Buick Enclave Years To Avoid

Years To Avoid
4 min readApr 3, 2024

The Buick Enclave is a popular vehicle known for its spaciousness and comfort. However, there are certain years that you should avoid when considering a used Enclave. These years have been associated with some common problems that you’d want to steer clear of. Let’s take a look at the years and their corresponding issues:

  • 2008: Transmission Failure
  • 2009: Timing Chain Issues
  • 2010: Power Steering Pump Failure
  • 2011: Engine Misfire
  • 2012: Water Leaks
  • 2013: Air Conditioning Problems
  • 2014: Stalling Issues
  • 2015: Faulty Ignition Coils
  • 2016: Suspension Noise
  • 2017: Electrical System Malfunctions

These are just some examples of the most common problems reported in specific years of the Buick Enclave. It’s essential to do thorough research and consider these factors before making a purchase to ensure a smoother ownership experience.

2008: Transmission Failure

In the year 2008, the Buick Enclave faced issues with its transmission system. Owners reported problems such as rough shifting, hesitation, and complete transmission failure. These issues could lead to a compromised driving experience and costly repairs.

2009: Timing Chain Issues

The 2009 Buick Enclave suffered from timing chain problems. The timing chain is responsible for synchronizing the engine’s valves and pistons. In this year, some Enclaves experienced timing chain failures, resulting in engine misfires, stalling, and potential damage to the engine itself.

2010: Power Steering Pump Failure

Owners of the 2010 Buick Enclave dealt with power steering pump failures. This issue affected the vehicle’s ability to steer smoothly and required replacement of the power steering pump. It caused difficulties in maneuvering the car, posing a safety concern.

2011: Engine Misfire

In 2011, a common problem reported in the Buick Enclave was engine misfires. This issue resulted in poor performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the catalytic converter. Engine misfires can be caused by various factors, including faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.

2012: Water Leaks

The 2012 Buick Enclave had issues with water leaks, commonly occurring in the sunroof and windshield areas. These leaks often led to water seeping into the interior of the vehicle, causing damage to the upholstery, electrical components, and potentially leading to mold or mildew growth.

2013: Air Conditioning Problems

Owners of the 2013 Buick Enclave experienced air conditioning problems. The AC system would fail to blow cold air or stop working altogether. This issue resulted in discomfort during hot weather and required repairs or replacements of the AC components.

2014: Stalling Issues

The 2014 Buick Enclave faced stalling issues. Some owners reported instances of the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving. This problem posed a significant safety risk, as it could occur in various driving conditions and potentially lead to accidents.

2015: Faulty Ignition Coils

In 2015, the Buick Enclave had issues with faulty ignition coils. These coils are essential for the proper functioning of the ignition system, and when they fail, it can cause engine misfires, rough idling, and reduced power. Replacing the faulty ignition coils was necessary to resolve this issue.

2016: Suspension Noise

Owners of the 2016 Buick Enclave experienced suspension noise problems. This issue resulted in clunking or squeaking sounds coming from the suspension components, affecting ride comfort and potentially indicating underlying issues with the suspension system that required attention.

2017: Electrical System Malfunctions

The 2017 Buick Enclave had reported electrical system malfunctions. Owners faced problems such as intermittent power failures, malfunctioning lights, and issues with the vehicle’s infotainment system. These electrical glitches could be frustrating and adversely affect the overall ownership experience.

These were some of the troubled years of the Buick Enclave and the common problems associated with each year. It is important to consider these factors when buying a used Enclave to make an informed decision and ensure a smoother ownership experience.

Important Points to Know

  • The Buick Enclave has had some troubled years with specific issues that should be considered when buying a used vehicle.
  • Problems such as transmission failure, timing chain issues, power steering pump failure, engine misfires, water leaks, air conditioning problems, stalling, faulty ignition coils, suspension noise, and electrical system malfunctions have been reported in different model years.
  • Conduct thorough research and consider these factors to make an informed decision and avoid potential costly repairs or safety risks.

Final Words

When considering a used Buick Enclave, it’s crucial to be aware of the troubled years and common problems associated with specific model years. By knowing which years to avoid and understanding the potential issues, you can make a more informed decision and safeguard yourself from unexpected expenses or safety concerns. Always take the time to conduct a comprehensive inspection, including a test drive, and consider obtaining a vehicle history report. With proper research and due diligence, you can find a reliable and enjoyable Buick Enclave that will provide you with a comfortable and trouble-free driving experience.

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