2011 Buick Enclave: engine failure

8 of the 213 complaints about the 2011 Buick Enclave describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 105,256
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 247 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2025
3
2020
1
2017
1
2015
1
2012
2
2011
8
2010
17
2009
5
2008
11

What owners say

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 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 Sep 12, 2018 · Engine · 110,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick enclave. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and completely shut off. The vehicle was towed to lotspeich automotive (150 nw us 50 west, warrensburg, mo 64093, (660) 747-9165) where it was diagnosed that there was metal inside the oil, and the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed May 7, 2018 · Steering · 60,000 miles · ND

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick enclave. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The dealer (luther gmc, 3202 36th st s, fargo, nd) diagnosed that the steering gear was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Oct 17, 2017 · Engine · 108,000 miles · IN

Vehicle at 108,000, gm dealer states needs new engine for $6,800. Started making a rattling noise on acceleration and would disappear once speed leveled off. Only occurred 1-2 days prior to having it looked at with minimal driving.

Filed Mar 14, 2016 · Steering · 56,664 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 buick enclave. While driving 10 MPH and making a right turn, the steering seized without warning. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering pump and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,664.

Filed Jun 30, 2011 · Body · 1,430 miles · AK

I purchased a new buick enclave on or about 4 feb. 2011, on or about 12 april 2011 I had the back window down without knowing it as I hit about 45 MPH this horrible noise appeared in the car. I pulled off the road thinking that the engine blew up, but this was not the case. The sound came from having the back window down. I contacted the dealer about this and was told there was nothing that could be done about it. I later took decibel readings of this and they are at 94 db at 45 MPH. As speed is increased the decibel readings also increased. I could only take the readings up to 60 MPH as the decibel meter I had did not go above 120 db. This will cause hearing loss and possibly permanent hearing loss to small children and babies. This problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Also the whole car shakes and is very distracting to the driver. Status update. 08/30/11