Buick Enclave years to avoid

How we rated the best and worst Buick Enclave years

While evaluating the best and worst Enclave years, our team used important metrics indicating the model’s reliability through the model years. These include NHTSA complaint records, details on official recalls scheduled by Buick, and other pieces of information such as safety ratings and crash test results.

We also wanted to provide you with a complete picture which is why our team experts also looked into consumer reviews and car ratings on sites of authority like Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports. We compared all these pieces of information searching for the common thread, and that’s how we got our results:

Most common Buick Enclave problems

The Buick Enclave, which made its debut in 2008, is still being produced as of 2021. It has experienced its fair share of model-specific problems throughout the years, and some models are more prone to developing troubles. Most complaints were filed regarding the 2008 Buick Enclave, with 536 at NHTSA.

The following are the most typical Buick Enclave issues across all model years:

1. Engine problems

According to reports, the engines of Buick Enclave vehicles produced between 2008 and 2010 started to malfunction at higher mileage. There have been reports of the check engine light remaining on, engine failure, sluggish acceleration, timing chain troubles, and other problems.

These issues arise at high miles, but proper maintenance can help prevent them. An entire engine replacement is a big expense on any Buick Enclave.

The Buick Enclave’s engine is one of its strong qualities; it generates enough power to drive the midsize SUV even when fully loaded. This is why many Enclave owners were dissatisfied when the timing chain in their SUV started to malfunction.

Timing chains are meant to last a long time; however, some Enclave timing chains stretched much earlier.

2. Transmission problems

There have been a lot of transmission issues with Buick Enclaves from 2008 and 2009. Shuttering, slipping out of gear, and total transmission failure were among the problems.

Repairing a Buick Enclave’s transmission can be quite pricey.

3. Power steering problems

A large car like the Buick Enclave is much easier to control with power steering. Driving can become difficult and dangerous if this feature is lost, especially if the steering becomes unresponsive when traveling at high speeds on hazardous terrain. This mostly happens due to power steering fluid leaks and improper pressure in the fluid system.

The Buick Enclave model year that receives the most power steering-related complaints is 2010. Many customers have complained that the power steering on their vehicle occasionally malfunctions. Most of the time, it gets challenging to spin the steering wheel.

Older Buick Enclave owners have frequently reported problems with their SUVs’ power steering. Some Enclave drivers from 2008 and 2009 have claimed that the power steering in their cars eventually failed.

4. Internal accessories problems

The Buick Enclave’s interior is filled with various extras that make every drive enjoyable. However, some of them, if flawed or worn out, can also lead to issues for drivers and passengers.

The 2008 through 2010 Buick Enclaves’ air conditioning system, condenser, and other interior components allegedly fail early.

Some 2015 Buick Enclave owners have complained that ambient lighting on the dashboard reflected light from outside the car. Especially if the light is bright, the reflection appears on the windshield and resembles a fracture, distracting the driver. Other 2016 Enclave owners have reported similar issues.

The heated steering wheel is a standard feature on the 2015 Enclave to keep the driver’s hands cozy. While useful in cold weather, some Enclaves’ heating systems were reportedly too hot to handle safely.

5. Check engine light problem

Check engine light issues are common in all Buick Enclave models. The check engine light might indicate several problems, which can give you a hard time with the Enclave. Even when there is no issue, the engine light may occasionally turn on.

Because of this, owners and mechanics could spend hours searching for problems that don’t exist. This ghost-like engine light issue is that you should pay attention to it since, if there is an actual problem, failing to have your Enclave checked out could result in severe damage. Fortunately, one thing that may help you decide if it’s a real problem is applying a trick to turn off the check engine light.

Worst Buick Enclave years to avoid

Without question, the midsize SUV market has been given a more opulent makeover with the Buick Enclave. The Buick Enclave is regarded as a more upscale midsize SUV compared to its rivals. 

But regrettably, this car now has a list of model years to stay away from because of too many defects and recalls. Many people experience anxiety while considering buying a Buick Enclave because of those issues, so what are the worst Buick Enclave years? The worst Buick Enclave years are 2008 and 2014, but here’s a full list:

• 2008
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014

The Buick Enclave is still a good vehicle so we’ll show you why you should avoid those model years and focus on the recommended options instead.

First-generation Enclave (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 model years)

Because it was the first, the 2008 Buick Enclave, with 536 NHTSA complaints, is widely regarded as the worst of all the Buick Enclave models. This model year’s most prevalent fault is with the transmission, and many owners said their transmission issues began at higher mileage.

When they accelerated or changed gears, their cars would jerk and make loud noises. Repairing or rebuilding the transmission can get expensive, especially if a warranty does not cover the vehicle.

There have also been reports of airbag failure, total engine failure, and power steering problems. These are all costly and risky issues that need to be addressed.

Furthermore, this model had engine problems, which caused the “check engine light” to remain illuminated. In some cases, there was nothing wrong with the engine, just a faulty check engine light. This could be costly because you’d have to pay a mechanic to determine whether the car was in good working order.

The 2009 model also had issues with the timing chain in the car wearing out early. While not as critical as the transmission, a broken timing chain will cause your vehicle to run improperly. This issue will only worsen if ignored.

2011 wasn’t any different. There were reports of the timing chain failing, resulting in engine power loss while driving. Another common complaint about this model was alternator failure, which means the car battery could not be charged.

Despite being released three years after the 2011 model, the 2014 Buick Enclave had just as many problems. Due to numerous issues, this model year drew 292 NHTSA complaints and went through seven recalls for various problems including airbag faults and electrical systems.