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Buick Enclave hesitation problems

37 of the 2,515 owner complaints about the Buick Enclave describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
37
worst model year
2008
typical mileage
80,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    2
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    2
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    6
  • 2009
    7
  • 2008
    9

Often reported together

Check engine light 9Stalling 8Misfire 7Transmission failure 5Jerking 4Slipping 3Shudder 2Won't start 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0391 1P0366 1P0300 1P0011 1P0008 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · OH

The transmission hesitates and momentarily loses propulsion when accelerating out a low speed right hand turn, creating a risk of a rear - end collision. It also shudders at low speeds when accelerating up hill, or when passing vehicles on the highway. After the transmission has reached operating temperature and has been driven for a while, it starts to shift harsh and erratically in the lower gears, at lower speeds. There is a service bulletin out for this issue on my vehicle and the first step of the bulletin was performed and has failed. It has been in the shop several times for this intermittent and ongoing issue. The service bulletin # is: 23-NA-072. I have repair invoices for each time it was in the shop. It is currently back in the shop and has been for almost 2 weeks. The problem was reproduced the first time at the time of the initial start of repairs, but they haven't duplicated it since. There has never been any warning lights, messages or codes that have appeared in my vehicle when this issue arises. The issue first appeared within 4 days of me purchasing it in July of this year, 2026 and was communicated promptly.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

I purchased this used 2016 Buick Enclave in July 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began repeatedly jerking and hesitating while driving. During occurrences, Traction Control/StabiliTrak warnings appeared and the vehicle experienced loss of power and difficulty accelerating normally. I reported the jerking/drivability problem to the selling dealer. On July 27, 2026, the selling dealer attempted a repair after I reported the jerking/drivability problem. Within approximately five minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking again. I then took the vehicle to an auto-parts store, where an OBD-II scan produced multiple diagnostic trouble codes, including P0300 engine misfire and several MAP-sensor-related codes. I have photographs documenting the scan results. The vehicle became disabled shortly thereafter and required towing. It was subsequently evaluated by an independent repair facility, where the MAP sensor was replaced. The vehicle later again experienced the jerking/loss-of-power condition and StabiliTrak/Traction Control warnings. On August 10, the vehicle became disabled again. These incidents have occurred while driving in traffic. When the condition occurs, I cannot reliably accelerate or maintain normal vehicle operation, creating a safety concern because I may be unable to move safely with surrounding traffic. The specific cause is UNKNOWN. The vehicle has been evaluated by the selling dealer and an independent repair facility and is being taken to an authorized Buick dealership for further diagnosis. The vehicle is available for inspection.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Transmission · NC

No first gear. Engine stalls if car is brought to a halt. On take off, car will stall if given too much throttle. If able to roll from dead stop, it will jerk and hesitate as if in too high of gear or dragging clutch.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Transmission · IN

The car hesitates when accelerating. It feels like its going to die. Also, the car has shut off randomly with the display saying "not in right conditions to start". The dying has happened a few times.

Filed Feb 26, 2025 · Body, Engine · 118,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and hesitated while attempting to accelerate and depressing the accelerator pedal. During the failure, the check engine warning light momentarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Additionally, while opening the rear liftgate door, there was a clicking sound coming from the driver's side rear liftgate door strut. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V415000 (STRUCTURE). The failure mileage was 118,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2023 · Electrical · AL

When starting our 2020 Buick Enclave I noticed the low voltage battery light stayed illuminated after startup. A message followed on the message center located in the center of the gauge cluster. The message read Service Electrical Charging System. Followed by a message stating Low Voltage Vehicle Ma Stall. This particular vehicle only has 38,000 miles on it and I have not experienced any issues with the electrical charging system prior to this incident. There have been no indication as to the battery or alternator failing (ex. dim lights, flickering lights, malfunctioning electronics/electrical equipment, unusual noises coming from engine bay). I acknowledged the messages with the button on the steering wheel. I proceeded to drive and the low voltage light went off shortly after. I proceeded to drive approximately 75 miles without incident. Shortly before arriving at my destination the low voltage warning light illuminated and the messages appeared on the center screen on the instrument screen. I again acknowledged the messages ,but this time the low voltage light stayed illuminated until I shut the vehicle off at my destination. I visually inspected the battery post, connections, serpentine belt, and alternator. Nothing looked out of the ordinary and all connections were tight and free from corrosion. Nothing smelled burnt as it would if wiring overheated or alternator. I proceeded to start the vehicle. The vehicle started without hesitation and the low voltage light was not illuminated. I proceeded to drive to a local parts store which was a couple of miles away. On the way to the parts store the low voltage light came on and the messages appeared. I left the vehicle running at the parts store. The employee tested both alternator and battery. The alternator was showing that it was failing only producing 8.6 volts to the battery while the vehicle was running. I proceeded to leave the store. At this point all electrical shutdown simultaneously. Vehicle to be towed.

Filed Oct 9, 2023 · Fuel system · FL

After filling up fuel, vehicle runs rough, hesitates, and stalls at idle speeds. This occurs after every fill up. The check engine light comes on and states an issue with the anti-lock brake system. I’ve had the vehicle checked by Buick 5 times and they have not been able to replicate the issue, so troubleshooting stopped. I know a recall came out this July for 2019 Buick Enclaves to replace the evaporative emissions purge valve due to not fully closing. This is the issue with my 2020 Buick Enclave and is a massive safety concern as the vehicle stalls while driving at slow speeds after fill up. Most recent event occurred on October 5th. I’ve posted a picture from last year that captured the same issue.

Filed Aug 11, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · KS

I started my car at a CVS parking lot. When I made a turn, the car was out of control and I couldn't stop or turn the car. My car hit other three cars in the parking lot and finally stopped. The OBD-II code check later indicated a "Engine misfire detected". I once got a recall letter from GM for the following issue. Not sure if this accident is related to this issue. "Inoperative purge solenoid that could lead to excessive fuel vapors entering the combustion chamber from the fuel tank. This condition could result in no start, idle stall and possible drivability issues such as hesitation." The good thing is nobody got hurt in this accident.

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Steering, Transmission · MO

Traveled and car begin to shake when I got to destination. The shift gears lights started going from neutral to Low gear and my speed began to drop down even when I was accelerating. The engine light came on and the stabilitrak light was on during times I stop at lights or stop lights only when in traffic but not on the highway. After seen by an auto service dealer, the stabilitrak light still comes on during stops at the light or stop signs and hesitation to accelerate with a heaviness to steer. There appears to be a dragging or pull when accelerating not very smooth. The service was with the transmission, however, no attempt to fix the stabilitrak and now I am to take it back in, not really enjoying my vehicle, my American vehicle, this really saddens me.

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.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 21, 2014 · 355 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick owners at 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC owners at 1‑800‑462‑8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

Recall number 14V092000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported March 6, 2009 · 276,729 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 buick enclave, chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, gmc acadia, pontiac g5, g6 and saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect", and fmvss 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". On some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park".
Risk
The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before march 24, 2009. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 and saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V073000 · Recall details

Questions about the Buick Enclave hesitation

Which Buick Enclave years have hesitation when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (9 complaints), 2009 (7 complaints) and 2010 (6 complaints).

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