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2011 Buick Enclave engine problems

38 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 79,500. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
38
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
79,500
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Buick Enclave engine problems in other years

20082010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Buick Enclave engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Loss of power 15Check engine light 13Engine failure 8

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2011 Buick Enclave owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine, Lights · IL

The check engine light has been on for over 2 years now. It turns off and on, so it makes it hard to pass the emission test. I have replaced what shows on the emission testvas failed which are both catalyc converters, oxygen sensors and I also had to replace the engine in 2018. I have spent over $10k on the car and it still has the same codes appearing. I take it to different mechanics and they tell me they don't find anything because what the emission report states is not a problem on the vehicle. They don't understand why the light is on and they all tell me this is a huge problem with Buick Enclaves. Just get rid of it and never buy another one.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine · SC

I drove to work just fine on May 19th, 2020, when I got off work around 3pm. I started the car and as I was about to pull out on Brightleaf BLVD in smithfield, NC my car just stopped. I contacted OnStar and they pulled many codes P02AD,P0300 x2, P0305 x 2 at 126,362 miles with 73% oil life remaining. I contacted by Mechanic and was able to have it towed to his show for him to inspect it and the engine was totally seized. While I did research before purchasing this car the year before (I only average about 6k miles a year) I missed that this year and several others have a known issue that the engines can grenade themselves. I called my insurance company as I had full coverage and gap coverage they denied my claim and I was stuck with 1 $10k paperweight and no vehicle to get to and from work. GM does not care about their customers and should issue a recall on this engine for this issue. While I did not have this car long I did my routine maintenance for what little I drove it and it left me high and dry with nothing to show for it.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Engine · KY

While driving at 60 mph around a curve with an incoming semi, the car suddenly lost power and the steering locked up. By the grace of God, we were able to avoid the semi and get it off the road. Had it towed to mechanic who said the engine was blown. Regular maintenance always kept. Just had oil changed two weeks ago. This could have been deadly!!!

Filed Mar 2, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MD

On February 27, 2023 while on the road in the morning heading to work I stopped at a red light. When the light turned green my 2011 Buick GMC Enclave hesitated when I proceeded to accelerate. My vehicle moved slightly then without notice it stopped in the middle of a busy road as several cars backed up behind me as my check engine light came on. Also, while my foot was on the brakes, my vehicle was rolling backwards. In lieu to this hazard to myself and other drivers I placed my vehicle in park. My vehicle was towed at my own out of pocket expense of $125.00 in addition to $16.99 for a Lyft ride home. Two days later the auto shop informed me they checked my battery and alternator and both was good. They continued to tell me they drove my vehicle and it did not cut off or stop running. I informed them I DON’T FEEL SAFE KNOWING MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT NOTICE could they check it again. They kept my vehicle another day and they stated NO CODES SHOWED UP AGAIN THAT THEY CAN POINT TO A SPECIFIC ISSUE. Again, another out of pocket diagnostic expense of $125.00. On 02/28/23 I contacted AutoNation Buick GMC Laurel to inquire if there has been a RECALL in place. The representative stated there WAS NO RECALL IN PLACE. After extensive research and review to my ultimate shocking surprise I see numerous complaints have been expressed with Buick GMC from consumers and previous customers outlining their concerns and this hazardous life threatening situation of THEIR BUICK STOPPING WITHOUT NOTICE. Buick GMC is aware of this repeated life threatening and dangerous issue from consumers and from previous customers year after year after year. Buick GMC nevertheless STILL REMAINS SILENT AND HAVE TAKEN NO ACTIONS NO REMEDY NO RECOURSE ABOUT AMENDING AND CORRECTING THE DANGERS OF THEIR MANUFACTURED VEHICLES. SUBSEQUENTLY, BUICK GMC HAVE NOT TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPLEMENT A RECALL.

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · Engine · NC

The check engine light comes on and off. The dealer pulled code P0008. Engine position system performance bank. There is a bulletin out for this code, indicating the crankshaft moves and gets out of time. They said the only fix is to replace the crankshaft. The dealer advised replacing the engine, since the cost is about the same, $9,864.21. I have kept up the maintenance on the vehicle, and it has only 132,820 miles.

Filed Feb 16, 2022 · Engine · 123,825 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2011 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,825.

Filed Nov 19, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · MN

Codes p0017 and p0008 camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position keeps coming on driving and parked running. Even after replacing the sensor.

Filed Feb 24, 2020 · Engine · 105,256 miles · DE

I was driving on the highway around 65 MPH and all of sudden l loss all engine power. I could barely steer the SUV over to the side of the road. Almost got hit from behind by another driver. Had the car towed to the repair shop and they said the motor seized up.

Filed Dec 4, 2019 · Engine · 114,054 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick enclave. While operating the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal winding noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. Johnny londoff chevrolet (1375 dunn rd, florissant, mo 63031, (314) 227-1437) was contacted and scheduled a second diagnostic appointment for december 5, 2019. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,054.

Filed Nov 19, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 48,076 miles · TX

I purchased the vehicle on 11/4/19. The dealership, salesman or service department. Didn't inform me or put it in writing that the crankshaft sensor was faulty on the vehicle. John eagle acura didn't consider safety first. On 11/7/19 at 48,076 miles the vehicle won't crank. It was cold and rainy so I didn't drive the vehicle. On 11/17/19 I drove the vehicle to church at 48,124 miles. When I got out of church it won't crank. I called the dealership on 11/18/19 and told them about the vehicle. They told me to bring it in. I brought it in on 11/19/19 at 3p.m. I asked the service department what was the problem because the vehicle won't crank. They told me that it is the crankshaft sensor. I told the salesman that you knew it was the crankshaft sensor and you put my safety at risk. Because you and the service department and dealership knew that the crankshaft sensor was faulty and my safety was at risk. He said to me and my husband that he knew and said that he should have given me a loaner car. But he never told me about it.

Questions about the 2011 Buick Enclave engine

Does the 2011 Buick Enclave have engine problems?

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Buick Enclave, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2011 Buick Enclave engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 79,500 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Buick Enclave engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2011 Buick Enclave problems

Steering 41Airbags 38Transmission 38Body 25Electrical 21Acceleration 14Driver assistance 11Fuel system 11Brakes 8Tires 6Lights 5Seat belts 5Seats 4Visibility 4Suspension 3Wheels 2Locks 1

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