What are the most common Buick Enclave problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012-2012 Buick Enclave has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Enclave 3.6L LLT Timing Chain Stretch + Oil Consumption, 6T70/6T75 Transmission Wave Plate Failure, Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Enclave reliable?
The 2012-2012 Buick Enclave has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Enclave 3.6L LLT Timing Chain Stretch + Oil Consumption and 6T70/6T75 Transmission Wave Plate Failure and Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Buick Enclave problems?
Repair costs for known Buick Enclave issues range from $200 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Enclave 3.6L LLT Timing Chain Stretch + Oil Consumption, typically costs $2,500-$6,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2008-2012 Buick Enclave Enclave 3.6L LLT Timing Chain Stretch + Oil Consumption?
Early Enclaves (2008-2012, plus shared Traverse/Acadia/Outlook) with the 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 share LaCrosse's timing chain stretch and a separate excessive-oil-consumption issue. The PCV system pulls oil into the intake, intake valves carbon up (no port injection to wash… Repairs typically run $2,500-$6,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2012 Buick Enclave 6T70/6T75 Transmission Wave Plate Failure?
First-generation Enclaves (2008-2017) use the 6T70/6T75 6-speed automatic, whose stamped-steel 35R wave plate can crack at the teeth after enough shift cycles. When it fractures, the transmission abruptly loses 3rd, 5th, and reverse gears, and debris can damage the valve body, dr… Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2013 Buick Enclave Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6?
The 3.6L (and 2.8L) high-feature V6 in 2008-2013 Enclaves is prone to timing chain stretch and worn chain guides/tensioners, sometimes appearing as early as 40,000-60,000 miles. As the chain elongates, valve timing drifts, triggering misfires and a rattle at idle/startup; if a ch… Repairs typically run $3,200-$3,400. Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2017 Buick Enclave Water Pump Leak / Coolant Loss on 3.6L V6?
The 3.6L V6 in the Enclave is known for water pump failure, attributed in part to dissimilar metals in the pump that expand and contract at different rates and eventually allow coolant to seep. Owners frequently find coolant puddling after the car is parked and may see overheatin… Repairs typically run $495-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2008-2017 Buick Enclave HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure?
Enclaves commonly suffer failed HVAC blend-door actuators, with the plastic internal gears stripping or the small motor dying, often after about 80,000 miles. Because multiple actuators control temperature blend, vent direction, and recirculation, a failure leaves one zone stuck… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: low.
