Buick Enclave knocking problems

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Fuel system · IL

After purchasing this 2023 Buick Enclave July 26, 2026 two days later I heard a vibrating rattle coming from under the hood. I raised the hood and pinpointed the noise to be coming from under the motor cover. I could not remove that cover myself. I reported it to the dealership where I bought it and they said when I bring it in to have the Paint And interior, Protection to be applied that they would take a look for that rattle sound. After their inspection on 9/16/26 they called me back and said that it was the EVAP purge solenoid tube. And that the fix would be to put two rubber dampeners onto the purge tube line to isolate the vibrations and stop it from hitting other engine components. Then secure the dampeners with tie straps. They wanted to charge me $331 to do that. I said I’m not paying that so I proceeded to look up this information online and I found there’s an actual Technical service bulletin. It’s not an official safety recall but GM is aware of it and the bulletin number is 21 – NA – 023. So I spoke with my bumper-to-bumper warranty people and they said that if the actual purge valve piece was not broken, then it would be most likely at my expense. The noise is caused by fuel vapor pulsations vibrating through the EVAP purge solenoid tube. The Symptom: drivers typically notice a rapid clicking or rattling sound under the hood, which can sometimes be mistaken for engine knock or failing engine mounts. Note on code: This specific bulletin is strictly a noise concern and does NOT trigger a check engine light or throw trouble codes like P0496 on its own. The notice from GM also states that if a vehicle is still covered under its factory, bumper-to-bumper or emissions warranty, the repair should be completed free of charge. If you are out of warranty, you may be subject to diagnostic fees or out-of-pocket cost for the fix. After speaking with the service department at that dealership, they said that they were not going to replace the purge valve.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Engine · OK

I am submitting a complaint regarding premature exhaust system failure on my 2020 Buick Enclave involving the front exhaust pipe/exhaust manifold/catalytic converter assembly. The issue appears very similar to the conditions described in GM Special Coverage programs N212356540 and N242445280 involving exhaust pipe and bracket failures on related GM crossover platforms. The mounting brackets/support brackets on the front exhaust pipe appear to fail or separate, which places excessive stress on the flex section of the exhaust system. This movement and stress can cause the flex pipe/manifold area to crack and may ultimately damage the catalytic converter assembly itself. My vehicle developed: Exhaust leak Loud ticking/exhaust noise Rich/lean oxygen sensor fault conditions Exhaust fumes entering or potentially entering the cabin Passenger dizziness while riding in the vehicle Concern for carbon monoxide exposure The repair facility documented that the exhaust leak should be repaired as soon as possible because exhaust fumes may enter the vehicle cabin. The estimated repair cost is approximately $1,700 for replacement of the integrated catalytic converter/exhaust manifold assembly. This appears to be more than ordinary wear and tear. The failure pattern is consistent with bracket/support failure causing abnormal stress and cracking in the exhaust system upstream near emissions components. Because these failures can allow exhaust gases and possible carbon monoxide exposure into the passenger compartment, I believe this issue represents a significant safety concern and warrants investigation for 2020 Buick Enclave vehicles and related GM crossover platforms.

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Engine · 52,580 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the hood. Additionally, there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the passenger’s side flex pipe bracket had cracked, causing damages to the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the flex pipe and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 52,580.

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 20, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle prior to starting the engine. After starting the vehicle, the noise became louder. While operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and a humming noise was present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated that the transmission gear was faulty. The vehicle was serviced however, the failure persisted. No further information was available. In addition, after refueling the vehicle would not immediately startup. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2021 · Body · 129,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he would hear loud abnormal rattling and ticking sounds coming from the corner between the front passenger’s side and the windshield. There were no warnings lights were illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 116,164 miles · MI

2010 buick enclave with 116,164 miles, just over 10,00 per year, engine developed a spun rod bearing and quit while driving. Steering lost power and engine stopped. I had to push it backwards to get out of an intersection. I had just started a right turn. 22 month earlier the timing chain stretched on the vehicle costing $2000 in repairs. Oil was changed every 5000 or less miles and used mobile 1 synthetic oil the entire time. This and owners of earlier model years report this same problem from this vehicle. A well maintained vehicle should not have these two problems which points to some failure in design or manufacture. Vehicle is now junk.

Filed Apr 30, 2019 · Engine · 110,000 miles · RI

Today I was driving to work, as I pulled into the driveway of work ticking noise started and then car died right on a hill blocking travel, it would not restart, so I had it towed to my mechanic who advised engine blown do to timing belt wear...all my oil was sucked into engine (just had an oil change 2 mths ago) and blew the motor! This is a known problem with this year, make, model of buick, why is no one doing anything about a recall! I can't afford a new engine, nor a new car, I just purchased this used at hurd buick in rhode island 5/2017 explained needed dependable car, I'm a single parent working full time and they gave me a lemon knowing full well the engine problems with this midel! The federal safety agency needs to make gm accountable to the consumer of 2010 models like they did with the 2008-2009 models this is so unfair. I had to rent a car to get back and forth to work...I don't know what or how I'm getting around next week!

Filed Mar 5, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 93,000 miles · PA

Hello - I am writing as a concerned consumer. I currently own a 2011 buick enclave. Two weeks ago, while driving this vehicle it started making a very loud knocking noise. The car then completely shut off and became inoperable while driving down a hill. With loss of power steering and the inability to restart the engine it became a dangerous situation trying to get the vehicle stopped and safely off the road. The vehicle was taken to a garage and it was determined that the issue was a broken timing chain. This repair required the removal of the engine to replace the timing chain. Research into buick has shown that there is a bulletin out for this very issue but only for the 2009 model year. My 2011 was manufactured in 2010. For this very issue, buick has extended the manufactures warranty to 120k or 7yrs. Research shows that this timing chain issue is not exclusive to the 2009 as owners of other model years are expressing the same concerns. I am writing to file a formal complaint, as this is a safety issue that buick refuses to acknowledge. The failure of this timing chain lead to a situation that could have caused a wreck and possible injury. I have contacted buick several times and they refuse to provide financial compensation for the repairs and refuse to investigate this further. Their response is simply, there is no bulletin so there is nothing that can be done for me.

Filed Aug 11, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 140,000 miles · IA

Various problems with electrical. Had harness replaced (come to find out its due to water leak). Air bag sensors go off and on so you really don't know if its working or not. Engine shutdown completely and now when its started the engine makes loud knock. Was told possible timing chain. Only has 140,000.