Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Buick Enclave owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
At 65,000 Transmission went out 100,000 Electrical issue due to lose ground wire under fuse box 121,000 Electrical issue caused battery to drain and vehicle not turn off. Even if key out of ignition 121,000 Driver Side Curtain Airbags deployed when battery replaced
I have financed this 2008 Buick Enclave, which I got in February 2016. Love the car and all the space it has. That was until today! This week as I was leaving the car wouldn't shift into reverse. Once I got it into neutral I was able to back down the incline from the carport to the street. It did shift into drive, but would only go about 25 MPH on a busy highway and stayed in first the whole time. I contacted the local Chevy/GM dealer and he said to bring it in. I couldn't because I was at work. This morning the dealer called again after being asked to by my husband and sent a technician to my home. The tech checked it and wrote some codes down and went back to the dealership. The dealer then called and said if I could get the car to him he would have the tech check the fuses and relays. …
My 2008 Buick Enclave has been an accident waiting to happen the entire life of the car. My main concern is the power steering. It has gone out 5-6 times in the 8 years I have owned the vehicle.if you would like invoice of each time/date I have them with the exact problem. Five or 6 times it went out.-- three at slow speed low RPM trying to turn in the city and at 6 1 wt 230 it took all my strength not to hit a car head on during the turn.three on the interstate turning off exit an higher speed. If my daughter or granddaughter had been driving in the city they would have been dead. Buick extended the power steering warranty to 150;000 miles . I had the last power steering pump put in at 149,432 miles 11/23/16. My concern to you and Buick is about every 25K power steering goes out. …
I have had continuous problems over the last year with the stabilitrack system going off and it telling me to service stabilitrack. However, now my transmission is going out and I have a car that I owe way too much for and can't afford to get the transmission fixed. On top of the transmission my ignition only works part of the time. There is no point in replacing the ignition if the transmission is gone. I have already replaced the motor on the windshield wipers but apparently the previous owner had the motor replaced during the recall so I had to pay out of pocket for that. Not to mention spending over $200 just to get my headlight bulb replaced at a shop because its not simple enough to just take the cover off and replace the bulb. This car has been nothing but a money pit. …
While traveling on a florida interstate at express way speeds, the transmission just quit functioning. I had just gone over the top of a bridge, let up on the throttle, than pressed down again to maintain speed. The engine increased RPM's but I continued to slow down. This was with heavy traffic on my side and behind me. When I found room enough to pull over, I had slowed considerably causing traffic to swerve around me and caused panic braking on their part. Buick motor has a notice out saying they will repair at no charge for 10 years, or 120,000 miles. I had 124,276 miles and they have refused to reimburse me. I consider this feature to be a safety issue, as there could have been a very serious accident because I no longer had any control in order to get out of the way. …
My service stabilty track keeps coming in and off and it's like the car just wants to stop as I'm driving on a major highway. Also, my check engine light is now on and staying on and seems to be with the transmission. The car will not go over 20/25 MPH and the rpms are going up really high with out the car really accelerateing. It's even worse knowing my children where in the car and it to happen out of no where. I have been in motion with both issues from fine one minute and not the next. I have a pic of what happens with the stabilty track but didn't get one with power problem due to where and when I was on road to dangerous. Service stabilty track happened 08/28/2018 and the power trans problem happened 09/01/2018 and is still a problem not able to drive vehicle. Will try a pic and upload later if possible. …
While I was driving vehicle it failed to accelerate as necessary between the speeds of 35-50 MPH. It has continued to do this .I'm sure it is because of the transmission. The transmission has a humming noise for the 1st, 2nd,3rd gears. It (transmission) also gives a slight jerk when putting in reverse gears. I have canvased a couple of transmission shops for information about problem and have been told that this is a common problem with this vehicle and all the other early models ( GMC-acadia, Saturn-outlook). It has been expressed that the 3-5-rev waveplate and other possibilities of failure. I have less that 84,000 miles on my vehicle and GM has a 5yr/100,000 mile warranty. …
Under 100K miles, transmission went out. Dealership stated, faulty wave washer and snap ring. This caused the vehicle to go into a neutral position at 70 miles/hr. Engine revved. Lost steering and vehicle would not accelerate. Had to coast to the shoulder during heavy traffic. GM stated replacement would cost $4500 for new transmission. Declined GM's estimate and went to a different auto shop and rebuilt the transmission. Mechanics at the transmission shop stated that GM/Buick was well aware of the faulty transmission but they have not recalled these faulty transmissions. Auto shop stated the part to fix the transmission only costs $7. Didn't want to get a new GM transmission as it May be just as faulty as the current transmission that had the problem. GM should be held accountable and I expect full reimbursement for the payment and emotional distress this problem has caused me.
Transmission complaints in other Enclave years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA has 139 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Buick Enclave, 26% of the model year's 536 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Buick Enclave transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Buick Enclave, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Buick Enclave transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.