2008 Buick Enclave: engine overheating

Filed May 17, 2022 · Engine · 160,000 miles · TX · fire

The contact owned a 2008 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, a warning message indicating that the vehicle was overheated illuminated. The contact pulled into a nearby parking lot. The contact then opened the hood of the vehicle by engaging the power release button inside of the vehicle. The contact saw black smoke and flames coming out from underneath the hood. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle remained at the scene. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V240000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 220,000 miles · IN

The car was spitting d sputter and overheating on the main hightway... Engine light started flashing a d it showed misfires on cylinders 2,4,6.... The problem is on going and has had my 2 year old and myself sitting on the side of the road in 110 degree heat index waiting on a tow truck!. We were driving straight down the main highway. Then the accelerator would be floored but the vehicle wouldnt move at all. Thus I couldnt cross the last main highway to get home. It said service stabiltract/ traction control, with wngine light flashing... Still isnt fixed

Filed Nov 9, 2018 · Transmission · 158,000 miles · OK

Transmission had an overheat indication on a trip. Had the trans fluid replaced, car worked fine for another 1k miles. Car would then not shift properly, nor could it be shifted manually, took it in. Tech found a wiring connector with bad continuity, fixed that. Car good for two months. Trans began slipping badly and would only go into three gears, could not drive over 30 MPH on the freeway after a 65 MPH cruise. Transmission required complete replacement at 158k miles. Cost $4,285.00. Come to find out this known defect has happened to thousands of enclave/acadia/saturn suvs since 2008. Some with as little as 20k miles, others up to 200k miles. Of course, nothing has been done about this. This is a safety and drivability issue that needs to be recalled and the owners compensated for their repair costs. Insane!

Filed Sep 14, 2011 · Engine, Visibility · 20,140 miles · PA

The first problem that occurred was the engine overheated and the water pump had to be replaced. Car was only 3 years old with 20,140 miles on it. Since then the main problems have been with the sunroof leaking. This caused the blower motor to fail. The water leaks have happened at least 4 times. The drains keep clogging. There is no fix for this according to the dealer. Not acceptable! They told me not to park under trees. Are you kidding me? I've had sunroofs before and never had a problem. The recall for the drain extensions did nothing. Eventually there will be other problems. Who knows what else is getting wet where I can't see it. Mold is inevitable. I have 3 kids and this is ridiculous. I didn't spend all this money for a piece of junk! I will never buy gm again if they don't do something.

Filed Sep 11, 2011 · Body · 26,000 miles · NJ

My 2008 buick enclave leaks and now has a mold smell inside of the vehicle. Also, the blower motor has failed twice and the car overheats without any warning. I have taken the car to the dealer and the problem continues to happen.

Filed Jan 7, 2011 · Engine · 48,588 miles · CA

2008 buick enclave water pump failure. 48000 miles on vehicle. Driving home on freeway at night looked down at temp gauge and saw it was on red. Smoke was coming out of the back of the car as well as the hood area. I was afraid to pull over on the freeway since I was in dead cell phone zone and am female. I was an exit from home so I was able to make it home. As I approached my drive way the "check engine" light finally came on as well as "change oil soon" info flashed on the display, by this time car was smoking from under the hood as well as the under the car. Called tow company next morning to tow to nearest gm dealer. Waited to hear from them all day and nothing finally close to 5 pm the rep called and said I would get a rental on gm overnight until they can look at it. Next day I was told water pump failed. Section 5 page 27 of owners manual said motor oil would need to be changed after operating in overheated vehicle engine protection mode, asked dealer if they would be changing the oil since it was water pump failure that caused oil to breakdown and they said I would have to pay for it. This is no ok gm should change the oil as well as filter included in warranty repair. The water pump failure lead to having to run in overheated engine protection mode in the first place. Local dealer just returned my call in to supervisor. They are now willing to change the oil and filter on them. Water pump should not go out in a 2 year old vehicle! Please help protect consumers. I wanted to buy american but this is the 5th time enclave has been towed to the dealer. One time is bad enough but 5 not acceptable.