This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Buick Enclave electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Buick Enclave have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 63,400 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Enclave | 17 |
| 2011 Enclave | 19 |
| 2012 Enclave | 17 |
| 2013 Enclave | 11 |
| 2014 Enclave (this page) | 23 |
| 2015 Enclave | 13 |
| 2016 Enclave | 4 |
| 2017 Enclave | 7 |
| 2018 Enclave | 7 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 23 electrical 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
Among the 15 model years of Buick Enclave in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 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.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
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 has a widespread electrical system problem that manifests in multiple critical ways. Owners describe sudden stalling accompanied by a cascade of warning lights—engine power reduced, StabiliTrak, traction control—often occurring at highway speeds or in traffic with no warning. The vehicle becomes undriveable, sometimes limiting speed to 25–40 mph. Some owners report the issue resolves after turning the vehicle off and restarting; others find the problem persists or recurs immediately.
The root cause appears to point to the fuse box. Multiple owners experienced initial fuse box replacement by dealerships that failed to permanently fix the problem. One owner details a design flaw where internal securing screws in the fuse box bottom wire-harness connection are freely moving without properly securing anything. Another documents terminal corrosion and tension in the fuse block. A third owner notes the issue recurred two years after the first repair.
Airbag-related electrical faults are also common, with service airbag lights appearing, B0021 diagnostic codes pointing to passenger-side deployment loop failures, and blind spot detection sensors failing due to water contamination. One owner was charged $957 for diagnostic and connector repair despite a recall notice. Fire hazards have been reported—one vehicle experienced smoke and flames from a front passenger vent with no identified internal source; another had a melted power cable from alternator overcharging with a failed 200-amp fuse. A middle-row climate control panel overheating problem also appears in complaints. Some owners describe years-long issues where warning lights and console functions flicker randomly with no consistent pattern and no fix identified by dealers.
Same Buick Enclave electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Airbag Circuit Fault (Code B0021)
Service Airbag warning light illuminates; diagnostic testing reveals high-resistance internal fault in airbag deployment loop connector under passenger seat, causing safety circuit malfunction.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag - Passenger warning light appears on console
Codes mentioned: B0021
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer bypassed airbag connector by soldering 4-pin connector together to address high-resistance fault in connector; total cost to owner $957.46 despite claiming recall coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notification received (NHTSA Campaign referenced) but owner charged for diagnostic and repair work
Fuse Box Internal Defect / Loose Wire-Harness Connection
Fuse box bottom wire-harness connection loosens due to design flaw—internal securing screws do not tighten properly and are freely moving without securing anything. Reported to affect multiple GM vehicles 2013–2015.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (code P1682 Ignition 1 Switch Circuit 2); sudden loss of throttle response; Traction Control Off warning; Engine Power Reduced warning; violent shaking
Codes mentioned: P1682
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition relay replaced initially but did not resolve issue; root cause identified as fuse box design defect with inadequate internal screw securement
Engine Power Reduction / Stabilitrak / Traction Control Limp-Home Mode
Vehicle enters severe reduced-power limp-home mode at highway speeds, displaying multiple warnings simultaneously. Occurs intermittently and unpredictably. Earlier fuse box replacement (2016) did not provide lasting fix; issue recurred (2020).
When: 2016 and 2020; at high speeds on highways, at stop lights, during rain
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced Engine Power warning; Service StabiliTrak warning; Service Traction Control warning; Traction Control Off warning; vehicle unable to exceed 25–40 mph; sputtering and jerking; risk of stalling; check engine light sometimes on, sometimes off
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replaced 2016; issue recurred in 2020 despite repair; no fix persisted after turning vehicle off and restarting
Intermittent Stalling with Loss of Throttle Control
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly during normal driving with loss of power and inability to restart until codes are cleared. Dangerous in traffic and on highways. Multiple repair attempts and parts replacements have not resolved root cause.
When: Starting February 2017; occurs at any given time without warning
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illuminates; Engine Power Reduced warning; Traction Control Off warning; StabiliTrak warnings; complete engine shutdown; inability to accelerate above 40 mph; vehicle shaking
Codes mentioned: P1682
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replaced, Powertrain Control Module replaced, Fuse box replaced, Ignition switch replaced; issue has persisted despite multiple component replacements
Check Stability System Message with Recurring Fuse Box Failure
Check Stability System message displays; vehicle taken to dealer where fuse box and engine struts replaced, but failure persisted. Airbag recall parts remain unavailable, delaying necessary repair.
When: 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Stability System message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box and engine struts replaced but failure continued; repair incomplete due to part availability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 23V334000 (Air Bags) recall parts not yet available; manufacturer case opened; contact states manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeline for recall repair
Fuse Block Terminal Corrosion and Tension
Fuse block terminals exhibit corrosion and poor terminal tension, causing intermittent electrical failures and engine stalling.
When: 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalled while driving 60 mph; check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed terminal tension and corrosion on fuse block; repaired by independent shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware but did not assist
Blind Spot Detection Side Object Sensor Water Contamination
Both left and right side object detection sensors fail due to water intrusion, disabling blind spot detection system. Owner nearly missed collision due to sensor failure.
When: 49,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Side Detection System Error message on driver information center; blind spot detection not functioning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repair denied; GM would not cover 100% under warranty due to mileage exceeding 50,000 miles by 1,000 miles (owner had delayed appointment due to family death)
Misfire Code with Check Engine Light and Acceleration Failure
Vehicle jerks during acceleration; check engine light illuminates with misfire code; vehicle fails to accelerate. Electrical system recall part unavailable at time of failure.
When: 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine warning light illuminated; vehicle jerked while driving 45 mph; failed to accelerate after multiple attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V614000 (Electrical System) recall part unavailable; manufacturer notified
Intermittent Warning Light Chatter and Console Malfunction
Airbag, check engine, and ABS warning lights illuminate randomly and disappear without action. Instrument panel and entertainment console fail to illuminate and function randomly, then resolve spontaneously.
When: Ongoing for multiple years; occurs without regard to whether vehicle is in motion
Symptoms owners cite: airbag warning light comes on randomly; check engine light comes on randomly; ABS warning light comes on randomly; instrument panel may or may not light when vehicle started; instrument console and/or entertainment console will not function when unlit
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection has not identified any issues despite multiple visits
Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy and Service Airbag Light
Fuel gauge drops more than one-eighth tank immediately after refueling and short drive. Service airbag light illuminates intermittently then continuously. Buick acknowledged this is a known problem for the model year but claimed it does not affect this VIN.
When: 77,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: fuel gauge drops drastically after refueling; Service Airbag light comes on intermittently then stays on continuously
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick called owner and acknowledged this as known problem for model year but claimed VIN was not affected
Rear Power Liftgate Complete Electrical Failure
Rear power liftgate becomes completely inoperable via remote, door touch pad, and console switch. Fuse is good. Manual release mechanism does not function either. No way to open door from outside in emergency.
When: Day after purchase; hot weather (80+ degrees)
Symptoms owners cite: rear power liftgate will not operate via remote; rear power liftgate will not operate via door touch pad; rear power liftgate will not operate via console switch; manual release does not work; no mechanical way to open door from outside
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse verified good; no further repair action documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner's manual contains contradictory operating instructions
Smoke and Fire from Front Passenger Vent
Smoke and fire emerge from front passenger vent while vehicle is in motion; fire melts vent cover. Dealership unable to identify source and suggests external cause (sun reflection). No smoking in vehicle and no obvious internal heat source identified.
When: City street driving at 8 a.m., outside temperature ~50°F, approximately 2 miles from house
Symptoms owners cite: smoke coming from front passenger vent; fire melting vent cover; burning smell inside vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC/Buick dealership unable to locate source; suggested fire cause is external
Middle Row AC/Heater Control Panel Overheating
Middle row climate control buttons become dangerously hot when interior panel is illuminated, creating burn hazard to occupants (especially children) and potential fire risk. Front row controls do not exhibit this problem.
Symptoms owners cite: middle row AC/heater controls become very hot when interior lights are on; front row AC/heater controls are normal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer was indifferent when notified during oil change service
Alternator Overcharging with Fuse Failure
Alternator produces excessive electrical output; 200-amp fuse in main power cable fails to protect circuit, allowing dangerously high current to flow through power cable and air compressor, burning up the compressor and melting the power cable. Dealer identified potential fire hazard.
Symptoms owners cite: alternator producing too much electricity; 200-amp main fuse not functioning; air compressor burned up; power cable melted
Repairs/costs cited: Brought in to Spitzer Buick Findlay Ohio; dealer stated owner was lucky to have brought it in—identified as potential fire hazard; power cable manufactured in China
Complete Loss of Engine Power with Inability to Restart
Vehicle loses all engine power while driving at low speed but is able to restart. Vehicle towed to dealer awaiting diagnosis.
When: 55,000 miles; while driving 35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle lost power
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet repaired; awaiting dealer diagnosis at Dick Wickstrom Chevrolet
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure
Ignition Switch Circuit Failure
Ignition switch circuit fails, triggering warning light indicating vehicle should not be driven. Fuse box becomes locked. Loss of power during low-speed driving.
When: 57,629 miles; while driving 15 mph
Symptoms owners cite: engine lost power; warning indicator illuminated stating vehicle should not be driven
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired at Johnson Cadillac; identified as ignition switch circuit failure with locked fuse box
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; case number provided
Brake and Steering Loss During Stall Event
When engine stalls due to electrical failure, power-assisted brakes and steering become inoperable, creating severe safety hazard during traffic conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: seatbelt warning light illuminates; airbag warning light illuminates; engine power reduced; stabilitrak light illuminates; traction control light illuminates; vehicle stalls in traffic; brake assist fails during stall; power steering fails during stall
Repairs/costs cited: Owner attempted repair but dealer informed owner that repair time period had expired
Intermittent Engine Start Issues
Vehicle periodically attempts to start with no clear trigger; occurs when vehicle should be at rest.
Symptoms owners cite: car radio started in morning without ignition on; vehicle periodically tried to start
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
2014 Buick enclave. Consumer states they tried to get the repaired, but the parts were not available. *ta
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Buick enclave. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire code. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v614000…
Found the car radio one morning started it and then the it periodicaly tried to start..
My Vehicle stalls for no reason. The engine power is redused, stabilitrack, and traction control lights come on. The vehicle stalls in the middle of traffic. The brake and steertng wheel don't work when the engine stalls. The seatbelt and airbag light comes on. I went to get that repaired and the dealer told me that the repair time period had expired.
Engine reduced, traction control, and stabilitytrak lights came on 11/3/2023. Car died on me while I was sitting in traffic. Took car to Firestone on 11/9. They stated car needed oil change and tune up. On 11/17/2023 while in the line at a drive through lights came on again and car died in drive thru. Car was towed back to Firestone. Firestone said it was pulling codes they didn't know and the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Buick enclave. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact had to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder of the interstate. The contact stated that the failure occurred at any given time. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was terminal tension and corrosion on the fuse…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2014 Buick Enclave?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 49,300 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 63,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,300; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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/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.