2022-2024 Buick Enclave Seat Cover & Armrest Guide: Solving Wear and Part Confusion

Symptoms of Wear and Failure

Unlike a mechanical part, a seat cover's failure is almost always visible. Because the 2022-2024 Enclave is a relatively new vehicle, most issues will be cosmetic wear rather than complete failure. Look for these common signs:

• Cracking or Tearing: The most obvious symptom is a physical breach in the material. This often occurs on the outer bolster of the driver's seat from the friction of getting in and out of the vehicle.
• Discoloration or Stains: Leather and cloth can become discolored from sun exposure or stained from spills or dye transfer from clothing, like blue jeans.
• Flattened or Deformed Cushioning: While this is a foam issue, it is directly related to the cover. A worn or stretched cover can make the underlying foam feel flat or lumpy, reducing comfort. Some owners have reported general discomfort with the front seats.
• Seam Separation: Stitches can pull apart in high-stress areas, creating a gap in the cover. This is a critical failure if it occurs over a side-impact airbag.
• Issues with Heated/Ventilated Seats: A tear or damage to the perforated leather can potentially affect the performance of the heating and cooling functions.

Critical Part Clarification: Seat Covers vs. Second-Row Armrests

A common point of confusion for this vehicle involves parts for the second-row captain's chairs. The part number 23412370 is frequently mistaken for a seat cover but is, in fact, an armrest. Several other part numbers also correspond to these armrests, which are available in different colors.

The following warning applies specifically to these armrests, NOT the seat covers:

Always double-check the part description before purchasing. If you need a seat cover, ensure the part is listed as a "cushion cover" or "back cover," not an "armrest."

Buying a Used 2022-2024 Enclave Seat Cover

Purchasing a used OEM seat cover can be a cost-effective way to restore your interior, ensuring a perfect match in color and texture. However, careful inspection is key.

Physical Inspection Checklist

• Check the Seams: Meticulously inspect all seams, especially the vertical seam on the outboard side of the seatback where the airbag is located. There should be no fraying or separation.
• Examine the Bolsters: Pay close attention to the driver's side outer bolster. This is the highest wear area. Look for cracking, deep creases, or discoloration that indicates heavy use.
• Look for Hidden Damage: Flip the cover over. Check that all plastic mounting strips and clips are intact and not cracked. These are essential for a tight, factory-finish installation.
• Verify Perforations: If your Enclave has ventilated seats, ensure the perforations in the leather are clean and not clogged or torn.
• Assess the Material Condition: Look for any subtle stains, sun fading, or shiny spots on leather that indicate wear. For cloth, check for pilling or snags.

Verifying Compatibility

Compatibility is more than just the year. You must match the part to your exact vehicle configuration:

• Trim Level: Avenir, Essence, and Premium trims may have different materials (leather-appointed vs. cloth) and color options.
• Color: Enclaves came with several interior colors (e.g., Jet Black, Whisper Beige). A used part must be an exact color match to not look out of place.
• Position: Covers are specific to the driver's side, passenger's side, seat bottom, or seat back. They are not interchangeable.
• Features: Ensure the cover is correct for your options, such as perforated leather for ventilated seats.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

While the 2022-2024 Enclave is new, some seat-related issues have been noted in official documents, mostly for prior or adjacent model years.

Recalls

• No Seat Cover Recalls: As of mid-2024, there are no specific recalls for the seat covers on 2022-2024 Buick Enclaves.
• Recall N212352140: Some 2021-2022 Enclaves were recalled for an incompatible harness connector for the roof rail airbags, which could prevent deployment. While not part of the seat itself, this highlights the integrated nature of the vehicle's safety systems.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

• TSB PIE0773B: For 2023 models, GM issued an informational bulletin regarding potential melted/burn marks or a smoke smell from the height adjuster motor under the front seats.
• TSB 21-NA-040: For 2019-2021 models, a bulletin addresses squeak, rattle, or creak noises from the second-row seat tracks, which may be out of synchronization. The fix involves a specific bolt-tightening sequence.
• TSB PI0521D: On older 2011-2016 models, a creak or squeak from the front seats could be caused by movement in the seat track mounts, fixable by installing shims.

Replacement Overview & Difficulty

Replacing a factory seat cover is an advanced upholstery job, not a simple slip-on installation. It requires removing the seat from the vehicle, disassembling it, and using special tools.

• Seat Removal: The seat must be unbolted from the floor and electrical connectors for power, heating/cooling, and airbags must be disconnected.
• Disassembly: Plastic trim, power seat controls, and the headrest must be removed from the seat assembly.
• Hog Ring Removal: The original cover is attached to the foam cushion with numerous metal clips called hog rings. These must be cut and removed.
• Installation: The new cover is attached using new hog rings and hog ring pliers, which require significant hand strength and precision to secure the cover tightly to channels in the foam cushion.
• Reassembly: The process is reversed, with careful attention paid to reconnecting all electrical systems.

Due to the complexity and the critical nature of the airbag system, professional installation is recommended for anyone not experienced with auto upholstery.

OEM Part Numbers

These are some of the known OEM part numbers for seat covers for the 2022-2024 Buick Enclave. This is not an exhaustive list, and you must verify the exact number for your vehicle's VIN, color, and trim.

• 13511936 - Front Seat Back Cover
• 13511937 - This part number appears to be for a different component, possibly a window switch for an older vehicle, and should be disregarded for this application.

Note: Part numbers for seat covers are highly specific. Always confirm with a VIN.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)