2023 Buick Enclave: What to check before buying

Headlights either fail outright or light the road poorly. Some reports describe one headlight going dark with no warning, or automatic lights switching on late at dusk while other cars already have theirs on. Others describe weak low beams that leave a large dark area just ahead of the car, noticed on new vehicles during the first night drive. Dealer aiming adjustments tend to move the dark spot rather than remove it. Drivers say they may not see a person or animal in time on unlit roads.

Retractors that refuse to release and a snapped belt cable both leave seating positions with no usable restraint. In SmartFloor-equipped vehicles, both rear bucket seat retractors lock in place, so passengers cannot pull the belt out to buckle. In another report, the driver's belt cable on the outboard side of the seat breaks at the floor, leaving the belt inoperative. No warning lamp came on, and the fault only showed up when buckling in. That owner was past the mileage limit for warranty coverage.

The infotainment system freezes or fails to display, taking the phone, radio, navigation, and OnStar down with it. Failures come without warning and keep returning. Dealers have trouble finding a cause. Software updates and part replacements have not reliably cured it, and owners report little help from the manufacturer. The suggested workaround is shutting the vehicle off and waiting for a reset. Drivers in rural areas worry they cannot call for help while the system is frozen.

Stalling and power loss at highway speed are the most serious reports, tied to a failed fuel tank sensor. Rough idling and repeated stalling came back after the dealer replaced the fuel tank and sensor, putting the car back in the shop. Losing power on an interstate creates a real crash risk. A separate report describes an "Oil Needed" warning on a nearly new vehicle at about 1,663 miles. The owner suspected abnormal oil consumption, but the dealer did not diagnose or repair it.