Power Train Problems of Buick Enclave - part 1

2019 Buick Enclave (gm) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50mph, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by [xxx] mother-in-law ([xxx]). Her daughter ([xxx]) was driving. Had [xxx] been driving, there would have been a wreck. [xxx] was able to coast into a corner gas station/garage. Buy next day mechanic was able to isolate failure to alternator. Since we performed the repair at the closest mechanic, I do not know what gm knows. I see on internet a high volume of alternator failures in Enclaves. It doesn't seem an alternator failure should be so abrupt, without warning and with such dire immediate impact. Gm has said they 'may' have been able to help with the cost of the repair if we had had it done at an authorized service center. Frankly, this feels like a trap (and Nissan did exactly this to me 2 years ago - asking me to tow into their service center and then saying 'oops, sorry, no warranty . . . ). Gm should buy their failed alternator back and study why it failed and why that failure had this impact to the vehicle. The repair was made with a gm part - honestly, not sure if that's good or bad, but there is no excuse for gm to not own their part failure. No one other than the mechanic has inspected the car. He would probably be glad to speak to NHTSA. No prior warning lights, messages, symptoms. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2019 Buick Enclave 🔎.

The problematic 9 speed transmission failed at 72,000 miles on [xxx]. Gm required a flush due to the significant shudder problems in the transmissions. This was performed on this vehicle at 32,000 miles. Gm knows the is issues. The car brought to gerald jones gm in graniteville, SC and gm/Buick customer service was contacted 5/22/26 and after. The transmission failed when traveling on busy highway in aiken, SC on [xxx]. The money spent for these cars with failed transmission design/construction and the safety risk to all traffic must be addressed by NHTSA. Gm customer is horrific in there determination to cover up this colossal issue and safety risk. No one holds them accountable. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Driving home from work on interstate, 2 month old 2026 Buick Enclave jolted and shut off completely while going 65mph. Barely pulled over safely to the left side (oklahoma drivers). Restarted car, check engine light illuminated with messages of reduced engine power (limp mode up to 35mph) while stuck on highway, traction control and esc disabled. Was able to get off highway and limp to nearest gm dealer. They performed diagnostics 3 days later and replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor. It did not fix it. More codes according to dealer and they are involving engineers. Moving next week on military orders and car is still being worked on with no estimate of time to complete. Insanely concerning safety hazard for a brand new car to shut off on the highway. Could have died or killed others in accident. Unable to invoke lemon law yet but not comfortable driving the car again especially across the country on limited time.

Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 Enclaves.

See all problems of the 2016 Buick Enclave 🔎.

The engine, power steering, stabilitrak, and reduced engine power (vehicle would essentially die while driving at random times). My safety and others were put at risk when I am traveling down the road/interstate and the engine just cuts out and am no longer able to accelerate to any speeds, causing me to have to pull over to the shoulder without any engine power. Yes, the problem has reproduced and confirmed with the dealer I purchased from. Vehicle has not been inspected by the above mentioned. Only had it inspected by the dealer I purchased the vehicle from. There were no prior lamps, messages, or other symptoms until it just showed up while driving one day. It happens at the same time as the engine loses power and acceleration. The check engine light comes on, within 2-3 seconds the engine "dies" and then the "service stabilitrak" pops up, as well as the warning "reduced engine power". This first appeared on approximately on 05 Jun 2026. Vehicle was purchased on 12 may 2026.

See all problems of the 2014 Buick Enclave 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power and was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,684.

See all problems of the 2020 Buick Enclave 🔎.

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). Investigation reveals that this is a widespread, systemic safety defect caused by design flaws in the vehicle's body. Rainwater and moisture from clogged factory sunroof drains or cowl seams leak directly down into the interior cabin wall, pooling into the primary instrument panel-to-body wiring harness block (x218 connector) in the driver's side footwell. This water intrusion causes green corrosion on the delicate pins, short-circuiting the 5-volt reference sensor circuit for the throttle controls while the vehicle is in motion. General motors is fully aware of this exact defect and has documented it internally via technical service bulletin (TSB) #10-00-89-017h (and related gm tsbs). Because this defect causes unexpected, immediate engine failure and disables traction safety networks while driving, it constitutes a severe safety hazard that should be escalated to a mandatory safety recall.

See all problems of the 2012 Buick Enclave 🔎.

After two transmission flushes and being told by a Buick dealership's service technicians that nothing is wrong with the vechile's transmission, it has now failed completely at ~90k miles.

See all problems of the 2018 Buick Enclave 🔎.

The car frequently just slams on the brakes on its own when reversing. Doesn’t matter the speed, and nothing is behind me at all. It also triggers a check engine light with transmission errors if you get a car wash and it is even mildly cold. Transmission errors when it gets too cold or snow in the grill.

See all problems of the 2025 Buick Enclave 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. A bystander pushed the vehicle to the side road, and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact’s husband inspected the vehicle and determined that it had experienced transmission failure. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.

My wife's 2025 Buick Enclave with less than 10,000 miles (around 9,800) stranded us on the highway. Transmission was shuddering and felt like we were hitting rumble straps on acceleration. Then, we couldn't go over 18 mph, then it just stopped. Couldn't even pull off to the side of the road because the electronics wouldn't let the vehicle go into neutral to allow us to push it onto the shoulder. Eventually we got it off the interstate to a residential area. When tow truck arrived, they couldn't get it into neutral and had to drag it onto the wrecker with generous amounts of wd-40. That can't be good for the vehicle. The vehicle is at randy wise Buick in fenton, michigan. We were lucky not to have been hit on the interstate. Biggest worry is not the transmission problem but that we couldn't even push it off the roadway.

While slowing down with foot of accelerator, to stop at an intersection, the rear wheel’s momentarily locked up.

No first gear. Engine stalls if car is brought to a halt. On take off, car will stall if given too much throttle. If able to roll from dead stop, it will jerk and hesitate as if in too high of gear or dragging clutch.

See all problems of the 2013 Buick Enclave 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The vehicle was reversed out of the driveway; however, after shifting into drive(d) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, vibrated, and the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. After several minutes, the vehicle functioned as intended. A short distance later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to auto zone, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to a private dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter was clogged, and that the electronic brake control center module and the transmission module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The car hesitates when accelerating. It feels like its going to die. Also, the car has shut off randomly with the display saying "not in right conditions to start". The dying has happened a few times.

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while stopped at a gas station; after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle was restarted but was unable to shift to drive(d). The contact attempted to shift to reverse(r) and the shift lever failed to respond. The contact stated an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? the issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an evap-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? when the engine shuts off, the vehicle loses all power, including steering and brake assist. This has happened at red lights, stop signs, and in school zone traffic. I have to restart the vehicle while stopped in active traffic lanes, which puts me and others at high risk of being hit. I am a single mom with 3 young children. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. A Buick dealership inspected the vehicle earlier this year. They observed the stalling issue but could not identify a single cause. They suggested possible repair attempts, but the issue has continued. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? it has only been inspected by a Buick dealership service department. No other agencies have inspected it. Were there any warning lights, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure? when did they first appear? no warning lights or messages appeared when it first happened. The problem began before I replaced the battery, and replacing the battery did not resolve the issue. Additional description: when I come to a stop—at red lights, stop signs, or in traffic—the vehicle’s auto start-stop system activates like normal, but instead of restarting, the engine will completely shut off. I then lose power steering and braking support and must restart the car in the middle of the roadway. It is unpredictable and unsafe. Sometimes it’s instantly but today I sat there for 15 minutes waiting. I took it straight to autozone and everything tested good.

The vehicle began shuddering and losing power during normal driving. The issue occurs at various speeds, especially between 35–60 mph, and feels as though the car is slipping or will stall. A certified service center diagnosed a failing torque converter, which is part of the transmission/power train. The repair estimate was several thousand dollars. This failure poses a safety risk because the vehicle can suddenly lose acceleration or struggle to move in traffic. The service center confirmed the defect but stated there is no recall or assistance from Buick or gm. I have contacted Buick customer care and gm executive offices with no response. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive.

The muffler and tail pipe has fallen off 6 times and ive had to get repaired. I believe it is due to the bad torque converter that others have complained about and goggle says that is a likely failure on the Buick.

See all problems of the 2021 Buick Enclave 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at 30 to 40 mph, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was hard to shift. The tpms was illuminated. The contact indicated the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 20v668000 (power train). The local dealer was contacted, who informed about the diagnostic fees. The contact called another local dealer, starling Buick GMC stuart parts, and starling Buick GMC stuart service, at 2445 se federal hwy, stuart, FL 34994, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, which confirmed the failure was due to the torque converter. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall or warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The torque converter is failing it seems this is far too common and dangerous with all Buick Enclaves for this year. The vehicle shakes when applying the gas not having the power it needs to keep a steady speed without shaking. A mechanic stated the torque converter is bad known as the “gm shutter”.

The 2019 Buick Enclave was taken in for transmission fluid flush & check. The dealer came back and stated that the torque converter needed replacement. The car was still under mileage warranty but just past the roll-off-line date by a month. There are numerous issues all over the internet related to the Enclave torque converter issues. Even a service bulleting pip5608j that covers these exact issues. It is a wide spread safety issue. If the transmission fails, what is the outcome at high speeds? it has just over 69,000 miles. Todays transmissions should last 150,000 miles minimum. Unacceptable!.

The dealership is unable to identify the failing component or system. The vehicle shuts off while driving above speeds of 60mph, which causes the power steering pump and power brake pump to fail. This symptom of shutting off while driving creates a significant life safety risk for the driver, passengers, and other motorists. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership over 4 times in 3 months. Since the vehicle shuts off, there are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure.

See all problems of the 2015 Buick Enclave 🔎.

I purchased a 2010 Buick Enclave from a dealer who did not disclose any major issues with the vehicle. After purchase, I began experiencing significant problems while driving, including difficulty shifting, loss of power, and unstable handling. Concerned for my safety, I took the Buick to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic verified that: •the wrong transmission had been installed in the vehicle, causing unsafe shifting and performance issues. •the driveshaft was malfunctioning, which affects the stability and control of the SUV. •no warning or check engine lights were on •cv axel bolts were zip tied closed because of these defects, the mechanic told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. These problems were never disclosed to me at the time of sale, and I would not have purchased the vehicle had I known.

See all problems of the 2010 Buick Enclave 🔎.

This is the third time in less the last couple of months that the air conditioning system on this 2019 Buick Enclave has failed. The vehicle consistently blows only hot air, regardless of whether it is in motion or stationary. The problem does not fluctuate with changes in speed or drive duration. In addition, there is a consistent noise coming from the dashboard area that resembles a hydraulic hinge or actuator.

My vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway and was unable to put in drive.

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while at a stop light the auto start/stop feature malfunctioned. The contact stated that after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle turned off instead of restarting the engine. The contact stated that several minutes had passed before being able to restart the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v668000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

For the past month, I had been unable to start the vehicle unless I would turn the key without fully starting the vehicle and having to shift to each gear until I would be able to start it. It would start in any gear, but mostly in neutral. Now, on September 25, 2024, I stopped at a shopping center and I was unable to turn the vehicle on at all and it is now stuck in that parking lot. I had not been able to report it because hurricane helene hit (September 26, 2024) and we just got power, but phone lines and internet are not stable and cut off in the middle of calls and we have issues uploading documents. I called gm about the issue yesterday and they said because my VIN is not on the recall list that I have to pay for my car to be towed ($89 hook up fee plus $8 per mile) and I have to pay for any repairs. The airbag needs to be replaced as well because it has not been replaced due to the dealership saying they had not received the part and the appointment would be cancelled, so I quit making an appointment to have the driver's side air bag replaced.

My car starting sputtering on take off from stops, extremely dangerous if you’re trying to get out in traffic and keep up quickly from a stop. Then when I took it to get looked at it the mechanic said it needs a new transmission. Now my family is stuck because that’s our only vehicle big enough for our growing family. They’re was a check engine light that keeps coming on.

Shortly after purchasing my 2017 Enclave premium around 60000 I noticed a problem that felt like vehicle's tires were skipping when making sharp turns. Upon my own extensive research (as I didn’t have time money and couldn’t go won’t vehicle) discovered a clutch pack needed replaced. This is after replacing the battery and brakes nit even a month after buying. Later after taking it for an oil change I received a report stating the rear differential was cracked and power steering rack needed replaced. While driving in rush hour traffic one day all power steering was lost with no explanation. Still having problems with tire pressure monitor replacing multiple tire stems and tires. Won’t start after filling with gas or is stuck in crank position trying to start when it finally dies it wants to stall out. Currently headlights are flickering with no known cause. Oh and the driver heated seat stopped working right after purchase. I’m at a huge loss with repairs costing more than the worth of a vehicle that continues to have serious issues even after fixing the problem it seems to repeat itself. Owe too much to trade in. All these problems are known to occur I cannot believe this isn’t a lemon or recalled parts. If not in Enclave same thing happens in similar vehicles made by sane manufacturers during the same years. I will never purchase another GMC nor purchase from Toyota who failed to help after purchase.

See all problems of the 2017 Buick Enclave 🔎.

I found where there was a recall on 2019 Buick and mine was not listed. It is doing what I have read about the recall. The transmission is shuttering at low speeds.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2008 Buick Enclave 🔎.

After waiting at stop light with foot on the brake (auto stop not engaged) the light turned green. After releasing brake pedal and the car rolling approx 1 foot , then starting to accelerate, within 1-1/2 seconds the transmission went into park abruptly. The shift lever displayed “park” and “parking brake” on the dic illuminated. This almost caused a rear end accident as it was so abrupt. If it would have happened at over 5 mph the airbags could have gone off causing occupant(s) injury. The resolve was to apply the brake and shift into drive with no issue after that. Will contact dealer tomorrow.

I have had my car looked at and my camshaft reductor wheel/valve is broken. This happened very unexpectedly and almost caused a serious accident at highway speeds. I was able to drift the car to the shoulder from the middle lane, but almost was hit by a semi when my car randomly stalled out in the middle of I-5. This is a problem I have sense researched and has happened to many others with the same car and model year.

See all problems of the 2011 Buick Enclave 🔎.

Driving on the interstate at approx. 70 mph when the vehicle made a lurch forward motion. The vehicle lost power. We were near a exit ramp and coast to the intersection. Vehicle would start but would not shift out of park. We could not move the vehicle. It would not even go into neutral to push the vehicle to safety. The police were called to direct traffic, while waiting for a tow truck. We attempted to restart the vehicle several time so we could it in neutral during the next 45 minutes . The police had to leave and made a final try to put the vehicle in neutral after restarting, it went into neutral . The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder and the police put flares out to advise of a disabled vehicle, and left the scene. After about 2hours and 50 minutes the tow truck arrived. The truck operator got into the vehicle, started the vehicle and put it into drive and drove it onto the flat bed tow truck. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was purchased. We bought the Buick new, 2024, with 3 miles on it. When this occurred it had 1814 miles on it March 13th 2024. Our phone app for my Buick states that diagnostics results shows engine and transmission system to service now. Today is April 6 2024. Vehicle still not repaired. Cause of problem a sensor or transmission over heated and locked up the transmission. Once it cooled it could be moved. Buick customer care were notified case # available.

See all problems of the 2024 Buick Enclave 🔎.