate to high mileage but also reported on vehicles with 50,000 miles.
When: 50,000 to 76,000 miles; one noise reported at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise when turning right; Steering becomes difficult when turning; Fluid leakage visible; Squeaking in steering when turning; Air in the system (audible as noise)
Repairs/costs cited: Full steering gear replacement or seal replacement; costs range from $1589 to $1780. One owner reported entire steering system replacement quoted at $1600 minimum.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick states this issue affects Enclaves and Traverses but no recall issued. One dealership noted this is a known issue on these vehicles.
Steering Wheel Pull/Alignment Issues
Vehicle pulls to one side (reported left) during normal driving at various speeds. Initial dealer diagnosis often suggests alignment, but issue persists and cannot be consistently reproduced or fixed.
When: 3,000 to 7,000 miles reported for this failure
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel pulls to the left; Problem occurs at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended alignment; vehicle not repaired despite multiple dealer visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in any recalls.
Rack and Pinion Clunking with Acceleration
Clunking noise from the steering column/rack area during turns, combined with vehicle lunge during acceleration at lower speeds (40 MPH and below).
When: 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking sound from steering wheel when turning left or right; Vehicle lunges forward while accelerating (worse at 40 MPH and lower); No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed rack and pinion replacement needed; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of this failure.
Intermittent Complete Steering Lockup
Steering wheel becomes completely unresponsive and will not turn left or right, resolving after engine restart. Occurs at low speed and resolves without intervention or repair.
When: 86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel fails to turn left or right while driving at 5 MPH; Issue resolves after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: Independent dealer unable to determine cause; vehicle not repaired.
Power Steering Loss During Braking
Power steering assist drops or is lost when brakes are applied, making turning and parking extremely difficult and unsafe. Owner cites Buick service bulletin regarding power steering pump failure causing intermittent hydraulic pressure loss.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering when brakes applied; Difficulty turning and parking
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick issued at least one NHTSA service bulletin regarding this issue and power steering pump failure.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
At 60,000 miles noticed a slight "squeak" in my steering when turning. Dealership checked it and stated I needed a new steering rack "...found noice coming from sttering gear input shaft seal, but aslo found steering gear leaking fluid out both end of gear". Quoted me a $1589.00 repair. I was informed this has been an issue on enclaves & traverses, but not a recall.
Power steering pump was replaced sept 2017 due to intermittent steering problems when making right had turns generally at lower speeds (78066 mileage). November 2019 same issue (98302 mileage) dealer told me with some cars two years is the life of a power steering pump. I would not be able to control the vehicle if this happened a any rate of speed. Also, the air conditioner has been repaired…
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Buick enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel began to abnormally pull to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that an alignment needed to be performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions where he…
A week ago, I felt my 2012 Buick enclave wasn't steering properly...like I suddenly have considerably less control...as if the steering wheel is fighting me when I turn. I noticed it because I could not get my car's steering to respond coming onto an entrance ramp onto 76w in pa and it almost veered into the lane to the left (as I was fighting to hold my wheel to the right coming off the ramp).…
Had steering trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Buick Enclave?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 33,098 and 83,000 miles, with the median around 59,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,098; a quarter make it past 83,000. 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/2012/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.