2008-2021 Buick Enclave Problems: 11 Known Issues

GM recalled 2009 Buick Enclave models under NHTSA campaign 09V073000. On some Enclaves the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged, which allows the position of the shift lever to disagree with the gear the transmission is actually in. The danger is at the end of the drive: the driver can select PARK and remove the key while the transmission is not in park, leaving a large crossover free to roll away with no one in it. NHTSA also notes the driver may be unable to restart the vehicle. The recall is written as a noncompliance with FMVSS 102 and FMVSS 114.

The first-generation Enclave (built 2008-2017) uses the 6T70/6T75 6-speed automatic, whose stamped-steel 35R wave plate can crack at the teeth after enough shift cycles. When it fractures, the transmission abruptly loses 3rd, 5th, and reverse gears, and debris can damage the valve body, drums, and torque converter. GM's bulletin and special coverage for this failure cover 2008-2009 Enclaves.

Both the 6-speed (first-gen) and the 9-speed 9T65 (second-gen, 2018+) Enclaves are prone to a torque converter clutch shudder felt as a vibration or 'chuggle' during light acceleration, low-speed lockup, or while climbing grades. On 2018 models GM addressed low-speed TCC shudder on re-apply after a shift under TSB 18-NA-091, and on 2019-2021 models GM's PIP5608F traces it to excessive assembly lube in the transmission fluid. Left unaddressed, the shudder can accelerate clutch and converter wear.

Only the 2008 Enclave is included in NHTSA recall 08V441000, and only if the vehicle was built with the heated wiper washer fluid system. The washer fluid heater's printed circuit board can develop a short circuit that overheats the control-circuit ground wire. GM's reported consequence is malfunction of other electrical features, an odor, or smoke, with an increased risk of fire. The recall's 857,735-unit total is campaign-wide across all the GM nameplates involved.

NHTSA recall 10V240000 covers 2008-2009 Buick Enclaves that left the factory with the heated washer fluid system. The heated washer module contains a printed circuit board that can short. A 2008 recall added a fuse to the module's control circuit harness to address the consequences of that short, yet GM received new reports of thermal incidents on modules after the fuse was installed — which is what escalated this into a removal campaign. Per NHTSA, it is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur. The heated washer feature was optional, so an Enclave without it is outside the recall.

Higher-mileage first-generation Enclaves with the 3.6L V6 (worst on the 2008-2010 cars) can burn oil excessively, and in the most severe cases the engine fails outright, including reports of a hole punched in the block. The condition is linked to the same engine's timing-chain/oiling weaknesses, and GM bulletin PI0746 documents PCV-related oil deposits collecting at the throttle body on 2008-2011 3.6L (LY7/LLT) Enclaves. Owners who don't monitor oil level risk progressive engine damage.

The 3.6L high-feature V6 in 2008-2013 Enclaves is prone to timing chain stretch and worn chain guides/tensioners, sometimes appearing as early as 40,000-60,000 miles. As the chain elongates, valve timing drifts, triggering misfires and a rattle at idle/startup; if a chain jumps a tooth it can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage. GM acknowledged premature chain wear under certain driving conditions with the vehicle's original oil change intervals and issued Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C extending the chain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles, but for the Enclave it covers only the 2009 model year.

2008-2011 Enclaves (and platform-mates Acadia/Traverse/Outlook) can develop a power steering pump wear condition that causes an intermittent drop in hydraulic pressure and sudden reduced or lost steering assist. The vehicle reverts to manual steering requiring much greater effort, most noticeable at low speeds and during parking. GM issued a Special Coverage Adjustment covering the condition for 10 years/150,000 miles rather than a formal NHTSA recall.

Many 2013-2016 Enclaves lose air conditioning because fine copper particles ejected from the rear blower motor settle on the rear evaporator and, combined with condensation, corrode it and cause pinhole refrigerant leaks. High-pressure A/C lines can also leak at connections from vibration and corrosion. Owners notice the system gradually stops blowing cold, with no obvious external cause.

Enclave owners report failed HVAC blend-door actuators. Because multiple actuators control temperature blend, vent direction, and recirculation, a failure leaves one zone stuck hot or cold. The part itself is inexpensive but labor varies widely by which actuator failed.

The 3.6L V6 in the Enclave is known for water pump failure: GM bulletins describe leaks from the water pump shaft seal, often made worse by running the engine with a low coolant level, which can lead to pump failure. Owners frequently find coolant puddling after the car is parked and may see overheating if the leak is severe. It is considered a fairly routine wear item on this engine.