Power Steering Not Working Properly

2009 Buick Enclave

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Buick dealer.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,460
Average Mileage:
81,950 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. repair power steering (4 reports)
  3. fixed. steering working well (3 reports)
2009 Buick Enclave steering problems

steering problem

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2009 Buick Enclave Owner Comments

problem #12

Jan 012020

Enclave CXL 1/2 TON V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 126,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So as I hear it, my Buick Enclave was part of the first series of vehicles that came out for this model. From the other reviews, the problem starts occurring once you get around 70K+ plus and worsens with time and more miles. I am about to trade-in my car, which otherwise has been in great condition except for the recall they had to do on the transmission. I will not be buying from Buick again because they don't seem to handle their issues in a timely manner and this matter is what that can jeopardize the lives of the driver and their families. With as many complaints as I've seen over the Internet, this should have been something they were more proactive about and resolved.

- Felicia J., Lilburn, GA, US

problem #11

Sep 302016

Enclave CXL 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

$5,200 in repair bills within 2 months for a 2009 Enclave with < 100,000 miles is way too much. They have serious transmission and power steering problems.

- Scott D., Menomonee Falls, WI, US

problem #10

Jul 082016

Enclave CXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

I purchased the Buick new. I am now on my 4th steering gearbox. The first, original, was replaced under warranty. That replaced gearbox suffered the same fate as the first one, very stiff steering at low RPM. I called the dealer and baulked at the cost. I purchased a Delco replacement and installed it myself. It faired worse than the first two and only lasted a few months. Now I am back to the dealer having another one installed. This will be the 4th steering box in the vehicle in just 107,000 miles. Tell me that this isn't a manufacturers defect. I have a Jeep Wrangler that has over 250,000 miles on it and have never replaced the gearbox. The Jeep has been everywhere, mud, rocks, dirt, sand, salt, etc. and it still is good to go. Why does GM think, that a gearbox that has to be replaced regularly, is ok?

My last GM car was a 1986 Chevy Eurosport. The paint fell off of it after only 20,000 miles and 18 months. The district rep. for Chevy told me that the vehicle had over 12,000 miles and that it wouldn't be covered under warranty. He also stated that the paint was a manufacturer's defect but since it was over the warranty period that I was out of luck. I did not purchase another GM product because of that until my wife really wanted the Enclave. I went 23 years in-between my GM purchases, it's going to be a lot longer than that next time. Good luck GM in trying to keep your company afloat. It's really too bad, I was born and raised in Michigan and was hoping that GM was making a turn-around.

- Mark W., Fairfax Station, VA, US

problem #9

Jul 162014

Enclave CXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Enclave power steering quit working. The power steering pump had run dry after leaking into the steering rack and ruining it. Replaced both with local mechanic. After a fight for 6 months GM reimbursed us part of the money...they asserted we were at fault...very frustrating.

- Louis K., Castle Rock, CO, US

problem #8

Jan 012015

Enclave CLX 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

Power steering fails while making sharp turns. Forget about parking in between cars or parallel parking. Epic fail on GM.

- rfrizz, Forest Grove, OR, US

problem #7

Jun 082014

Enclave CXL 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

I bought this 2009 enclave with 53000 miles on it 3 months ago. my wife was driving it and the steering locked up and wouldn't turn,she went up on the sidewalk with no injuries.2 hours later I was driving it and the same thing happened to me.i parked the car and have not driven it since. I wrote GM consumers affairs and so far no reply.by the way, the warranty ran out in march

- Rick G., Norwich, OH, US

problem #6

Jul 012013

Enclave CXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

THE STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE works part of the time but when you turn it is as if the power steering goes out on the car. I have seen on the internet many others that have the same issue. I am worried it will cause an accident at some point. I don't want my family in a vehicle that a company will not stand behind. I would never buy another GM product. It is not surprising that such a poorly run company was on the verge of bankruptcy. What is surprising is that our sorry government bailed out this sorry company. Stay away from GM products

- jfenbert, Fleming Island, FL, US

problem #5

Mar 152013

Enclave CXL 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

The problem mentioned by many other Buick owners is the same as mine. When driving at very low speeds the steering binds and/or locks up causing the vehicle to stop turning. With extra applied strength the steering suddenly turns causing a severe jerk in the car's turning motion. There have been several near misses because it happens very unexpectedly. Over the past several months the problem has increased to happening at most every parking lot, slow turn in or red light/stop sign turn. Initially it was only happening when turning as the car was backing up but now some 12 or 14 months later it's a constant issue.

When we took the car to a GM dealer we were quoted $1,600 to repair it but their explanation was shallow at best as to why it was happening. We could not afford the expense at that time and now as much as we enjoy this type vehicle we are contemplating trying to trade it rather than risk the safety of our family.

My tendency has been toward Ford products for years with this being one of the only GM products we've purchased. If GM refuses to acknowledge such an obvious design flaw then after we figure out how to rid ourselves of this hazard we will not be purchasing any other GM product.

- Samuel B., Greenbrier, TN, US

problem #4

Feb 182013

Enclave CXL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,652 miles

Had to have it fixed at dealership in Key West Fla.($ !700.00 )Forced us to pay an extra day motel in Key West ($300.00). Lost a day in travel . We contacted GM Canada and they could have cared less !!!!!!!!!!!!! We kept losing the steering and it would lock !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very dangerous situation.

I will never buy another GM vehicle !!!!!!!!!!!

I have been a loyal GM owner but no more !!!!!!!!

- Linda D., Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada

problem #3

Jun 022013

Enclave 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Power steering at low speeds i.e.turning into driveway or parking, went from power to manual steering, progressively getting worse. Googled steering problems and found the repair would be 1100.00 (only owned the car a week and just rolled 60,000) Dealership did repair free of charge but made sure I knew it cost 1100.00, power steering pump was replaced at that time, and steering is now what it should be.

- Brenda M., Grove City, PA, US

problem #2

Sep 012013

Enclave

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,200 miles

THE STEERING HAS MADE NOISE FOR 3 YEARS BUT IT WAS TOLERABLE. I DID ASK DEALER ABOUT THE NOISE AND THEY JUST BLEW ME OFF...SAID IT WAS NOTHING. NOW, IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE (PROBLEM JUST STARTED YESTERDAY) AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE. SINCE IT'S LABOR DAY WEEKEND WE HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL TUESDAY TO DROP IT OFF WITH THE MECHANIC. NO WAY I AM TAKING THIS TO THE DEALER FIRST. IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I WILL GIVE MY MECHANIC AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE CARE OF IT. I WILL UPDATE THIS AFTER I GET IT FIXED AND TELL EVERYONE THE COST.

Update from Sep 12, 2013: Finally decided the power steering pump needed to be replaced. My husband was able to purchase the part wholesale for under $200 and then spent hours replacing it. We probably saved $600 in labor costs doing it ourselves. Working well.

- Connie W., San Antonio, TX, US

problem #1

Feb 012013

Enclave CXL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

extremely difficult steering at low speeds

The Buick dealers and GM support is non existent this is a major issue not

Only to my family riding in this car but to the general public. I now have to parked this car until I can get some

Help now we are a one car family with two people working and children that have school and after school sports. Thanks a lot GM for not responding and thanks GM (government motors)

For acting like you care out loud and do nothing when no one is looking!!! I have owned multiple GMs and this is by far the worst service I have ever had. I want this issue resolved. How can dealers and GM say they haven't heard of this issue when all you have to do is google the problem and find 100's with the SAME DAMN ISSUES!!!!!!! Please help resolve this.

- tdrhyne, Gastonia, NC, US

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