2012 Buick Enclave: sudden loss of power

6 of the 133 complaints about the 2012 Buick Enclave describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 5%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 259 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

2026
1
2025
2
2024
2
2023
1
2020
1
2019
3
2018
2
2017
1
2016
2
2015
1
2014
8
2013
3
2012
6
2011
15
2010
25
2009
19
2008
27

What owners say

Filed May 16, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving, the vehicle suddenly and without warning experienced a severe, dangerous loss of acceleration. The dashboard immediately displayed a "Reduced Engine Power" warning message along with a "Service StabiliTrak" light, forcing the vehicle into an immediate electronic fail-safe "limp mode." This sudden, drastic reduction in engine power severely restricts the vehicle's ability to maintain safe roadway speeds, accelerate from a stop, or merge safely into traffic, posing an immediate rear-end collision hazard to myself and other motorists. Furthermore, the defect simultaneously disables critical active safety systems by shutting down the StabiliTrak and Traction Control networks. A diagnostic scan revealed code P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensors 1-2 Correlation Not Plausible). Investigation reveals that this is a widespread, systemic safety defect caused by design flaws in the vehicle's body. Rainwater and moisture from clogged factory sunroof drains or cowl seams leak directly down into the interior cabin wall, pooling into the primary instrument panel-to-body wiring harness block (X218 connector) in the driver's side footwell. This water intrusion causes green corrosion on the delicate pins, short-circuiting the 5-volt reference sensor circuit for the throttle controls while the vehicle is in motion. General Motors is fully aware of this exact defect and has documented it internally via Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #10-00-89-017H (and related GM TSBs). Because this defect causes unexpected, immediate engine failure and disables traction safety networks while driving, it constitutes a severe safety hazard that should be escalated to a mandatory safety recall.

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TN · crash

What does it mean when my car says service StabiliTrak and service traction control? Its main function is indicating that the traction system has been turned off manually to remind you to turn it back on when necessary. However, the StabiliTrak warning light may also signal potential damage to vehicle components that allow the system to work effectively. Loss of Power to Engine, Can't stear, feels like its about to blow up. It seems very usual for the Enclaves, Traverses and Acadias. And I had the same problem out of my 2014 Traverse LTZ

Filed Sep 22, 2021 · Steering · FL

Loss of power steering when brakes applied. This is dangerous to make turns and park the vehicle. Buick has already issued at least one the federal safety agency service bulletin regarding this issue, in which the power steering pump failure causes intermittent drops of hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss of steering assist

Filed Sep 18, 2019 · Engine · GA

When accelerating engine will shudder, lose power and drive very bumpy. I have taken vehicle for service. We have replaced all filters, points and plugs. Given the vehicle a tune up and the problem has not ceased. The check engine light is not illuminated so the computer does not give the repair shop the information it needs to repair whatever may be occurring with the engine.

Filed Sep 28, 2015 · Steering · 77,125 miles · PA

On 9/28/2015 on the way to work, whenever you turn on to the road or just making a general turn there is a loss of power steering. There is power steering during straight driving and slight corrections; but , when you turn into an intersection or try to park, you have no power steering. I can handle the loss of power steering but if someone were elderly or not very strong, they would not be able to control the vehicle. This vehicle was just serviced. A complete front brake job, oil change, tire rotation and new rear shocks that the dealership said were leaking. I checked the power steering fluid according to the buick owners manual and found that the fluid was within the recommended level. I am scheduling an appointment today to have this looked at. I wanted to inform the federal safety agency as this is an extremely dangerous situation and just wanted to bring this to light for safety reasons. This has been a very reliable and safe vehicle but at this time it is extremely unsafe to drive. Thank you

Filed Apr 18, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 36,900 miles · GA

Twice in the last 30 days our enclave was showing low on gas (usually not an issue) but both times the car sputtered to a stop. Once it quit I lost all power steering and braking. Even after I put gas in the car, the key would not move so I was unable to start the car without a jump. Car was towed to dealership. They were unable to recreate the issue although they were unable to explain why the key would lock up in the ignition. According to buick everything checked out fine. Based on what we are hearing on the news, this issue seems very similar to the cobalt issue. Thank you.