What are the Buick Enclave years to avoid? The 2008 and 2010 model years have the highest number of complaints, and as such, both are flagged as the worst years to buy. You should avoid these Buick Enclave years, especially if you’re buying a used one.
Buick Enclave is what you can easily call an “affordable” luxury midsize SUV by mere looking at it. The exterior and interior look classy and attractive. This SUV is one of the most preferred alternatives to Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and many other midsize SUVs.
Buick Enclave Overview
The Buick Enclave is one hell of a desirable full-size/midsize SUV with several impressive features that make driving much easier and fun. It debuted in 2007 for the 2008 model year. Buick Enclave is an auto brand under General Motors, and it produces some of the finest SUVs from America.
When Buick Enclave first appeared in 2007, it was designed as a full-size 5-door crossover SUV. However, starting with the 2018 model, the SUV is categorized under midsize SUVs. Buick Enclave is a spacious and reliable ride for the family.
Inside the hood lies a power V6 engine, which is the standard for the first and second generations of the ride (excluding the China versions, which had straight line 4-cylinder engines as standard). The engine on Buick Enclaves produces over 300hp, depending on the one you’ve got.
What Are Buick Enclave Years To Avoid?
Some Buick Enclave years are marked as the worst to buy because they are linked with multiple engine problems. These model years are best avoided if you’re buying a used model, but if you’re buying a brand new one at a great deal, you may just go ahead.
Buick Enclaves are pretty reliable; the powertrain is suitable for touring any off-road terrain. Hereunder is the list of worst Buick Enclave years and why you should avoid them.
- 2008 Buick Enclave
- 2009 Buick Enclave
- 2010 Buick Enclave
These Buick Enclave years are mostly linked with power steering failure, transmission slipping, timing chain problems, and engine failure.
Common Buick Enclave Problems
1. Transmission Problems
- Affected Models: 2008 and 2009 Buick Enclaves
- Estimated Repair Cost: $3,000
Quite a number of transmission problems were reported on the 2008 and 2009 Buick Enclaves. The issues included shuttering, slipping out of gear, and complete transmission failure.
These issues reportedly occur at 90k miles, costing the average repair cost $3,000. Buick Enclave transmission problems are pretty expensive to fix.
2. Engine Problems
- Affected Models: 2008, 2009, and 2010 Buick Enclaves
- Estimated Repair Cost: $3,000
The Buick Enclave models made between 2008 and 2010 reportedly had engine problems after hitting 100k miles. Reported issues include check engine light stays on, engine failure, delayed acceleration, timing chain problems, and quite others.
Well, these problems occur at high mileage; regular maintenance can help avoid the occurrence. Buick Enclave engine problems cost an average of $3,000 to fix; a complete engine replacement costs above $4,000.
3. Steering Problems
- Affected Models: 2008, 2009, and 2010 Buick Enclaves
- Estimated Repair Cost: $1,500
The Buick Enclave models made between 2018 and 2010 seem to have steering problems – as reported by the owners.
Actually, the reported Buick Enclave steering problems were related to the “Power Steering” and occurred above 70k miles. The average repair cost of the issues reported is $1,500.
4. Interior Accessories Problems
- Affected Models: 2008 and 2010 Buick Enclaves
- Estimated Repair Cost: $1,200
The AC system, condenser, and other interior accessories in the 2008 thru 2010 Buick Enclaves reportedly get faulty after about 15k miles. Also, there were complaints about the steering wheel heating up and the dashing reflecting sunrays that glare into the eye.
The sad thing about these problems is that they occur at low mileage, and the average repair cost exceeds $1,000.
Best Buick Enclave Years To Buy
Okay, we’ve talked about the worst Buick Enclave years to buy; what about the best years? As hinted at earlier in this article, Buick Enclave is a sturdy SUV ride with decent features.
Also, it fits in as a perfect alternative to many other American SUV rides. So, if you’re looking a buy a Buick Enclave, that’s a nice thought, and hereunder are the model years to consider.
- 2011 Buick Enclave
- 2012 Buick Enclave
- 2013 Buick Enclave
- 2014 Buick Enclave
- 2015 Buick Enclave
- 2016 Buick Enclave
- 2017 Buick Enclave
- 2018 Buick Enclave
- 2019 Buick Enclave
- 2020 Buick Enclave
- 2021 Buick Enclave
Basically, asides from the earliest model years, the rest are much more reliable and considerable. Buick Enclave is competitively affordable – even with all the luxury-standard fittings they integrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Buick Enclaves Reliable?
Comparing the reliability rating for all Buick Enclave models ever produced, it is safe to say that Buick Enclaves are super reliable; they are more reliable than the above-average SUVs ranked in the same categories. On RepairPal, Buick Enclaves have an average 3.0 out of 5.0 rating.
Is Buick Enclave a Luxury Car?
The Buick Enclave has several features you’d see in a luxury SUV but is not categorically built as a luxury ride. It’d be much better to place the Buick Enclave between Luxury and Mainstream SUVs, thanks to the cutting-edge features and technology.
Why Are Buicks so Quiet?
Buick SUVs are equipped with the brand’s patented QuietTuning technology, which eliminates outside noise from penetrating the car while you’re driving. QuietTuning is achieved using special acoustic-laminated glasses built as windshields and windows.
Summary
Looking for the Buick Enclave years to avoid? Stay away from the earliest models and stick with the newer ones – you’d enjoy your SUV the more. Buick Enclaves are typically more luxurious than other GM SUVs and are quite reliable.
The annual maintenance cost of Buick Enclave is considerable, and you won’t have to worry about that. Buick is a brand under General Motors, an American auto brand, but its vehicles are sold in different countries. Buick produces a different version of the North American Enclave SUV for its Chinese customers.