Seven problems related to power steering failed have been reported for the 2008 Buick Enclave. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Buick Enclave based on all problems reported for the 2008 Enclave.
The power steering on my vehicle has been failing more frequently to the point I'm afraid to drive it. I am a polio survivor and depend on the full function of my right arm @ all times. Since purchasing the 2008 Enclave in June 2019, the power steering has begun failing every time I use the vehicle. The worst failure was on the freeway @ 80 mph while returning home to idaho, from the death of my father in tuscon. The steering failed while I was negotiating a curve. I was able to pull out of the curve @ the last minute. It scared me half to death! over the last few months, the steering has become more impossible to manage, which has caused the rotator cuff of my right arm to become exceedingly more painful. The power steering pump has been an on going issue with these cars to the point of the pump being redesigned by GMC. I feel this issue is a serious safety hazard and warrants a recall. Sincerely, c. A. Edmunds, rn (retired).
The power steering fails on turns with no warning. From what I read this is common on Buick Enclaves. I was almost in an accident from the power steering failure. Once I was on a 55 mph highway changing lanes when it failed, the rest are usually when turning. My mechanic said the power steering pump needs replacement.
Power steering pump failure. At low speeds wheel becomes almost impossible to turn. This has caused several near accidents. Dealer quoted almost $1600 to replace. Online research shows this is a common problem for this vehicle. I have already had the steering worked on once before after having difficulty turning the wheel. As it is over 3 years since then, I am told the cost is due from me in full.
The power steering seems to fail at times. It becomes very difficult to turn the wheel after stopping at an intersection or traffic light. It's also difficult to make turns into traffic when I have to quickly merge into the flow of traffic.
The power steering failed during a low speed turn, fortunately, there was no other traffic and I was able to complete the turn, the condition is repeating itself and I consider it a safety issue. I have called the dealer service dept twice and they are not returning my call.
Power steering fails at low engine rpm, making it extremely difficult to turn at intersections with no gas applied.
Entering parking lot power steering failed. Parked, returned to vehicle and it was working. Since that time multiple failures have occurred without any warning. Very dangerous, vehicle is out of warranty and dealer and independent mechanic states the pump and rack require replacing. There are a number of similar incident reported on the internet affecting 2008, 2009, 2010 Enclaves. Recognizing that gm is now owned by the federal government, I suspect that there is little motivation for this agency to investigate the issue, but many believe it has significant safety implications. I am not one to complain, but as an aeronautical engineer this has all the ear marks of a design flaw. Reading the internet entries it appears that for $2k+ the pump and rack are replaced and then x miles down the road you are back to square one. Don't know if this issue applies to the chevy traverse and gm acadia, but suspect the whole family is sick with this problem.