Top 5 Problems Buick Enclave SUV 1st Generation 2008-17 

I have a 2011 Buick Enclave bought it with 90k and has 128k miles on it now. I Haven’t had one issue with it best car over owned!

He knows what he is talking about. I changed the oil on my 2010 regularly so never had a problem with the timing chain but I know people who didn't and suffered a stretched chain. Never had a coil fail (maybe my 120,000 miles I had the car being mostly highway saved me from that). But I had two water pumps fail. Noticed the first failing in my garage under the extended warranty so I had the dealer replace it. The second one seized within 100 miles and the car had to be towed off the road back to the dealership for a third pump which was back-ordered. Power steering still worked when I sold it as did the dual zone climate control. It was a good car, just did not need a car that big anymore after 6 years of high mileage. Nice review on how to do it!

My 2012 is still going strong, no issues as of yet, just regular maintenance. They aren't the best looking SUV's, but as far as my experience has been, very reliable, comfortable and economical.

I own a 1st generation Buick Enclave. The car never gave me any problems in the first 15 years I owned it. I consider that a great car. I recently replaced the ECM, CATS, and a few sensors (all under $2K). Not bad as far as I'm concerned. Congratulations GM.

2010 Buick Enclave 140k miles. Owned it the last 30k with Mobil 1 oil changes. Issues sway bar linkages replace, A/C line broke, both motor mounts broke, leaking from struts, some of this was just found as we are right now having to replace the engine, as pins let loose. Engine blew. 3800 was the best Buick engine, never had an engine problem with my old Lucerne. Almost 300k miles.

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Have a 2011 Enclave with 162,000 miles on it. Had the oil changed every 6,000 miles (oil sevice light) and transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. So far no major or minor issues with either. Some annoyances like late upshifting and medioctlre fuel ecenomy but otherwise just following regulat maintence schedule. Engine did run a little better after I replaced the PCV valve and lines ($40 in parts and less than 1 hour). Enlarged the holes in the PCV valve to match those of later model years.

You Guys are great. Thanks for all the help you guys offer. I have bought parts from you in the past and will continue to do so. I have only gotten one brand new defective part from 1A Auto. You replaced it without any questions asked and were very understanding about it. 1A Auto is the best.

I've had to replace two power steering pumps on my 2016 Buick Enclave. The last time I also replaced the power steering cooler because it wasn't working either and this is what was causing the pump to go out. So don't forget to check the cooler also.

Great tips. This past Monday we purchased a 2012 Buick Enclave from the used car section of a local Ford dealer. The vehicle has almost 71,000 miles, three prior owners in which the vehicle was well maintained and a comprehensive Car Fax history. The salesman offered a warranty with the vehicle which added another $100 to the car payment, but to me it was worth it. I’ll service and work on the Buick all I can, but the warranty is for the major stuff I don’t have the facilities or time for doing.

CHANGE THE OIL FREQUENTLY! Had the timing chain go about 80k miles. The lady didn’t believe in doing the recommended frequency because she was “too busy”..... too busy cost her $4,000 for a new chain at the dealership.

We got a 2017 buick & right away i noticed rmp ramp up 2nd & 5 th. After some testing. Wrong part was fixed which made it worse. Took it was and now waiting on a transmission which i read is the most common problem on 2017 models. Thankfully its still under warranty.

Once you get over 200K on these vehicles you have to replace the timing chain. I paid $2600 CDN for a repair I don't think should of happened. Apparently GM has some kind of recall on this but my vehicle didn't meet the criteria due to time and mileage. My old Montanna Van went to 350K no problems but air conditioning couldn't be repaired. I"ve had nothing but problems with this vehicle in later years.

Very usefull to the buick user like me who has no knowledge of mechanic.

I bought a 2009 with about 115k miles a little over a year ago Money was tight and it had to do in a pinch I just want to emphasize that now at 128k miles, EVERYTHING has been a problem! Bad coils, fuel injectors, alternator, ' sensors exhaust, water pump, battery access is a real pain, power steering pump... Basically every month, I'm spending nearly as much in repairs as I would for a new car note. As soon as I get back on my feet and can afford a replacement, this thing is gone.

I have a 2011 Buick enclave cxl with 189,000 mi on it I don't have any issues one problem I had to change out the catalytic converters they were clogged and other than that normal regular oil changes keeping the fluids and levels always proper and you guys should have a beautiful running vehicle

You are absolutely right I already change water pump alternator You forgot about the fuse box it does not ground very good

Very good job my friend very good content and nice explaining great show.

Great informative video. I believe you forgot to mention about the engine motor mounts, there are a lot of owners having annoying noise coming from the front end of the vehicle.

Would be nice if a program for the shift points was available. It is a very comfortable ride and does excellent in the snow and ice. Shifts nice and smooth but could use a little more on the low rpm shifts. Trans can shutter at this point thinking your trans is shot. There can be a lot of life still in it if the shift point is changed. If I had to pay someone to fix or replace all of the parts on here I probably would not buy another one. With my own repairs the cost is doable and am going to get another. The body looks very nice still after all of the winters of salty roads. Pickups of the same age are having the frames rot in half. These days if you want to drive a used vehicle either be prepared to pay the high price for repairs or be able to do it yourself. Hopefully you can find an honest shop with reasonable rates.

As a gm tech 6. Power steering hoses always leak on these cars 7. Rear ac evap leak refrigerant causing no cold air 8. Lower control arm bushings wear out causing a clunking over pump 9. Sway bar bushings wear out causing a clunk when turning 10. Front engine cover leaking oil 11. Fuel injectors getting stuck causing misfires

Good info. Timing chain issue easily avoided by oil change (and keep that oil topped up, esp. once you are over 75K miles). All the rest are wear out items. I have '12 Enclave with 150K miles. Had the HVAC actuator problem, and the alternator died at 130K. That's it. They are tanks.

Have a Buick Enclave since 2017 no issues with it, my daughter has the Encore since 2918 and she too has had no issues. Both vehicles purchased new.

I have a 2011 with 200,000 mi on it and it's been great no timing chain issues I do check the oil and change the oil often and check the levels cuz sometimes it goes into the airflow kind of system so yeah I've been doing that so otherwise it's perfect vehicle and I haven't had any problems with it it's like a virgin it looks like brand new rides like brand new

The check engine light indicated I need to replace the Ignition A/T Control Solenoid OEM part number 22870635. I purchased the part but can't find anything on where it is located or how to replace on a 2008 Buick Enclave CXL

I have a 2011 Enclave 171,000 mi. Beautiful Pearl white paint as good as when it was made. Problem free, never had to relace anything. Recently it started running loud, that’s all - no real indication as to why? No reduction in performance. Mechanics don’t know? Why do you think? Could it be the catalytic converter?

Biggest issues with the engines is the VVT and the timing chains. I believe GM sets the oil maintenance service light at 7,500 miles. This is BS. You need to use a high quality synthetic 5W-30 and go no more than 4,000 miles between changes.

2013 Enclave has 170,000 miles. Needed a remanufactured transmission at 90,000. Two wheel hubs were minor costs. Otherwise great luck so far for 11 years.

a couple things. obviously, this isnt a new video, but this is the second gen of the enclave, and had a change to the engine between the first and second gen. the timing chain issue is present in the first 2 generations. not sure about 2018 or newer. the timing chain issue arises from the same problem, and is similar to the eco tec engine problem. although keeping on an oil change regimen is obviously warranted, one of the causes of oil issues on this vehicle is the oil recirculation. many people with this variety of vehicle might see oil pooled up in the intake tube. it all stems down to how oil gets recirculated through the system. over time, when this system is restricted at all, it affects the dynamic of how oil is recirculated, and eventually how it lubes the timing chain and tensioner.i recall seeing a mechanic show the difference under the valve covers. under the rear valve cover, it is not nearly as clean as it is under the front valve cover, and that rear valve cover, not being so efficient, ultimately is the primary cause of what happens over time. many people found this out later on, because the same issue was present in the earlier new gen camaro. if you search online, there are many posts on how to modify the system to help with oil reticulation. the issue itself was more prominent on the initial models of the enclave, but as far as i know, this issue still existed well after. ive had a 2008, which had the oil recirculation issue, and now have a 2016, which is all good currently, minus the coolant temp sensor that i had to replace yesterday

Thank you thank you! I think you just answer my question! First problem! Took vehicle for oil change and was told that my 2016 needed to get repairs on the oil pan (i think the gasket). Got it ✅. A week or 2 later i got a check engine light on. Took it to dealer and they replaced the valve. A week after i got the check engine light on. So, my vehicle is getting serviced right now.

Luckily the only thing I have had to replace so far is passenger side actuator. It is super tight and annoying but also simple - so I’ll take it. Water pump on my 97 skylark went out twice as well so seems they haven’t made much improvement there lol

Big facts! Those actuator doors are the worst. Need a new power steering pump too

Hey I like this video you are doing a good job explaining everything. I had to change the alternator on my 2012 enclave and now I need to replace the passenger side clament contre actuvator. Thank you

I have a2008 enclave motor 3.8 I get only 12 miles for gallon en some times de transmission stucks I have to turn off the suv and start again. Any comments are helpful

I recently had to replace my Battery and when the mechanic replaced it all 3 of the actuators for cooling and heating broke. They told me it is a known issue with Buicks when replacing battery this happens some times. Is this true?

We have the sister car a 2017 Acadia Limited. With almost 50K miles never had a problem with anything nor needing any warranty work. Just free oil changes and tire rotations.

very nice! but it would be better if links on replace timing chain/water pump etc be given.

HVAC actuators control airflow modes such as defroster vents, foot wells, dash panel vents etc. Mine failed on defroster, footwell combo. Cannot get any flow through dash panel vents. Not an easy fix for a DIY and expensive fix at dealerships.

Loose sunroof drain tubes, Leaks over fuse panel and fills up heater motor blower ( drill small hole for precaution ), the power steering rack , timing chains, air bag lights due to short under seat, ac line rubs and causes a hole, cxl rear system is notorious for clogging

You do NOT need to remove the intake to change the plugs. This is a common misnomer. The front right plug is the ONLY plug you need to move a couple things out of the way and turn the coil as you raise it up!

I replaced every HVAC actuator in the span of 5 months. All good now. Just a little tight to get to.

Thanks for the info! Maybe you can point me in the right direction with my 2010 Enclave. Here are codes coming up: P0335, P0008, P0017, P0496, P0341 , P0335. Issues with sluggish acceleration and higher rpms at higher speeds. Replaced one of the cam sensors and cleaned the throttle body and the issues didn’t really go away. Today I replaced the other cam sensor just in case and now it won’t even start or if it does, it shuts down after about 5 second. Wondering if it’s an oxygen sensor or the throttle kicker actuator (symptoms and theory behind this sound spot on).

My Buick Enclave 2011 has been wonderful. The best car I have ever owned. I did have engine mounts problem about 50k miles. I found out from my Buick dealer mechanic that this was a major problem with years 2010;ton2012. The engine would vibrate terribly. It cost from the dealer about $600.00 way over charge. I now found a great mechanic and he works for a quarter of the price the dealer does. My car now is 12 years old and looks and drives like a new car. I just love it. However, it has cost about $10,000 over the passed 12 years. But worth ever penny. The car rides like the day i purchase it from the dealer. A new one now runs about $50,000 plus $3000.00 tax. I am lucky not one scratch on it. I will keep it until it starts costing to much to keep it. I thing about another 10;years is about right. It is a great automobile. Robert W

Any known issues with the brakes? Just bought a 2009 Buick enclave in January. It had brakes but they needed replacing then all of a sudden I don’t have brakes. Mechanic that did break job has no idea why and 4 mechanics and hundreds of dollars later still nobody knows what’s going on. All parts have been replaced including master cylinder. Any advice?

Have a 2009 Buick Enclave with 200,000 miles on it check engine light is on the code says cam shaft sensor but the mechanics tell me is actually the timing chain that causes that code are they correct?

We just bought a 2012 Buick Enclave that has a factory installed trailer hitch/receiver and the 7 blade connector. There is a button on the center lower dash that has the image of a utility trailer on it. I'm trying to determine if the car is set up for trailer brakes...how can I determine that? What should I look for as regards a trailer brake controller in the cabin of the Enclave? Thanks for any help!

What about electrical problems? My 2019 buick. Hazard lights, window washer, horn going off, all the dash lights are on.. they are all going off at the same time. Oh and my trunk keeps opening

As long as you keep up with oil changes you shouldn't have any problems. We have 120k miles on our 2016

I have a 2011 with 80K on it (low mileage) and it's had the HVAC actuator problem, water pump problems. Forward flushed the ATF at 60K and do the full synthetic Walmart SuperTech oil every 8-10K. 3 sets of tires so far on a vehicle with only 80K, so it must be quite heavy. I changed the brake fluid and steering fluid so hopefully no issues with the steering in the future, but it was pretty dark and dirty when I did it. But number of other interior bits like the doors, steering accordian cover, rear arm rest have a been problems. I covered all the shiny chrome on the dash with liquid vinyl tape - just horrible to put anything reflective on an interior for driver safety and comfort.

Hey where u out of. I have a 2011 I bought summer of 2019 and is having the timing issue and a ftoo much fuel issue and the power steering replaced twice in one year I need someone who can help fix it right and find out exactly what's going on

So do these issues still exist in the 2021 Buick Enclave V6 or have they been addressed by Buick?

Pretty much all the characteristics of a typical GM product. My Buick Enclave has had every one of these problems with the exception of the stretched timing chain. But don’t worry. It made up for it with the very common transmission shudder, which necessitated a new torque converter.

I have a 2008 Buick Enclave CXL with 100k miles and have issues with traction control and stabilitrak coming on. It also showed a misfire on cylinders 2,4, & 6. I changed the coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors, purge valve and purge solenoid, mass airflow sensor, etc... Traction control and stabilitrak coming and misfire on cylinders 2,4, & 6 come back after a month or 2. HELP.

Some more common problems is the battery sensor, the alternator/junction block positive cable burning up at the fusible link 200amp fuse, and abs sensors going bad.

Not for people who forget to change the oil. Pay attention to doing that or pay for a timing chain. #synthetic

I have a Buick Enclave 08. Mileage is 65000. Got it when it was only 27000 mileage. I have problems with leaks on top of drivers seat when it rains. It comes from sunroof area.

Sounds like things are wearing out if you drive the car mmm better leave it in the driveway lol😊

Do you have a video on how to remove the cables to the Engine Control Module (ECM)?

Has anyone have lower control arm bushing replaced or the cats going out prematurely? I’ve got a 2015 AWD and factory tow package for 2 years and it’s up to 94k miles. (Bought it with about 75k miles)

Thank you. Very helpful.

My equinox is blowing smoke still after I changed the head gasket Will bad fuel sensors cause it to happen

What about the FUEL FILTER IN THE FUEL TANK. ! AND NO ACCESS PORT! Wouldn't that be in the top ONE? Please if you have any tips or tricks please let me know. 2011 Enclave barely starts. Bare runs then stops. NO warning lights.nothing on the read out . Help

Anyone know where the knock sencer is on a buick enclave....help is appreciated

Bought a 2011 in March and check engine light came on in July. Mechanic says it is stretched timing chain. Would cost over $1500.00 to fix since engine has to come out. Mechanic says may can drive 5 more years or more with no trouble-never know? The problem is I live in NJ and with a check engine light cannot get through inspection? What can I do?

really nice build on these suv's parts are a bit hard to find

Oh yes changed the water pump, smell was very strong when water was leaking. Bad experiences on 102000 mile car start to misfire on clynder three. Change the coil, spark and injectors, connector still misfire clynder three, don't know what to do, delar ask for $3000 for same job that I already done. In addition, car was shutting off suddenly while driving and stearing wheel will get locked, got saved from few dangerous situations. Took me about 6 to 8 months to figure out, it was the complete fuse box. Orderd new fuse box for $300 and snap that problem solved. But still could not fix that clynder 3 misfire anyone any idea plz.

I have a 2014 Buick enclave I'm having a fuel issue put a fuel pump in it and I'm still not getting fuel to the motor any help would be greatly appreciated I know there is a high pressure fuel pump also

Very good video, I practice my basic english you speak clear and I understood what you say.

Thanks for the video....helps a lot.

I have a 2011. Nothing but trouble at 138,000 miles. That's too low to be having all these issues.

The timing chain is due people not change oil on time have this SUV no timing Chain problems.

Hello I own a 2014 enclave I'm having issues with it while I'm on the road it's shaking while in motion what can be the reason ?

I have a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL. When I open the door from being locked, the warning sound comes on for about 10 seconds, and then the car alarm comes on, if I haven’t turned the car on by that time. How do I fix this issue???

Oil in air intake,,,, causes the coil problem,and trans wave plate,,got me on mine

I have a 2012 Buick Enclave I bought it with a 135k took out the Inc They put a transmission in at 156k. I work for Hospice I put a lot of miles on my car It now has 282k. Just put in a alternate now it won’t kick in the traction control. Help what could it be

not even gonna touch on the infamous torque converter shudder? wow

Just got a 2017 Enclave. Can I pull a 19ft boat. Dual axle trailer, 200hp engine all weighing in around 3950 lbs?

Crazy. We’ve had a 2010 for past 10ish years. Have had every single one of those problems along the way. And timing chain starting to make some noise again at startup.

I'm looking at an old 9 we're both front seat airbags deployed and wondering if there's an issue with roof leaks not sunroof but roof leaks?

I loved our enclaves interior, exterior. Hate hate hate hate the power train.

My encore 2013 has a wabble or shimmy vibration noise under it. What it is

2010 Buick Enclave cxl bought it with 108,000 has 154,000 now but whenever I drive it a little bit a few miles to get to a certain point and get I guess it gets warm I don't know but it wants to shut her up some when I want to you know like kind of lose power so I don't know what's going on but I'm going to make sure to change the plugs and and calls and stuff and I always always make sure those changes up but other than that Brakes and Tires and that's about it I had a also had the actuator issue though but I was wondering if I could get an answer and get some help with help diagnosing my truck I mean it's like it's got a mess when it gets under a certain load or something when it's up after it finally goes into six gear and but I mean it's like when I try I can drive around it but you know it's still there and I don't know what it is and it's getting worse but I would sure need a help need a little help from somebody else they know anything about it appreciate it

I have a 2012 Buick Enclave premium and I have a loud noise (clicking) sound coming from the glovebox I think any ideas what it could be

Yeah I regret buying mine because now I got a put a compressor in it and it’s a pain

Anyone have issues with the rear ac not blowing cold air? We have a 2008 buick enclave.

A vehicle that didn't need repair would put mechanics out of business.

I have a 2010 with under 150k miles. I service it regularly and it's in great shape. That said, it's recently started "rattling" during a cold start. Any idea what that might be?

How about the later Enclaves? Are they known for problems also?

hi. does this enclave shares the same engine with buick minivan gl8?

Can I use different year engine for Buick Enclave 2010 and which engine fit

Very helpful video.

What about the transmission? We have replaced two!! Kept the faith (and the turd) but now have symptoms of transmission issues again... I have other GM products, I beat my 1999 Tahoe up pretty good and it takes it, But this Lambda platform with the timing belt and the transmission issues is no good... I have not beat on this one, its my wife's daily... Enclave, Acadia, Traverse all garbage, I have a friend with one who sold it because of these issues back when I should have... I hate to say it but I may skip another $3000 transmission look for a Honda for our family car.

Any idea on how to “reboot” the Infotainment system on a 2017 Enclave? The “human interface” that allows voice commands is not working, especially to call a number in your Bluetooth connected iPhone. I’m out of ideas, and my dealer seems clueless as to how to even attack the problem.

what about when it's losing power and the CHECK ENGINE light comes on?

With the same years, what are the top five suv you would buy?

can you tell me where the knock sensors are located

Why didn't they use the good 3800 v6 engine in these?

How is the transmission not one of the top 5 problems???

you forgot the biggest one! the motors top gasket will leak. And you have to take out the motor to fix it! Very expensive and happened to us in warranty and out of warranty TEWCE NOW. Thinking of suing Buick.

Absolutely hate hate hate the Wi-Fi connectivity problems. It is a crapshoot every time I get in my Enclave with her I can get on the Internet or not. My former Tahoe absolutely zero problems instant connection. What is going on?