2013 Buick Enclave Problems: 3 Known Issues
2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Buick Enclave has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6 ($3,200-$3,400 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $495 to $3,400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2013 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$7.99/month plus taxes at launch on January 1, 2027 · No payment today
All 3 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls12 recalls
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
SEAT BELTS
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured March 26, 2013, through August 15, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the engine control module (ECM) software may cause the fuel gauge to read inaccurately.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Buick Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Buick Enclave problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Buick Enclave has 3 documented issues. Documented issues include: Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6, Rear A/C Evaporator Corrosion & Refrigerant Leaks, Water Pump Leak / Coolant Loss on 3.6L V6. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Enclave reliable?
The 2013 Buick Enclave has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Buick Enclave problems?
Repair costs for known Buick Enclave issues range from $495 to $3,400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6, typically costs $3,200-$3,400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2008-2013 Buick Enclave Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6?
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… Repairs typically run $3,200-$3,400. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Buick Enclave Rear A/C Evaporator Corrosion & Refrigerant Leaks?
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… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2017 Buick Enclave Water Pump Leak / Coolant Loss on 3.6L V6?
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… Repairs typically run $495-$1,100. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.