Home › Guides › Buick › AIR Bags
Why do Buick airbags fail to deploy in these recalls?
Across these five GM campaigns the Buick fault is usually an airbag that stays put in a crash. Two are software problems: the 2019 Encore's Sensing Diagnostic Module was left in manufacturing mode, and some 2021 Enclaves received incorrect airbag calibration software during dealer service. Two more involve roof-rail curtain airbags: 2021-2022 Enclaves may have incompatible terminals in the side roof-rail harness connector, and 2020 Enclaves fall under a GM-wide recall for inflator diffusers that were not properly crimped. The fifth, covering the 2021 Envision, is different: the airbags work, but the communications gateway module may not light the airbag warning lamp. Enclave, model years 2020 through 2022, appears in three of the five.
Warning signs to watch for
- In most of these recalls there is no warning at all — the airbag simply may not deploy in a crash.
- On the 2021 Envision, the airbag warning light may stay dark even when a fault exists.
- A 2021 Enclave that had recent dealer service, when incorrect airbag calibration software could have been loaded.
- Nothing changes in how the vehicle drives; all five notices describe a crash-time failure, not a driving symptom.
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of the five Buick notices tells owners to stop driving or to park outside, and GM places no restriction on driving in any of them. That said, three are rated serious because the airbag may not deploy at all — the 2019 Encore module, the 2021 Enclave calibration, and the 2021-2022 Enclave roof-rail connector — so treat them as appointments to make now, not later. The 2020 Enclave inflator recall and the 2021 Envision warning-light update are less urgent, but the Envision leaves you unaware of future airbag faults until the software is updated.
What the free repair involves
Repairs split three ways. Dealers reprogram the Sensing Diagnostic Module on the 2019 Encore and update airbag calibration software on affected 2021 Enclaves. For the roof-rail recalls they replace the harness connector on 2021-2022 Enclaves or the suspect roof-rail airbag modules on 2020 Enclaves. The 2021 Envision gateway software goes on at a dealer or over the air. All free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 3 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-03-31 | Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave roof airbags may not deploy | high |
| 2021-06-24 | Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave airbags may not deploy properly | high |
| 2021-06-10 | GM SUVs and cars: airbag warning light may not work | medium |
| 2020-07-30 | GM Trucks and SUVs May Have Weak Roof Airbags | medium |
| 2018-11-01 | Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, Trax airbags may not deploy | high |
Common questions
My airbag light has never come on. Does that mean my Buick is fine?
Not necessarily. In the 2021 Envision recall the communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module, so the warning light may not illuminate when there is a problem. Check your VIN rather than trusting the lamp.
Which Buick models are covered by these airbag recalls?
The 2019 Encore, the 2020-2022 Enclave and the 2021 Envision. Enclave appears in three separate campaigns: the calibration software error, the roof-rail harness connector, and the roof-rail inflator recall shared with several Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac models.
My Enclave had dealer work done. Could that have caused a problem?
In one recall, yes. GM says certain 2021 Traverse and Enclave vehicles received incorrect air bag calibration software during service by dealers, which may affect frontal airbag deployment. The remedy is a corrected software update, and it costs you nothing.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.