I've had plenty of Buick in the bay over the years, and the airbag complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,158 on the NHTSA record across 46 model-year entries (2005–2020) is not a fluke. The 2014 Buick Enclave leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 157 crash reports and 194 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Average shop fix runs about $1,100 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Across the 324 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 68,453 miles. Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup before you buy. Takata-era inflators are still being recalled. The dealer fixes them free.
ProblemsByVin BUICK / AIRBAGS
46 model-year entries · 2005–2020
Buick airbags problems
1,158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Buick vehicles for airbags issues. 56 active recall campaigns. See airbags across all makes →
Complaints
1,158
Recalls
56
Year-models
46
Avg fix
$1,100
157crashes
2fires
194injuries
Worst-affected Buick model-years for airbags Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2014 Buick Enclave
197 complaints · 3 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2017 Buick Enclave
145 complaints · 3 recalls · ~$1,100 moderate
2016 Buick Enclave
109 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,100 moderate
2015 Buick Enclave
102 complaints · 4 recalls · ~$1,100 moderate
2008 Buick Enclave
94 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2008 Buick LaCrosse
65 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2011 Buick Enclave
34 complaints · 3 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2006 Buick LaCrosse
29 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,100 severe
2005 Buick LaCrosse
28 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,100 severe
2012 Buick Verano
24 complaints · 3 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2006 Buick Lucerne
23 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2009 Buick LaCrosse
21 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
2012 Buick Enclave
20 complaints · 3 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2007 Buick Lucerne
20 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2007 Buick LaCrosse
17 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2013 Buick Verano
16 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,100 severe
2016 Buick Verano
14 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2017 Buick Encore
13 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2015 Buick Encore
12 complaints · 2 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2010 Buick LaCrosse
12 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2014 Buick Verano
11 complaints · 3 recalls · ~$1,100 severe
2018 Buick Encore
10 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2011 Buick LaCrosse
10 complaints · ~$1,100 severe
2019 Buick Encore
9 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,100 severe
2015 Buick Verano
9 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate
Common questions
How many Buick airbags complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,158 complaints across 46 model-year entries from 2005 to 2020. 56 active recall campaigns cover airbags issues across the Buick lineup.
Which Buick model has the most airbags complaints?
The 2014 Buick Enclave leads with 197 complaints in this category. Next: 2017 Enclave (145) and 2016 Enclave (109).
What does it cost to fix Buick airbags problems?
Independent shops average $1,100 for airbags repairs across the Buick lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Buick airbags recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover airbags issues on Buick vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Buick.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.