Common Buick Enclave Failures: Breakdowns, Problems And Solutions!
With three rows of seats, an emphasis on comfort, and good road handling, the Buick Enclave is an excellent daily driver. Its new generation saves fuel, offers more head and legroom, and comes with the latest connectivity and safety features. We suggest you read and know the common faults of the Buick Enclave .
If your budget is limited but you’re determined to buy an Enclave, a previous year’s model may be a good investment. After all, its resale value is excellent, depreciating only 54% after five years.
How good is the Buick Enclave?
The Buick Enclave has received low to medium scores in reliability ratings. It is given 3.0 out of 5.0 and puts the SUV 24th out of 26 models in its segment. The Enclave is more prone to developing problems that cost more to repair compared to other models.
Depending on the model year of the SUV, you can get between 17-20 mpg combined in AWD. Beginning with the 2018 model year, the Enclave’s fuel economy enjoys a marked improvement in fuel economy. Its new 3.6-liter V6 engine offers good power while saving fuel, especially if you’re driving at highway speeds.
Common Buick Enclave Faults
Debuting in 2008, the Buick Enclave is still in production as of 2021. It has seen its share of various problems over the years, with some models being more susceptible to developing problems. Some surveys report that the 2008 Buick Enclave received the highest number of owner complaints. Here are the common failures of the Buick Enclave through its model years:
1- Transmission problems
Most drivers agree that transmission problems are the worst. Unfortunately, reports show that such problems often crop up on Buick Enclave.
It’s no wonder that some transmissions in the 2008 Buick Enclave have drawn the ire of numerous owners. Later model years improved the problematic transmission, although the problems could still appear . Owners of affected SUVs have reported excessive vibration and popping noises when they press the accelerator or shift gears.
The transmission in some 2009 Enclaves can slip between gears without warning, and many 2014 Enclave owners have complained that their vehicles developed transmission failure.
2- Engine problems
One of the Buick Enclave’s strengths is its engine, which produces enough power to move the midsize SUV, even when fully loaded. This is why many Enclave owners were disappointed when their SUV’s timing chain developed problems.
The timing chain ensures that the camshaft and crankshaft rotate at the correct speeds. It can be stretched too long to control the speed of rotation of the axes. This normally only happens when the chain accumulates at least 150,000 miles, but some Enclave timing chains can warp after only 40,000 miles.
A stretched timing chain can alter engine performance and even damage it. Its symptoms include an illuminated check engine light, vibrations and rattling sounds while the engine is running, engine misfiring, and metal chips in the engine oil.
To make matters worse, technicians often have to disassemble the engine or transmission first before they can get to the faulty timing chain. Therefore, the replacement takes a long time and costs a considerable sum.
The 2008 Buick Enclave has the dubious honor of being the model year with the most stretched timing chains. While the later 2011 Enclave improves in many ways, some owners have also reported timing chain failure.
3- Problems with power steering
Power steering makes it much easier to maneuver a vehicle as large as the Buick Enclave. Missing this feature can make driving difficult and dangerous, especially if the steering acts up when driving at high speeds on treacherous terrain.
The 2010 Buick Enclave is the model year that receives the most complaints about power steering . Many owners have reported that their vehicle’s power steering fails from time to time. In most cases, it becomes difficult to turn the steering wheel.
Many older Buick Enclave owners have reported that their SUVs also developed power steering problems. Some 2008 and 2009 Enclave drivers have reported that the power steering in their vehicles failed after some time.
4- Failures in interior accessories
The interior of the Buick Enclave is loaded with accessories that make every drive a fun experience. However, some of them can also cause problems for drivers and passengers alike if they are faulty or worn out.
Some 2015 Buick Enclave owners have reported light from outside the vehicle bouncing off the ambient lighting strip on the control panel. The reflection appears on the windshield and looks like a crack, which can be distracting to the driver, especially in very bright light. Several 2016 Enclave owners have reported a similar problem.
The 2015 Enclave comes with a heated steering wheel to keep the driver’s hands warm . While convenient in cold weather, the heating systems in some Enclaves were reported to get too hot to handle safely.
In summary
Veterans and new drivers alike should familiarize themselves with common Buick Enclave failures for their vehicle’s year and model. By knowing which Buick Enclave parts are prone to early failure and how to treat them, you can keep your SUV in good condition no matter how long or how far you drive.
