Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 11% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 29% | 44,000 miles |
| 2023 | 2 | 10% | 2,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 21% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2020 | 18 | 30% | 53,000 miles |
| 2019 | 12 | 27% | 25,000 miles |
| 2018 | 15 | 23% | 24,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% | 35,000 miles |
| 2016 | 9 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2015 | 12 | 7% | 74,000 miles |
| 2014 | 18 | 6% | 55,000 miles |
| 2013 | 14 | 20% | 73,000 miles |
| 2012 | 24 | 18% | 112,000 miles |
| 2011 | 38 | 18% | 80,000 miles |
| 2010 | 74 | 27% | 92,000 miles |
| 2009 | 43 | 20% | 85,000 miles |
| 2008 | 86 | 16% | 82,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Car was purchased on 1/2/25 and first issue with vehicle was on 1/30/25 for check engine light. Feb 20,2025-Check engine light, car shakes, radio and dash go in and out, passenger rear window screeches. issues fixed except vibration. May 26, 2025 check engine light. rear window still making noise-fixed . Trunk gets stuck-no fix. Unaligned lane assist, car continues to shake. Sept, 26 2025-Brakes continue to make noise and now pulsate. Dealer found that pads and rotors were warped and had discoloration, and were replaced under warranty at 11,845 miles. CAR WAS IN SERVICE FROM SEPT 26-OCT 23, 2025. BRAKE NOISE STARTED 2 DAYS LATER-TEXTED ADVISOR Dec 4-Car continues to shake and brakes continue to make squealing noise. Have email from GM TAC stating "SOME noise from the brakes is a normal characteristic, especially if the brakes are cold or wet. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Had to do with the Transmission. Something about internal loose bolts from the factory in the torque converter that cause transmission fluid leakage and making the car undrivable. Might be related to PIP6005 or CSP N242473580) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Not being able to take off from a stoplight could have been easily rear ended. Had it broke a came to a complete stop on the interstate, my wife and kids could have been killed from high speed impact at the rear of the vehicle could have life impacting injuries or death. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? …
Due to an inability of the Buick auto manufacturers to provide parts to my 2022 Enclave, after becoming disabled to drive in auto accident..since November 27th, enduring a 3 month wait with rental car fees, and emotional stress strickly because unable to obtain parts! How does a company sell a car without the ability to pro ide ANY customer service in a timely manner.. I've made 4 car payments with no car..I purchased a Buick with the expectation of quality service..
Mounting bracket for exhaust in front develops a leak at a cross member. GMC is aware of the issue and has refused to honor their extended warranty for the 2021 model year on my 2022 Buick that was delivered in 2021 due to mileage even though the extended service plan extends mileage to 150,000, mi and 15 years. Vehicle has exhaust leak which triggered check engine light. Could also possibly cause carbon monoxide poisoning
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the hood. Additionally, there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the passenger's side flex pipe bracket had cracked, causing damages to the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the flex pipe and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 52,580.
Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [redacted] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Vehicle & Incident Details: * Make/Model/Year: 2020 Buick Enclave * VIN: [redacted] * Mileage: ~116,834 miles (purchased at ~62,000 miles, used) * Purchase Date: [Insert Month/Year] * Dealer: Kyle Durrence Claxton Dealership Repair History: * First repair attempt: TPMS system * Second repair attempt: Connector assembly block * Total out-of-pocket spent: $4,000+ * Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Safety Impact: * Engine shuts off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of collision. * Vehicle is my only mode of transportation. * Dealership has not provided a loaner vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but had to stop 5 times to allow the vehicle to cool down. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer. The mechanic found no failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Contact was on top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The fast idle has the engine revved to high so that when foot was off the brake on a 5-8% slope the car accelerates to 6500RPM with in 250 feet taking the car to 30MPH in low gear. …
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventilation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down. Eventually, the vehicle failed to turn off, and the owner disconnected the battery. A towing company was called to tow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Enclave years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (86), 2010 (74), 2009 (43), 2011 (38) and 2012 (24) model years. Engine complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Buick Enclave engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Buick Enclave model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Enclave engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (2 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (2).
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.