Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Buick Enclave owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving uphill and while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired after the dealer made a contract for the repair; however, the failure recurred, and the contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was then taken to two independent mechanics, who retrieved failure codes from the wheel speed sensor. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the engine started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated when he disengaged the accelerator pedal and depressed it again, the engine stopped shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure however, the check engine light was reset. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring from the original date of purchase. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic several times. The contact stated that the catalytic converter, alternator, battery, fuel pump and fuel pressure sensors were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and hesitated while attempting to accelerate and depressing the accelerator pedal. During the failure, the check engine warning light momentarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while opening the rear liftgate door, there was a clicking sound coming from the driver's side rear liftgate door strut. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V415000 (STRUCTURE). The failure mileage was 118,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston rods failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second diagnostic test which confirmed the result from the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 140,000
What does it mean when my car says service StabiliTrak and service traction control? Its main function is indicating that the traction system has been turned off manually to remind you to turn it back on when necessary. However, the StabiliTrak warning light may also signal potential damage to vehicle components that allow the system to work effectively. Loss of Power to Engine, Can't stear, feels like its about to blow up. It seems very usual for the Enclaves, Traverses and Acadias. And I had the same problem out of my 2014 Traverse LTZ
Driving along and engine power reduced causing car to slow significantly - like downshifting two gears. Lights / traction control lights came on dash. Errors flashed - "Traction Control Off", "Service Stabilitrak", "Engine Power Reduced" All of this not only caused a slight bit of confusion, but placed us in danger with the flow of traffic. A repair shop replaced the gas pedal, however issue persists. Research indicates the throttle body sensor might be at fault - so we replaced this. Issue persisted, so I spent time online and found a GM TSB indicating a known issue and extending the warranty 10 years or 120K miles for P2138 Code. At this point, this issue persists intermittently, so we do not consider the vehicle safe to drive.
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 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). …
My vehicle just turned off while at a stop sign preparing to turn. It was towed to a mechanic that advised it was 2 quarts low in oil (oil was replaced 2 weeks prior) and that my battery needed to be replaced. They added the oil and replaced the battery. I drive the car ~ 5 miles home and it stopped again. This time when trying to start the car, there was an audible screeching coming from the engine and the engine was shaking. The mechanic offered to towels the car back to their shop. After inspection, they advised that "something" was broken inside the engine and that it needed to be replaced. My car has 75,000 miles on it; has had regular maintenance; there were no check engine lights and/or over heating lights. I was also advised by the mechanic that this is a common known issue with Buick. …
GM has know about the faulty timing chain and the seals used on the motor for years and continued to use it costing owners thousands of dollars instead of taking the necessary steps to resolve the problem before continuing the manufacturing process. I have oil leaking out from under the vehicle on the passenger side. This has caused a large amount of oil to accumulate on the engine,brakes and under carriage that posses a safety hazard. I have had to clean this off a few times.
The timing chain failed on my Buick Enclave. This is a known defect that should be covered by GM under a recall. It is happening frequently to other owners as well. It is a safety issue because if it fails while driving it can result in accidents or injury. The issue occurred while moving and impacted performance, but did not result in an accident for me. I had the issue repaired by a mechanic.
Engine complaints in other Enclave years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Buick Enclave, 18% of the model year's 132 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Buick Enclave engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 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 2012 Buick Enclave engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.