359 of the
3,314 complaints filed about the Buick Enclave
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
359
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
11
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
The contact owns a 2023 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 3rd gear and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. Additionally, the computer system took control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving in the center lane on a busy highway. The vehicle was driven to a safe location. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The problematic 9 speed transmission failed at 72,000 miles on [XXX]. GM required a flush due to the significant shudder problems in the transmissions. This was performed on this vehicle at 32,000 miles. GM knows the is issues. The car brought to Gerald Jones GM in Graniteville, SC and GM/Buick customer service was contacted 5/22/26 and after. The transmission failed when traveling on busy highway in Aiken, SC on [XXX]. The money spent for these cars with failed transmission design/construction and the safety risk to all traffic must be addressed by NHTSA. GM customer is horrific in there determination to cover up this colossal issue and safety risk. No one holds them accountable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by [XXX] mother-in-law ([XXX]). Her daughter ([XXX]) was driving. Had [XXX] been driving, there would have been a wreck. [XXX] was able to coast into a corner gas station/garage. Buy next day mechanic was able to isolate failure to alternator. Since we performed the repair at the closest mechanic, I do not know what GM knows. I see on internet a high volume of alternator failures in Enclaves. It doesn't seem an alternator failure should be so abrupt, without warning and with such dire immediate impact. GM has said they 'may' have been able to help with the cost of the repair if we had had it done at an authorized service center. Frankly, this feels like a trap (and Nissan did exactly this to me 2 years ago - asking me to tow into their service center and then saying 'oops, sorry, no warranty ... ). GM should buy their failed alternator back and study why it failed and why that failure had this impact to the vehicle. The repair was made with a GM part - honestly, not sure if that's good or bad, but there is no excuse for GM to not own their part failure. No one other than the mechanic has inspected the car. He would probably be glad to speak to NHTSA. No prior warning lights, messages, symptoms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11749611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Traction stabilization light comes on very frequently and vehicle loses power, step on gas and it sputters can’t get out of any one’s way, they throw parts at it and never fixes. From feedback off internet a big problem 2008-2017 enclaves
NHTSA complaint #11749129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11747495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle lost motive power and was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,684.
NHTSA complaint #11744760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The muffler and tail pipe has fallen off 6 times and ive had to get repaired. I believe it is due to the bad torque converter that others have complained about and goggle says that is a likely failure on the buick.
NHTSA complaint #11744657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at 30 to 40 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was hard to shift. The TPMS was illuminated. The contact indicated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted, who informed about the diagnostic fees. The contact called another local dealer, Starling Buick GMC Stuart Parts, and Starling Buick GMC Stuart Service, at 2445 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, which confirmed the failure was due to the torque converter. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall or warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11738309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After two transmission flushes and being told by a Buick dealership's service technicians that nothing is wrong with the vechile's transmission, it has now failed completely at ~90k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11737422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Why enclave Burns about 1 to 2 quarts of oil in between oil changes so I'm constantly having to check the oil level and put more oil in it which come really close to being out of oil and causing the engine to seize Buick says this is normal and I don't think it is I have never had a car that uses oil like this new or used in addition to that the transmission is locked up twice since we have owned it and can't get it out of park can't drive it can't use it. Had to have it towed . The first time that the transmission gave issues it didn't lock up in park it locked up in drive and we couldn't put it in park I was able to get it to the dealer to get worked on it was still under warranty at that time the second time it wouldn't go out of park and could not move it it was stuck wherever we happen to be at and it would not move when they loaded it on the tow truck to tow it down to the dealer the wheels were locked up cuz it was in park and we couldn't it had to just be drug onto the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11732460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car frequently just slams on the brakes on its own when reversing. Doesn’t matter the speed, and nothing is behind me at all. It also triggers a check engine light with transmission errors if you get a car wash and it is even mildly cold. Transmission errors when it gets too cold or snow in the grill.
NHTSA complaint #11732501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The vehicle was reversed out of the driveway; however, after shifting into drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked, vibrated, and the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. After several minutes, the vehicle functioned as intended. A short distance later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to a private dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter was clogged, and that the electronic brake control center module and the transmission module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11727512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. A bystander pushed the vehicle to the side road, and the vehicle was later towed to the residence. The contact’s husband inspected the vehicle and determined that it had experienced transmission failure. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11726444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1)Numerous Gas Cap ‘red warnings’ were fixed each time 2)Driver-side ‘Seat Belt’. Fixed. 3)Check engine light ‘off and on’ will quit after 5-10 minutes 4)Stabilitrak/Traction-control (red light warnings), on and off, finally stayed on: Took back to Parsons of Antigo, WI dealership for repair; they said it was fixed. I left dealership at their closing time, started car, the car was shaking, called dealership/told them what was happening/they said bring it back on Monday—this was a Thursday evening after 6 PM! a. I had to drive this ‘shaking-car’ home approximately 35 miles away, while going about 30-40 mph/in a shaking car, seems car wanted to stop. Very frightening in the dark night. b.I had a wrecker come and take the car back to dealership. I do not care to deal with dealership after this—I changed to different dealership. c.About 3 years ago, while driving on US 8 outside of Rhinelander the car just ‘simply’ went off the highway; I quickly managed to bring the car back onto the highway blacktop. Is this for real? i.Until July 2025 I worked 40 hours/week and I believed and trusted that the repair services would inform me that I needed to beware of ‘this or that’; when usual car maintenance was completed. d.In 2019, going through a ‘Traffic Circle’ in Green Bay, WI area; this vehicle just would not stop (as I need to wait for cars coming from the left) and somehow, I made it through that circle without hitting another car or damaging this car! The police officer asked, ‘What happened?’ and I told him, ‘I have no idea what happened’. I was given a ticket for $175; that was mailed with a check before a certain date. i.Now, after reading all the ‘recalls and complaints’ I can understand ‘the why’ I had to endure driving with this vehicle’s unreliable mechanisms” throughout these years. 5)2021 Air bag ‘red light’ for Service recall Airbag/serviced. 2-19-2026 airbag another warning to replace again. PeopIe say this car looks like new. A 'lemon' buy
NHTSA complaint #11723114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My wife's 2025 Buick Enclave with less than 10,000 miles (around 9,800) stranded us on the highway. Transmission was shuddering and felt like we were hitting rumble straps on acceleration. Then, we couldn't go over 18 mph, then it just stopped. Couldn't even pull off to the side of the road because the electronics wouldn't let the vehicle go into neutral to allow us to push it onto the shoulder. Eventually we got it off the Interstate to a residential area. When tow truck arrived, they couldn't get it into neutral and had to drag it onto the wrecker with generous amounts of WD-40. That can't be good for the vehicle. The vehicle is at Randy Wise Buick in Fenton, Michigan. We were lucky not to have been hit on the Interstate. Biggest worry is not the transmission problem but that we couldn't even push it off the roadway.
NHTSA complaint #11721385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.