2011 Buick Enclave
The 2011 Buick Enclave is a popular three-row crossover SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and quiet cabin. It offered a good balance of luxury and practicality, making it a popular choice for families. However, some owners have reported certain recurring issues. The sole engine option for the 2011 Enclave is a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate the Enclave’s smooth ride and ample passenger space. Common complaints often revolve around repair costs and the frequency of some component failures.
Engine
3.6L V6
- Timing Chain Wear/Stretching
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, specifically with codes P0008 or P0017, rough idling, engine misfires, and decreased performance. The timing chain stretches over time due to wear, leading to improper valve timing.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and possibly variable valve timing (VVT) solenoids.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Extended crank time, rough idle, check engine light, potential fuel leak with strong fuel smell, and reduced engine power. The HPFP on the 3.6L V6 engine can fail, causing fuel delivery issues.
- Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can occur from various locations, including the water pump, radiator, hoses, and thermostat housing. Overheating may occur as a result.
- Solution: Identify the source of the leak and replace the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the location of the leak
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (6T70)
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Slipping between gears, erratic shifting, and potential stalling.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. In some cases, the entire transmission may need replacement if the damage is extensive.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,500+ depending on if the transmission is replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
- Wave Plate Failure (Specifically the 3-5-R Wave Plate)
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting between 3rd and 5th gear, or reverse. Complete loss of 3rd, 5th, and reverse gears in some cases.
- Solution: Transmission rebuild to replace the damaged wave plate with an updated, reinforced version.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, uneven tire wear, and leaking fluid from the struts/shocks.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn struts/shocks. It’s recommended to replace them in pairs (front or rear) for even handling.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per pair
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Suspension Issues (Self-Leveling Shocks)
- Description/Symptoms: If equipped with automatic rear leveling, the shocks or air bladders can fail, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag or bounce excessively.
- Solution: Replacement of the self-leveling shocks or air bladders.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per pair
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or within a short period, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic draw. Common culprits include faulty door actuators, the radio, or the OnStar system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Liftgate Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The power liftgate fails to open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes unusual noises.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the liftgate motor, struts, or sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuators
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the power door locks.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Water Leaks (Sunroof/Windshield)
- Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin during rain or after a car wash.
- Solution: Resealing the sunroof or windshield. Cleaning out the sunroof drain tubes is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Issues (Blend Door Actuators)
- Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperatures from the vents, clicking noises behind the dashboard, and the inability to control temperature on one side of the vehicle.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Radio/Navigation System Failures
- Description/Symptoms: The radio or navigation system malfunctions, freezes, or loses functionality.
- Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the repair/replacement needed.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2011 Buick Enclave, while a comfortable and spacious SUV, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly timing chain wear, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, such as torque converter and wave plate failures, are also prevalent and can lead to significant expenses. Electrical issues, like battery drain and power liftgate malfunctions, are fairly common. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive to fix, making a thorough inspection crucial before purchasing a used 2011 Enclave.