Buick Enclave Years to Avoid

Three amazing trims, tens of thousands of cars sold globally, and a never-ending list of satisfied users—the Buick Enclave is as successful a car as it gets! Are you planning to get a car, and this model from Buick has made it to the top of your list?

Well, what can we say apart from the fact that you’re about to make a great decision? However, there’s just one thing you need to consider before getting the car. Although the model is spotless, there are a few Buick Enclave years to avoid.

In this article, we’ll give you deep insight into some Enclave models that didn’t receive positive reviews from users.

So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it!

The Buick Enclave — Over the Years

Even with great designs and near-perfect parts, there are a few things that engineers miss. And these are the things that users notice in a jiffy! However, the best part about a great company is that they take note of the situation and try to solve the issues with the next year’s model!

In that regard, here’s a summary of the key updates we saw in the Buick Enclave over the years.

YearMajor Update from the Previous Year
2008The 2008 model came with eight seats, including collapsible smart slide second-row seats. The solid V-6 engine was rated at 275 horsepower. A rear-view camera was also optional.
2009The 2009 model was equipped with a more forceful V-6 engine offering 288 horsepower and direct-injection technology.Moreover, Bluetooth, real-time traffic for the optional navigation system, and a 110-volt household-style plug were also introduced in the vehicle.
2010The 2010 Buick Enclave has a new top-tier CXL2 trim level, a USB jack for the additional Bose stereo, default 19-inch wheels, a 20-inch chrome wheel choice, and slight equipment revisions. It also offers faster downshifts for its automatic transmission.
2011The 2-Way Advanced Remote feature has been erased, while OnStar’s Directions and Connections’ six-month subscription has been appended to the list of typical characteristics.
2012Despite some minor changes, the car remained untouched.
2013Compelling changes have been made to the vehicle’s suspension tuning, exterior design, and interior styling.
2014A pair of charge-only USB ports and a forward collision alert and lane departure warning system have been introduced in the 2014 model.

The 6 Buick Enclave Years to Avoid At All Costs

We’ve covered every aspect of the cars in the tables below, from their fuel average to their engine performance. Looking over every tiny detail is important when buying a car. Therefore, skim through these and don’t make the mistake of buying any of the undermentioned models!

All data included in the tables below are based on owner reviews and reports from Consumer Reports’ Official review of the models.

#1 Buick Enclave 2008

Buick Enclave 2008
CharacteristicsRatingDescription
Reliability1/5Several factors led to the car’s breakdown mid-drive, including
Powertrain malfunctionTiming chain defectsOverheatingTransmission failure
Customer Satisfaction1/5Users were usually dissatisfied with the control and comfort of the vehicle, due to the vehicle’s high maintenance expenses, leaking sunroofs, and jammed power steering.
Braking2/5There was a greater stopping distance than usual. The brakes also generated creaking noises and felt stiff and harsh.
Engine Cooling2/5It took the 3.6-liter V6 engine more than an hour to cool down completely. Due to this problem, the car frequently shut down as well.
Engine Performance2/5Users complained about ongoing engine issues and grounding noises when accelerating the vehicle.
Transmission1/5The difficulty of changing gears was excessive, and the transmission failing in the middle of the drive was also a significant issue.
Fuel Economy1/5Mileage: 15 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $3,195
Safety2/5The interior of the car was horrendous, and airbag failure was a significant problem.

#2 Buick Enclave 2009

CharacteristicsRatingDescription
Reliability2/5Several factors led to the car’s breakdown mid-drive, including
Timing chain defectsOverheatingTransmission failure
Customer Satisfaction1/5Users were usually dissatisfied with the control and comfort of the vehicle due to the vehicle’s high maintenance expenses, leaking sunroofs, and jammed power steering.
Braking2/5There was a greater stopping distance than usual. The brakes also generated creaking noises and felt stiff and harsh.
Engine Cooling1/5It took the 3.6-liter V6 engine more than an hour to cool down completely. Due to this problem, the car frequently shut down as well. Moreover, to maintain the engine cooling requirements, the car needed frequent oil changes.
Engine Performance2/5Users complained about ongoing engine issues and grounding noises when accelerating the vehicle.
Transmission2/5The car’s transmission was sluggish to downshift, and transmission failure in the middle of the drive was a serious concern.
Fuel Economy1/5Mileage: 15 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $3,195
Safety2/5The interior of the car was horrendous, and airbag failure was a significant problem.

#3 Buick Enclave 2010

CharacteristicsRatingDescription
Reliability2/5Several factors led to the car’s breakdown mid-drive, including
Timing chain defectsOverheatingTransmission failure
Customer Satisfaction2/5Users expressed serious complaints regarding the jammed power steering, interior leaks, and air conditioning issues.
Braking2/5There was a greater stopping distance than usual. The brakes also generated creaking noises and felt stiff and harsh.
Engine Cooling2/5It took the 3.6-liter V6 engine more than an hour to cool down completely after a trip. Due to this problem, the car frequently shut down as well.
Engine Performance2/5Users complained about ongoing engine issues and grounding noises when accelerating the vehicle.
Transmission2/5The car’s transmission was sluggish to downshift, and transmission failure in the middle of the drive was a serious concern.
Fuel Economy1/5Mileage: 15 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $3,195
Safety2/5The interior of the car was horrendous, and airbag failure was a significant problem.

#4 Buick Enclave 2011

CharacteristicsRatingDescription
Reliability1/5Several factors led to the car’s breakdown mid-drive, including
Powertrain malfunctionTiming chain defectsOverheatingTransmission failure
Customer Satisfaction2/5Users expressed serious complaints regarding the jammed power steering, interior leaks, and air conditioning issues.
Braking2/5There was a greater stopping distance than usual. The brakes also generated creaking noises and felt stiff and harsh.
Engine Cooling2/5It took the 3.6-liter V6 engine more than an hour to cool down completely completely. Due to this problem, the car frequently shut down as well.
Engine Performance1/5The vehicle’s grounding noises and continuous engine problems have been reported by users.In addition, there were complaints about the engine seizing when accelerating quickly.
Transmission2/5The car’s transmission was sluggish to downshift, and transmission failure in the middle of the drive was a serious concern.
Fuel Economy1/5Mileage: 15 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $3,195
Safety2/5The interior of the car was horrendous, and airbag failure was a significant problem.

#5 Buick Enclave 2012

2012 Buick Enclave 4dr SUV Exterior
CharacteristicsRatingDescription
Reliability2/5Several factors led to the car’s breakdown mid-drive, including
Timing chain defectsOverheatingTransmission failure
Customer Satisfaction2/5Users expressed serious complaints regarding the jammed power steering, interior leaks, and air conditioning issues.
Braking2/5There was a greater stopping distance than usual. The brakes also generated creaking noises and felt stiff and harsh.
Engine Cooling2/5It took the 3.6-liter V6 engine more than an hour to cool down completely after a trip. Due to this problem, the car frequently shut down as well.
Engine Performance2/5Users complained about ongoing engine issues and grounding noises when accelerating the vehicle.
Transmission2/5The car’s transmission was sluggish to downshift, and transmission failure in the middle of the drive was a serious concern.
Fuel Economy1/5Mileage: 15 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $3,195
Safety2/5The interior of the car was horrendous, and airbag failure was a significant problem.

#6 Buick Enclave 2014

2014 Buick Enclave Premium Group 4dr SUV Exterior Shown
CharacteristicsRatingDescription
Reliability2/5Several factors led to the car’s breakdown mid-drive, including
Timing chain defectsOverheatingTransmission failure
Customer Satisfaction2/5Users expressed serious complaints regarding the jammed power steering, interior leaks, and air conditioning issues.
Braking2/5There was a greater stopping distance than usual. The brakes also generated creaking noises and felt stiff and harsh.
Engine Cooling2/5It took the 3.6-liter V6 engine more than an hour to cool down completely after a trip. Due to this problem, the car frequently shut down as well.
Engine Performance2/5Users complained about ongoing engine issues and grounding noises when accelerating the vehicle.
Transmission1/5The difficulty of changing gears was excessive, and the transmission failing in the middle of the drive was also a significant issue.
Fuel Economy1/5Mileage: 15 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $3,195
Safety2/5The interior of the car was horrendous, and airbag failure was a significant problem.

The Takeaway

Spending a little more time going through the specifications of every year’s car might seem a bit too much, but hey, the time you spend here will spare you hours of hassle later!

In this article, you read which are the Buick Enclave years to avoid and for what reasons. So, go for the best years and stay far away from the variants you saw above!

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