Engine, powertrain, structure and electrical system and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2019 Buick Enclave is a luxury SUV meant to carry passengers in style, as the company claims it is “tailored for tomorrow.” However, it turns out that this premium model is filled with faults. This Buick contains a recalled powertrain, a defective engine, a faulty electrical system and poorly made structure.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020 2021
Under the hood of a premium vehicle, a high-performance engine is expected. Yet, that’s not what is found in the Buick Enclave.
Read this Edmunds review. “Less than 7000 miles on odometer, the coolant was leaking from Engine cylinder head. Part to be replaced. Whoever planning to buy BUICK Enclave, please think/research about it‼”
GM is completely aware of engine problems. Service Bulletin #19NA256 talks about squealing, squeaking, rattling and knocking coming from the internal parts. Plus, previous Buick models were the subject of class-action litigation because of a faulty engine relay terminal. It’s only a matter of time before people realize that this model is just as defective. When the company was tailoring this model for tomorrow, it forgot to leave behind the faults of the past.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Air Bags | |
| Seat Belts | |
| Seats | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
Another big complaint with the Enclave SUV is the powertrain. It appears that Buick used a faulty transmission under the hood.
Another Edmunds user says, “I too have a 2019 Buick Enclave with transmission problems. Took it into the dealer after 2000 miles after it started shaking when accelerating. The dealership said it needed a new torque converter and we could drive it until the part was available.This was around New Years, we went back to get the Enclave and the dealer said they were later told by GM just to flush the transmission as it had too much lubricant from assembly. We took it home and it still shuddered, called the dealer and GM said to flush it again. This time when we picked it up it was worse than when it started. So now GM told the dealership to replace the torque converter however they cannot locate one. So now 6 weeks after this started we are still waiting for a torque converter that may or may not fix this.”
It turns out that there is a powertrain-related recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V668000 states that nearly 200,000 vehicles were constructed with missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator endcap. This defect can lead to a transmission fluid leak and a loss of propulsion, which only increases the chances of an accident. Plus, the leaking fluid puts occupants at risk of a car fire. With so many problems, it might be better for this SUV to burn into a pile of rubble instead of it traveling the streets.
The harassing company pays our fees.
Further engineering issues are seen by looking at the structure. It’s clear that no more thought was put into building this model over the Chevy lineup.
An Edmunds customer points out, “After driving a Denali I am almost in tears every time I get into my 2019 Buick Enclave. I’ve had it 3 months and it’s rattling in the dash, and a piece of the exterior trim molding had come off. If this is any inclination of what I have to look forward to, the future’s not looking too bright. I was a complete idiot for trading my Denali.”
Again, these problems are no secret to the manufacturer. Service Bulletin #17NA231 talks about possible water intrusion into the cabin, so the company is clear that the SUV isn’t built the way it should have been. Oh well – maybe “tomorrow’s” model will be better.
A final look at the electrical system shows even bigger issues that are sure to push drivers over the edge.
One final Edmunds review says, “The ‘hands free’ lift gate at the back works only sporadically – it is much faster to just open it with the button – so this feature doesn’t get much use either.”
Service Bulletin #PIE0588A goes on to talk about battery discharge issues, which can’t be enjoyable to deal with, especially when someone is already running late for work. Hopefully, owners have roadside assistance because it is almost guaranteed they will need it with the Buick Enclave.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Buick pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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Forget lemon law had my 22 Silverado in for engine light 9000 miles on it they had it 34 days contacted dealer no response service mgr told me to contact gm. I told him you are gm and I am here contacted Mr. King at local dealership in yorkville ny where I bought truck. His response was he never got back to me. I still have emails I sent him I told him he should contact gm on my behalf for a lemon law buyback again. No response
Thank you for your information concerning the 2019 enclave. I have a 2015 enclave and love it. The miles are at 85,000. I thought I should trade…..not so sure now.
Any advise ??