Engine & cooling

Buick Enclave Engine problems by year

384 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Buick Enclave's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

86'08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22 '23 '24 '25 '26

Year	Engine complaints	Crashes	Injuries
2026	1	0	0
2025	4	0	0
2024	2	0	0
2023	2	0	0
2022	3	1	0
2021	2	0	0
2020	19	0	0
2019	12	0	0
2018	15	0	0
2017	5	0	0
2016	10	0	0
2015	12	0	0
2014	18	0	0
2013	14	0	0
2012	24	1	0
2011	38	2	2
2010	74	0	1
2009	43	0	1
2008	86	3	1

Latest Enclave engine complaints

2016 Buick Enclave Transmission & drivetrain Electrical system Engine & cooling

The X50A underhood fuse block (passenger side, near battery) has melted through at terminal 51 / run crank relay location. Plastic housing is burned through with charred bus bars and melted connector underneath, next to main battery cable. Vehicle first showed "Service Stabilitrak," "Service Traction Control," and "Engine Power Reduced," then went to crank-no-start condition requiring repeated jump starts to move. Codes P1682 and P0689 present. Each jump causes more heating at melted area. This is documented...

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defect in GM TSB 19NA276 and PIT5406C for loose terminals causing arcing and thermal damage in 2013-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia. Vehicle is primary family vehicle used daily to transport 6 children. Failure caused loss of power and no-start while responsible for 6 children, creating unsafe stranding and fire risk with children in vehicle. Vehicle is now parked with battery disconnected due to fire concern. Request investigation for recall for X50A thermal events.

2020 Buick Enclave Engine & cooling

My vehicle is taking oil into the engine and is available for inspection. The mechanic says some component in the engine is taking in oil. I am losing about 3/4 of a quart every 500 miles. He said his best estimate is in months to a year it will blow the motor. I have not taken it to a dealership just the mechanic company I use. No I got a message saying that I needed to add oil about 2 weeks after an oil change. My mechanic checked the oil levels for a couple weeks after that. And thats what I was informed after checking oil levels.

2011 Buick Enclave Lights Engine & cooling

The check engine light has been on for over 2 years now. It turns off and on, so it makes it hard to pass the emission test. I have replaced what shows on the emission testvas failed which are both catalyc converters, oxygen sensors and I also had to replace the engine in 2018. I have spent over $10k on the car and it still has the same codes appearing. I take it to different mechanics and they tell me they don't find anything because what the emission report states is not a problem on the vehicle. They don't understand why the light is on and they all tell me this is a huge problem with Buick Enclaves. Just get rid of it and never buy another one.

2013 Buick Enclave Transmission & drivetrain Engine & cooling

Transmission slip, surging forward, grinding, not shifting, shuts down completely

2020 Buick Enclave Engine & cooling Fuel system

My car started making a loud and rattling noise and when I had my vehicle looked at there was a huge crack in my exhaust pipe which could potentially be leaking harmful toxins in the cabin of my vehicle. I have been to so many places who say they don't have what they need to repair this and that I need to reach out to GM. I have seen over 30 similar stories in these complaints. This is very unsafe and something needs to be done about this for the 2020 model as it has been done for others. We are afraid to even keep all the windows rolled up with our children inside for fear of carbon monoxide leaking through.

2011 Buick Enclave Engine & cooling

I drove to work just fine on May 19th, 2020, when I got off work around 3pm. I started the car and as I was about to pull out on Brightleaf BLVD in smithfield, NC my car just stopped. I contacted OnStar and they pulled many codes P02AD,P0300 x2, P0305 x 2 at 126,362 miles with 73% oil life remaining. I contacted by Mechanic and was able to have it towed to his show for him to inspect it and the engine was totally seized. While I did research before purchasing this car the year before (I only average about 6k miles...

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a year) I missed that this year and several others have a known issue that the engines can grenade themselves. I called my insurance company as I had full coverage and gap coverage they denied my claim and I was stuck with 1 $10k paperweight and no vehicle to get to and from work. GM does not care about their customers and should issue a recall on this engine for this issue. While I did not have this car long I did my routine maintenance for what little I drove it and it left me high and dry with nothing to show for it.

2016 Buick Enclave Transmission & drivetrain Electrical system Engine & cooling

I purchased this used 2016 Buick Enclave in July 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began repeatedly jerking and hesitating while driving. During occurrences, Traction Control/StabiliTrak warnings appeared and the vehicle experienced loss of power and difficulty accelerating normally. I reported the jerking/drivability problem to the selling dealer. On July 27, 2026, the selling dealer attempted a repair after I reported the jerking/drivability problem. Within approximately five minutes of leaving the...

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dealership, the vehicle began jerking again. I then took the vehicle to an auto-parts store, where an OBD-II scan produced multiple diagnostic trouble codes, including P0300 engine misfire and several MAP-sensor-related codes. I have photographs documenting the scan results. The vehicle became disabled shortly thereafter and required towing. It was subsequently evaluated by an independent repair facility, where the MAP sensor was replaced. The vehicle later again experienced the jerking/loss-of-power condition and StabiliTrak/Traction Control warnings. On August 10, the vehicle became disabled again. These incidents have occurred while driving in traffic. When the condition occurs, I cannot reliably accelerate or maintain normal vehicle operation, creating a safety concern because I may be unable to move safely with surrounding traffic. The specific cause is UNKNOWN. The vehicle has been evaluated by the selling dealer and an independent repair facility and is being taken to an authorized Buick dealership for further diagnosis. The vehicle is available for inspection.

2020 Buick Enclave Engine & cooling

Front exhaust pipe separated from its mounting bracket causing a consistent rattle. This condition is exactly as described in "N222385510 - Special Coverage Front Exhaust Pipe", released in May 2023. Exhaust components in this vehicle are materially the same as the covered 2021 vehicles and thus this vehicle should be similarly covered. Issue has been confirmed by a dealer and is available for further inspection.

2014 Buick Enclave Transmission & drivetrain Engine & cooling Fuel system

The engine, power steering, stabilitrak, and reduced engine power (vehicle would essentially die while driving at random times). My safety AND others were put at risk when I am traveling down the road/interstate and the engine just cuts out and am no longer able to accelerate to any speeds, causing me to have to pull over to the shoulder WITHOUT ANY ENGINE POWER. Yes, the problem has reproduced and confirmed with the dealer I purchased from. Vehicle has not been inspected by the above mentioned. Only had it...

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inspected by the dealer I purchased the vehicle from. There were no prior lamps, messages, or other symptoms until it just showed up while driving one day. It happens at the same time as the engine loses power and acceleration. The check engine light comes on, within 2-3 seconds the engine "dies" and then the "Service stabilitrak" pops up, as well as the warning "Reduced Engine Power". This first appeared on approximately on 05 JUN 2026. Vehicle was purchased on 12 MAY 2026.

2016 Buick Enclave Transmission & drivetrain Electrical system Engine & cooling

Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can't get out of any one's way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves

2026 Buick Enclave Transmission & drivetrain Engine & cooling Fuel system

Driving home from work on interstate, 2 month old 2026 Buick enclave jolted and shut off completely while going 65mph. Barely pulled over safely to the left side (Oklahoma drivers). Restarted car, check engine light illuminated with messages of reduced engine power (limp mode up to 35mph) while stuck on highway, traction control and esc disabled. Was able to get off highway and limp to nearest GM dealer. They performed diagnostics 3 days later and replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor. It did not fix it. More...

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codes according to dealer and they are involving engineers. Moving next week on military orders and car is still being worked on with no estimate of time to complete. Insanely concerning safety hazard for a brand new car to shut off on the highway. Could have died or killed others in accident. Unable to invoke lemon law yet but not comfortable driving the car again especially across the country on limited time.

2018 Buick Enclave Electrical system Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the alternator was replaced 4 times before the dealer diagnosed that the failure was due to oil leaking onto the alternator and the battery. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced 6 times in total. Additionally, the contact stated while pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, the vehicle shut off. The...

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messages "Electronic Control Module Failure", "Battery Saver Active", "Battery Charging System" and "Steering Assist Is Reduced- Drive with Care" were displayed. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) and alternator failures. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

2020 Buick Enclave Engine & cooling

I am submitting a complaint regarding premature exhaust system failure on my 2020 Buick Enclave involving the front exhaust pipe/exhaust manifold/catalytic converter assembly. The issue appears very similar to the conditions described in GM Special Coverage programs N212356540 and N242445280 involving exhaust pipe and bracket failures on related GM crossover platforms. The mounting brackets/support brackets on the front exhaust pipe appear to fail or separate, which places excessive stress on the flex section of...

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the exhaust system. This movement and stress can cause the flex pipe/manifold area to crack and may ultimately damage the catalytic converter assembly itself. My vehicle developed: Exhaust leak Loud ticking/exhaust noise Rich/lean oxygen sensor fault conditions Exhaust fumes entering or potentially entering the cabin Passenger dizziness while riding in the vehicle Concern for carbon monoxide exposure The repair facility documented that the exhaust leak should be repaired as soon as possible because exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle cabin. The estimated repair cost is approximately $1,700 for replacement of the integrated catalytic converter/exhaust manifold assembly. This appears to be more than ordinary wear and tear. The failure pattern is consistent with bracket/support failure causing abnormal stress and cracking in the exhaust system upstream near emissions components. Because these failures can allow exhaust gases and possible carbon monoxide exposure into the passenger compartment, I believe this issue represents a significant safety concern and warrants investigation for 2020 Buick Enclave vehicles and related GM crossover platforms.

2012 Buick Enclave Transmission & drivetrain Engine & cooling

While driving, the vehicle suddenly and without warning experienced a severe, dangerous loss of acceleration. The dashboard immediately displayed a "Reduced Engine Power" warning message along with a "Service StabiliTrak" light, forcing the vehicle into an immediate electronic fail-safe "limp mode." This sudden, drastic reduction in engine power severely restricts the vehicle's ability to maintain safe roadway speeds, accelerate from a stop, or merge safely into traffic, posing an immediate rear-end collision...

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hazard to myself and other motorists. Furthermore, the defect simultaneously disables critical active safety systems by shutting down the StabiliTrak and Traction Control networks. A diagnostic scan revealed code P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensors 1-2 Correlation Not Plausible). Investigation reveals that this is a widespread, systemic safety defect caused by design flaws in the vehicle's body. Rainwater and moisture from clogged factory sunroof drains or cowl seams leak directly down into the interior cabin wall, pooling into the primary instrument panel-to-body wiring harness block (X218 connector) in the driver's side footwell. This water intrusion causes green corrosion on the delicate pins, short-circuiting the 5-volt reference sensor circuit for the throttle controls while the vehicle is in motion. General Motors is fully aware of this exact defect and has documented it internally via Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #10-00-89-017H (and related GM TSBs). Because this defect causes unexpected, immediate engine failure and disables traction safety networks while driving, it constitutes a severe safety hazard that should be escalated to a mandatory safety recall.

2020 Buick Enclave Engine & cooling

Leaking flex pipe on the exhaust causing undue rattling and possible exhaust fumes entering the passenger cabin.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data