Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Buick Enclave owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle prior to starting the engine. After starting the vehicle, the noise became louder. While operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and a humming noise was present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated that the transmission gear was faulty. The vehicle was serviced however, the failure persisted. No further information was available. In addition, after refueling the vehicle would not immediately startup. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The engine and fuel pump system failed while driving the vehicle. It is available upon request to inspect. I just towed it to the shop today on 10/22/25 to get a full inspection. My sister and I were put at risk while driving towards a hill in San Francisco. It was on a busy main road when suddenly the vehicle began to jerk and thud back and forth. While I pushed the gas pedal, I began to question why the vehicle was suddenly reacting this way. In efforts to pull over to the side, a huge smoke fog began to come out of the exhaust pipe. As I tried to reach the curb the car didn't want to move any further as I pushed on the gas. I put it in park and called the tow truck (receipts below) while there were cars passing me by almost causing an accident. I have looked online to see if there was a problem or recall with this vehicle having the same issue I was having. …
I am filing this safety complaint regarding a sudden and dangerous engine failure in a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL purchased from Frankfort Car Outlet on 8/25/2025. On 10/25/2025, while driving on the expressway, the engine suddenly began knocking, lost power, and stalled. This created a serious safety risk to myself and other drivers. The failure occurred only 60 days after purchase and approximately 2,000 miles later, suggesting a pre-existing internal defect that the dealership did not disclose. The dealership has refused to inspect the vehicle, acknowledge the safety risk, or assist in any way. This type of sudden engine failure could pose a serious hazard if similar vehicles have the same issue, and I believe NHTSA should be aware of the potential risk.
I was driving at 75 MPH and my engine shut off; car began to slow, fuel dropped, power steering went out, brakes didn't work. I was able to, thankfully, get to the side of the road safely and use the rumble strips to slow me down. I turned the car off and 5 min. Later turned it on and was able to drive to a safe location. This is a common issue and all of these conditions are related to the "limited warranty protection" that GM issued nov. 2015 (14582). This is a safety hazard. My car experienced all the other condition, malfunction indicator light came on multiple times ( May, sept), was issued a letter in nov. 2015 and then this occurred in jan. 2016. Stipulation for this to be covered, under 120K miles of 10 years whichever first. My car experienced initial troubles at 110K in May and this potential fatal incident at 125. Arguing with GM over this. …
The service engine soon light illuminated while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and a p0008 (timing chain) code was diagnosed. After reading numerous cases online about catastrophic engine failure, the car was parked and I began dealing with Buick customer service (crc) and later with the executive referral group. The Buick brand quality manager said that the problem was "fixed" for the 2010 model year and that's why the GM special policy #11340c was limited to 2007-2009 model years.they refused any assistance in fixing the engine. However, the GM bulletin sb-10052863-6133 specifies 2007-2012 model years. The technician that performed the repairs (at my expense) said that the failure was identical to the 2007-2009 vehicles. They even had parts on hand- which shows the extent of the problem. …
I was driving straight on the highway when the engine light came on, the engine started to run very rough, and very shortly thereafter (about one mile) the engine died. The car had to be towed to a mechanic where they found a broken timing chain that caused severe damage to the cylinder head, valves, and camshaft caps and sensors. While it was in for service they did correct recall 14187 front safety belt anchor however they charged me for replacing the rear lift-gate struts which should have been covered by recall 15240. Reimbursement request attached. While researching recalls I came across 10287 - customer satisfaction program addressing problems with the timing chain in several GM vehicles. This turned out to be a very costly repair because of the damage done by the chain whipping around in the engine compartment. It could have been avoided if a recall had been in place. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact also stated that while exiting a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with code p0008 and p0009, engine position system performance bank 1, and bank two timing chain, and timing chain kit for the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be serviced by a dealer. The contact had called woody Buick dealer, located on 1585-1591 ogden ave, naperville il 60540, and was told that the failure was dangerous and it was an emergency to bring the vehicle in. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. …
Purchased 2010 Buick Enclave new on 8/17/08. Had 48800 miles on it, on 1121/16 check engine light came on with code p0008. Took it in garage & discovered timing chain had excessive wear plus replaced both camshafts, valve covers gaskets, timing cover gasket, intake manifold gasket & etc. Was fixed for $3536.80. On 5/21/18 at 59050 engine light came on again with code p0017 took it back in found timing chain has excessive wear again replaced both intake & exhaust actuators with cam., intake manifold set, catalytic converter, timing chain because it was prematurely worn, & cam actuator assembly. Sent all documentation to GM but they basically laughed and said sorry out of warranty. I believe something should be done to force them to do a recall & reimburse us for all the timing chain repairs. At this rate we will be replacing timing chain every 10000 miles. …
Today I was driving to work, as I pulled into the driveway of work ticking noise started and then car died right on a hill blocking travel, it would not restart, so I had it towed to my mechanic who advised engine blown do to timing belt wear...all my oil was sucked into engine (just had an oil change 2 mths ago) and blew the motor! This is a known problem with this year, make, model of Buick, why is no one doing anything about a recall! I can't afford a new engine, nor a new car, I just purchased this used at hurd Buick in rhode island 5/2017 explained needed dependable car, I'm a single parent working full time and they gave me a lemon knowing full well the engine problems with this midel! NHTSA needs to make GM accountable to the consumer of 2010 models like they did with the 2008-2009 models this is so unfair. …
Check engine light came on at 71000 miles. After two separate diagnostic checks at two different locations, both matched with diagnosis of issue with a bad timing chain. Vehicle is tagged as 2010 even though label inside car shows as being actually having been manufactured in 09/2009. Discussions with dealership where purchased and Buick themselves LED to no action in terms of warranty/recall/special conditions coverage - even though this was a known issue on the enclaves produced between 2007-2009. Initial estimates for the work, including labor exceeding $3000. NHTSA 10052863 shows that 2008-2012 Buick enclaves and the availability of 3 service kits for high feature v6 engine applications. Further, it shows that these kits should be used on vehicles covered under the terms of the any warranty or special coverage terms. …
Engine complaints in other Enclave years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Buick Enclave, 27% of the model year's 275 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2010 Buick Enclave engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 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 2010 Buick Enclave engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.