Check a VIN

Buick Enclave loss of power problems

119 of the 2,515 owner complaints about the Buick Enclave describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
119
worst model year
2008
typical repair cost reported
$2,700
typical mileage
79,500
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

Often reported together

Power steering loss 40Check engine light 23Jerking 12Stalling 8Engine failure 6Transmission failure 4Won't shift 4Knocking 4

Trouble codes mentioned

P0008 3P2138 1P1682 1P0776 1P0689 1P0300 1C0561 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · KY

The X50A underhood fuse block (passenger side, near battery) has melted through at terminal 51 / run crank relay location. Plastic housing is burned through with charred bus bars and melted connector underneath, next to main battery cable. Vehicle first showed "Service Stabilitrak," "Service Traction Control," and "Engine Power Reduced," then went to crank-no-start condition requiring repeated jump starts to move. Codes P1682 and P0689 present. Each jump causes more heating at melted area. This is documented defect in GM TSB 19NA276 and PIT5406C for loose terminals causing arcing and thermal damage in 2013-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia. Vehicle is primary family vehicle used daily to transport 6 children. Failure caused loss of power and no-start while responsible for 6 children, creating unsafe stranding and fire risk with children in vehicle. Vehicle is now parked with battery disconnected due to fire concern. Request investigation for recall for X50A thermal events.

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 Jul 17, 2026 · Electrical · MS

My vehicle starts displaying traction control on the dash then says reduced engine power and looses power starting until u stop turn it off and crank it back up. Sometimes it runs really rough and you have to crank it back up. The ac goes in and out on it, sometimes it jerks while driving, after having a new transmission put in, 3 starters, 2 batteries! Everyone keeps telling me it’s something electrical but can’t figure out what or where. Replaces mass air flow sensor also

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

The engine, power steering, stabilitrak, and reduced engine power (vehicle would essentially die while driving at random times). My safety AND others were put at risk when I am traveling down the road/interstate and the engine just cuts out and am no longer able to accelerate to any speeds, causing me to have to pull over to the shoulder WITHOUT ANY ENGINE POWER. Yes, the problem has reproduced and confirmed with the dealer I purchased from. Vehicle has not been inspected by the above mentioned. Only had it inspected by the dealer I purchased the vehicle from. There were no prior lamps, messages, or other symptoms until it just showed up while driving one day. It happens at the same time as the engine loses power and acceleration. The check engine light comes on, within 2-3 seconds the engine "dies" and then the "Service stabilitrak" pops up, as well as the warning "Reduced Engine Power". This first appeared on approximately on 05 JUN 2026. Vehicle was purchased on 12 MAY 2026.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

Driving home from work on interstate, 2 month old 2026 Buick enclave jolted and shut off completely while going 65mph. Barely pulled over safely to the left side (Oklahoma drivers). Restarted car, check engine light illuminated with messages of reduced engine power (limp mode up to 35mph) while stuck on highway, traction control and esc disabled. Was able to get off highway and limp to nearest GM dealer. They performed diagnostics 3 days later and replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor. It did not fix it. More codes according to dealer and they are involving engineers. Moving next week on military orders and car is still being worked on with no estimate of time to complete. Insanely concerning safety hazard for a brand new car to shut off on the highway. Could have died or killed others in accident. Unable to invoke lemon law yet but not comfortable driving the car again especially across the country on limited time.

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 16, 2026 · Driver assistance · MI

After sitting in a parking lot for 6 days the radio receiver assembly (infotainment control module / head unit) in my 2024 Buick Enclave completely failed with a "no power" condition. The screen is blank, there is no audio output, no response to any controls, and the system does not power on even after multiple power cycles or battery disconnects. The dealer diagnosed the need for a full replacement of the radio receiver assembly. The part is currently on national backorder with an unknown delivery date, so the failed component remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The failure disables multiple critical safety-related features, including: The rear backup camera (no image when shifting into Reverse) Audible turn-signal chimes and warning alerts Navigation system (including real-time traffic and hazard information) This creates a significant safety risk during low-speed maneuvers (such as parking or reversing) and reduces overall situational awareness while driving. The issue occurred on a nearly new leased vehicle (leased November 13, 2023) with only 54,781 miles. Yes. My authorized Buick dealer fully diagnosed the issue and confirmed the complete loss of power to the radio receiver assembly. They attempted basic troubleshooting (power cycles, etc.) with no success and determined that a full replacement of the radio receiver assembly is required. The dealer also noted the part is on indefinite backorder. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by my authorized Buick dealership's service department. General Motors Customer Assistance has been notified and is aware of the issue.No inspection has been performed by police or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms. The failure occurred suddenly and without warning after the vehicle sat unused for only 6 days in a parking lot. One day the infotainment system worked normally; the next time zero power to it.

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 72,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. The doors failed to unlock, and the air conditioner was inoperable on a hot day, and the contact had symptoms of hyperventilation. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the windows failed to roll up or down. Eventually, the vehicle failed to turn off, and the owner disconnected the battery. A towing company was called to tow the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

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.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Buick Enclave loss of power

Which Buick Enclave years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (27 complaints), 2010 (25 complaints) and 2009 (19 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Buick Enclave?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,700 (median of 16 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Buick Enclave?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history