What Are The Buick Enclave Years To Avoid And Why
When it comes to finding the right car, things can be tricky. You want a good quality used car that won’t break the bank, but you also want to make sure you get one that isn’t prone to issues. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Buick Enclave and take a deep dive into what years are best to avoid and why.
At the same time, we shall also discuss the Buick Enclave years to avoid, which years are worth buying and what common problems Buick Enclave owners should watch out for.
Buick Enclave Years to Avoid
There are certain Buick Enclave years to avoid due to reliability issues. These include the 2008 and 2009 model year. We shall highlight the problem each model year has to keep you informed.
1. 2008 Buick Enclave: Stiff Acceleration, System Malfunction, Steering Wheel Issue. In 2008, the Buick Enclave had a number of issues that led to complaints from owners.
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These included acceleration problems, system malfunctions, and steering wheel issues. All of these problems made the Enclave difficult to drive and created a safety hazard for drivers and passengers alike.
If you own a Buick Enclave from 2008, it is important to be aware of these issues and to have them repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation while driving.
2. 2009 Buick Enclave: Engine Check Light: Cigar Lighter Issue; No Heat In Heated Seats; Vehicle Goes in Reverse While in Drive and Radio Comes Up With a Short Circuit Code
Some 2009 Buick Enclave owners have reported issues with the engine check light, cigar lighter, and heated seats. Others have said that their vehicle goes into reverse while they are driving and that the radio comes up with a short circuit code.
If you are considering purchasing a used Buick Enclave, it is important to be aware of these potential problems. While they may not affect all Enclave models from 2009, it is best to be informed before making a purchase.
Buick Enclave Years to Buy
The best Buick Enclave years to buy are the 2012, 2017, 18, 19, and 2020 model years. These are considered to be some of the most reliable and dependable years of the Enclave, with fewer reported issues than other model years. These model years also tend to have higher resale values, making them good options if you’re looking for a used vehicle.
Common problems with Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a full-size SUV that was first introduced in 2008. Since then, the Enclave has been generally well-received by reviewers and consumers alike.
However, there have been some reports of problems with certain model years of the Enclave, particularly in recent years. Here are some of the reasons why the Buick Enclave may have problems in these years:
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1. Quality control issues
In recent years, there have been reports of quality control issues at the GM plant where the Enclave is built. This has led to some build quality issues with the SUVs, such as mismatched body panels and poor panel gaps.
2. Engine problems
There have been several reports of engine problems with the Buick Enclave, particularly with the 3.6L V6 engine which is used in many models. These problems include premature engine failure and excessive oil consumption.
3. Transmission problems
The 8-speed automatic transmission used in many Buick Enclaves has also been known to cause some problems. These include shuddering and hesitations when shifting gears, as well as sudden unexpected downshifts.
4. Suspension issues
A number of owners have also reported suspension problems with their Buick Enclaves, particularly with models equipped with air suspension. These issues can cause a rough ride and difficulty steering straight on uneven roads.
5. Electrical issues
There have been various electrical issues reported with the Buick Enclave, such as infotainment system failures, power window motor failures, and engine drive failure warnings.
6. Interior Quality Issues
Finally, the Enclave has been known to have interior quality issues. This includes worn-out materials, noisy cabin noises, and poor ergonomics. These problems can make driving the Enclave an unpleasant experience and can reduce passengers’ comfort significantly.
7. Power-Steering Problems
Most complaints on the 2009–2011 models are related to this issue. Even a motorist who is not particularly mechanically inclined can rather easily diagnose the power steering. It’s possible that you lost power steering if the steering is difficult for you. This is another costly repair.
READ: Buick Check Engine Light – Causes, Symptoms, Fix
However, you might want to spend some time checking to see if it has power steering fluid before you go to the dealership to have them look at it.
It’s unlikely that this is the issue, but if it is, you might save having to have your car towed to the shop and avoid paying to have someone diagnose a problem that you could easily remedy. This problem is usually common if you have driven for about 80,000 miles, and it cost around $1,700 to fix.
8. Engine Check Light
Check engine light issues are common in all Buick Enclave models. The check engine light might indicate a number of problems. It can, however, give you a serious headache for the Enclave. Even when there is no issue at all, the engine light may occasionally turn on.
Because of this, owners and mechanics could spend hours searching for problems that don’t exist. The issue with this ghost-like engine light problem is that you shouldn’t just ignore it. If there is an actual problem, failing to have your Enclave checked out could result in serious harm.
Summary
While the Enclave is generally a reliable SUV, there are certain Buick Enclave years to avoid as they tend to be worse than others in terms of quality and reliability. In general, avoid the first-generation (2008-2012) models as they have been known to have the most issues.
The third-generation (2018+) models seem to be much improved in terms of quality and reliability, so these are generally the best bet if you’re looking for a used Enclave.