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 ↗2014 Buick Enclave airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Buick Enclave have filed 196 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 92,500 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
196
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Enclave | 3 |
| 2011 Enclave | 34 |
| 2012 Enclave | 20 |
| 2013 Enclave | 7 |
| 2014 Enclave (this page) | 196 |
| 2015 Enclave | 102 |
| 2016 Enclave | 109 |
| 2017 Enclave | 145 |
5crashes
12injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 196 airbags complaints filed for the 2014 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 10 model years of Buick Enclave we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 196.
Airbags accounts for 67% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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 provides information on the inboard seat airbag is mounted in this area and creates a slightly different contour of the seat causing an appearance concern, and that this should be considered normal and no parts should be replaced for this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information on Passenger Presence System (PPS) May Command Seat Belt Reminder Chime and Passenger Airbag Indicator On or Set DTC B101D When Electronic Devices or Conductive Objects are Placed on Front Passenger Seat
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Buick Enclave's airbag system is plagued by a critical manufacturer defect and a cascading repair backlog. GM issued a major safety recall in June 2023 (Campaign 23V334000) after identifying a supplier defect in the front-driver airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments into the cabin. Owners have been left stranded: GM promised to fix the problem at no charge but never provided parts. Dealerships nationwide tell owners the inflator replacements are "on back order" with no ETA, even into 2025—more than a year after recall launch. Some owners report being called to make repair appointments only to be told on arrival that parts are still unavailable.
Beyond the recall crisis, owners report airbag warning lights that either stay on or return repeatedly despite attempted repairs to sensors and wiring. Dealers have replaced components and applied fixes at several vehicles, but the warning persists. A few owners experienced catastrophic failures: one reported the airbags ruptured on their own during normal driving, locking the seatbelts and front seats. In crash scenarios, multiple owners report the airbags simply did not deploy despite severe impacts. One owner noted the service airbag light came on a week before spontaneous rupture occurred.
Used car buyers reporting they were never told about existing recalls at purchase; one owner paid $318 out-of-pocket for a wiring repair that matched an older recall GM refused to cover on the 2014 model year.
Same Buick Enclave airbags reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Front Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (Recall 23V334000)
GM issued a safety recall in June 2023 (NHTSA Campaign 23V334000, GM Recall N232404980) identifying a supplier manufacturing defect in the front-driver airbag inflator. The defect can cause inflator rupture during deployment, potentially releasing metal fragments into the vehicle interior. This is the core defect affecting the majority of complaints.
When: Recall issued June 2023; widespread complaint activity through early 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light illuminated; Service airbag warning light intermittent; Recall part unavailability at dealerships; No parts available despite recall notification; Lack of communication on repair timeline
Codes mentioned: 23V334000, N232404980
Repairs/costs cited: Recall requires replacement of front-driver airbag inflator; parts have been unavailable for months to years at dealerships, preventing repairs despite GM issuing the recall notice.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V334000, GM Recall N232404980 issued June 2023. Owners report initial notification stated parts not yet available; follow-up communications promised but not delivered. Multiple owners report being told parts are 'on back order' with no ETA or timeline provided. Some dealers claimed in 2024–2025 that remedy was 'now' available, but parts were still not in stock on appointment day.
Airbag Warning Light with Loose Seat-Mounted Side Impact Airbag (SIAB) Wiring Connectors
Driver and passenger seat-mounted side impact airbag (SIAB) wiring-harness connectors develop loose crimps, causing intermittent airbag warning light. Owner noted this matched GM Recall N14030 (14V118), but GM refused coverage for 2014 model year under that recall (applicable to 2013 only).
When: Reported February 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light intermittently on and off; High resistance found in right and left seat connectors; Owner required to pay out-of-pocket for repair
Codes mentioned: N14030, 14V118
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid $318.27 at Marc Miller Buick GMC (Tulsa, OK) on February 10, 2023 for soldering of terminals at seat connectors. GM refused participation under recall (GM case 9-9401539892).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Recall N14030 (14V118) issued but applied only to 2013 model year. GM refused to cover repair on 2014 Enclave under this recall, requiring owner to pay full repair cost.
Airbag Warning Light with Unknown Sensor/Wiring Failures
Multiple owners report persistent or recurring airbag warning light after attempted repairs by dealers and independent mechanics. Dealers have replaced unknown sensors and repaired wiring, but the warning light returns or persists, suggesting incomplete diagnosis or recurring electrical defects in the airbag system.
When: Variable; ranging from 78,000 to 180,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light continuously illuminated; Service airbag warning light recurring after repair; Warning light comes on at startup and randomly while driving; Warning light intermittent, sometimes changes when seat is moved; Unknown sensor failure
Codes mentioned: B0014, B0022, B0022-0D
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs attempted include sensor replacement, wiring repair, dielectric grease application to electrical connectors, and battery-related part replacement. Despite repairs, warning light continues to illuminate or returns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall coverage documented for these recurring failures. Owners report manufacturer not made aware or provided no assistance.
Front Passenger Airbag Sensor Malfunction
Front passenger-side airbag sensor fails to detect occupancy when a passenger is seated and belt is buckled, or sensor fails to register passenger in seat. Sensor was reset by dealer but failure recurred.
When: Reported at approximately 34,000 miles; failure recurred after reset
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light illuminated with occupant and buckled seatbelt; Sensor failed to register passenger in front passenger seat; Sensor failure recurrence after reset
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset sensor; advised replacement if failure recurs. Failure did recur but vehicle was not repaired.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Crash Scenarios
Multiple owners report that airbags failed to deploy during vehicle crashes. One verified crash (complaint #18) involved spontaneous airbag rupture during normal driving, not a crash. In several other crash scenarios, airbags did not deploy as expected, with impacts to driver and passenger sides at 5–65 mph.
When: Crash incidents reported at mileages of 40,000; 110,000; 163,000; and unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during front-driver-side and passenger-side impacts; Spontaneous airbag rupture during non-accident driving (complaint #18); Service airbag light came on one week before spontaneous rupture (complaint #18)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #18: Airbags ruptured spontaneously mid-drive; seatbelts and front seats locked up; steering wheel airbag not available for recall replacement because dealer (Todd Wenzel, Grand Rapids, MI) refused service based on belief vehicle was in accident. Used dealership that sold vehicle did not disclose existing recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in crash non-deployment reports. Complaint #18: Dealer refused to perform recall repair citing erroneous belief of accident involvement.
Airbag Module and Component Failures
Airbag module and related inflator components require replacement independent of the primary recall. Owners incurred out-of-pocket repair costs when dealerships determined replacements were needed but not covered by the recall.
When: Reported at approximately 113,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Airbag module or inflator failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Owner diagnosed and informed repair cost would be out-of-pocket; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed owner repair was not covered under the recall associated with VIN. Manufacturer made aware but no assistance provided.
Synthesized from 196 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The contact's partner owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not…
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The…
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts…
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made…
I received a recall notice in June 2023, contacted the local dealer, Donaldson Buick on August 17, 2023. Donaldson Buick, Silsbee, Texas 409-978-8662, told me the recall part was not available. Today, December 20, 2023, I called the Buick Customer Assistance Center, 1-800-521-7300, and spoke with Stephanie in Michigan, again I was told the part was not available. I am [XXX] of age and fear…
See attached document for complaint.
Please do more to have this company fix their recall. I can't believe more is not being done.
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was…
Recieved letter in mail to schedule to airbag recall. I scheduled to have recall replaced. The dealership told me it was available. After leaving vehicle. Dealership advised they don't have the part. They don't know when the part will be available. They part hasnt been available for a year. I advised them. This a an accident waiting to happen. I'm driving a vehicle and the airbag is defected.…
Had airbags trouble with your 2014 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 airbags problem on the 2014 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 196 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?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 50,000 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 92,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 113,000. 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 $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.
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/2014/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.