Buick Enclave engine failure problems

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 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 Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · LA

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding serious mechanical and safety issues with my 2020 Buick Enclave. These issues have created ongoing financial hardship, significant safety concerns, and an urgent need for investigation and resolution. Over the past several months, my vehicle has repeatedly displayed low‑oil notifications, sometimes occurring within one month of receiving a full oil change. During a recent visit to my mechanic for yet another low‑oil alert, he recalled that I had previously brought the vehicle in for the same issue. After conducting a more thorough inspection, he informed me that there was a failure within the engine/transmission assembly. He showed me the area where oil was seeping from the engine. I also inspected the oil filter and oil plug, both of which showed no signs of leakage. Following this diagnosis, I brought the vehicle to Royal Buick GMC. Their service department performed a SAVI Dongle test and a GM‑Certified Multi‑Point Inspection. The service technician informed me that the vehicle requires a complete engine replacement including the following: replacement of the engine, repair of a rear main seal failure, resealing of the oil pan, and replacement of the lower control arm. It is my belief that these issues are consistent with reported problems. In addition to the oil‑related failures, I have experienced sudden acceleration and jerking while driving. These incidents are alarming and pose a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. I am deeply concerned that this defect could lead to an accident through no fault of my own. This vehicle is my only means of transportation for work and for caring for my family. The cost and severity of the required repairs are catastrophic, and I believe the manufacturer should be held responsible for addressing these defects. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate these issues and assist in ensuring that GM/Buick replaces the engine for its safe operation.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · FL

Catastrophic engine failure. We were left stranded in [XXX] while on a trip. No warning lamps. Vehicle was towed and inspected by the Buick dealership service department. Took 3 months to get our vehicle back which had to be transported back to the state in which we live. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 24, 2025 · Engine · CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine and/or powertrain system catastrophically failed while the vehicle was in motion on the freeway. The vehicle lost power, shut down, and became disabled. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the Buick dealership and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred while driving my husband and children in fast-moving freeway traffic. The vehicle suddenly lost power and shut down, forcing us to coast to the shoulder while traffic was moving around us. This created an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in a serious crash, injuries, or fatalities to my family and other motorists. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The Buick dealership confirmed the engine failure and advised that the vehicle needs a replacement engine. The vehicle was towed directly to the dealership following the incident and was declared inoperable. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Buick dealership service department. The manufacturer (GM/Buick) has been notified, and a corporate case has been opened. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Multiple warning alerts appeared immediately before the shutdown, including critical warnings such as low oil pressure and instructions to turn the vehicle off. Moments later, the vehicle lost power completely and shut down.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine · IL

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a sudden and dangerous engine failure in a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL purchased from Frankfort Car Outlet on 8/25/2025. On 10/25/2025, while driving on the expressway, the engine suddenly began knocking, lost power, and stalled. This created a serious safety risk to myself and other drivers. The failure occurred only 60 days after purchase and approximately 2,000 miles later, suggesting a pre-existing internal defect that the dealership did not disclose. The dealership has refused to inspect the vehicle, acknowledge the safety risk, or assist in any way. This type of sudden engine failure could pose a serious hazard if similar vehicles have the same issue, and I believe the federal safety agency should be aware of the potential risk.

Filed May 9, 2025 · FL

I was driving on the interstate and the car just shut off. I was on the left lane and cars were honking and tailing me as I was trying to get off. I could not get off on the left and had to drift across to the right side. Thank God it was downhill. I drifted to the exit and went off onto the grass. My safety was at risk to the fullest. I am very lucky I was not killed as well as my sister! It was the most frightening experience. The car was towed to Pensacola Step one dealership. The manager of service says it needs a new engine. The car is only 6 months old! No warnings until it shut off, the gas peddle didn't work and I don't remember what it said I was a wreck.

Filed Mar 19, 2025 · Airbags · 116,282 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's and passenger's side roof air bags independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver's side and front passenger's side seat belts had seized. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,282.

Filed Sep 13, 2024 · Driver assistance, Engine · 170,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating, with the electronic stability warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced intermittent engine failure prior to the vehicle stalling. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.