2017 Buick Enclave

2017 Buick Enclave

Overview

The 2017 Buick Enclave is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and upscale features. As part of GM’s Lambda platform, it shares its underpinnings with other popular GM crossovers. For the 2017 model year, the Enclave continued to offer a robust V6 engine paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, aiming to provide a refined driving experience for families and those seeking a premium feel. Reliability data for this model year generally indicates a solid performance, with most reported issues being relatively minor or related to specific component failures rather than widespread systemic problems. Owners often praise its quiet cabin and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and longer journeys.

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Engine

3.6L V6 (LFX)

Timing Chain Wear

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup; check engine light may illuminate.
• Solution: Replacement of timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
• Cost: $1200 - $2500

Oil Leaks (Intake Manifold Gasket)

• Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the intake manifold area; burning oil smell.
• Solution: Replacement of intake manifold gaskets.
• Cost: $400 - $700

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6T75)

Transmission Shudder/Hesitation

• Symptoms: Jerking or shuddering during acceleration or gear changes; delayed engagement.
• Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement; potential valve body or torque converter repair.
• Cost: $300 - $1500

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Strut Mounts/Bearings

• Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises when turning or going over bumps; steering may feel loose.
• Solution: Replacement of front strut mounts and bearings.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Electrical

Infotainment System

Touchscreen Unresponsive

• Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive to touch, or displays errors.
• Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment module.
• Cost: $500 - $1200

Power Liftgate

Liftgate Malfunction

• Symptoms: Liftgate fails to open or close automatically; error messages on the dashboard.
• Solution: Diagnosis and repair/replacement of liftgate motor, sensors, or control module.
• Cost: $400 - $900

Exterior

Body Panels

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: N/A

Interior

Climate Control System

Blend Door Actuator Failure

• Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or direct airflow; clicking noises from the dashboard.
• Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator(s).
• Cost: $200 - $500

Seat Adjusters

Power Seat Malfunction

• Symptoms: Power seats fail to move or adjust properly.
• Solution: Inspection and potential replacement of seat motor or switch.
• Cost: $300 - $700

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Summary Verdict

The 2017 Buick Enclave generally presents a good reliability record, with its primary powertrain components showing decent durability. The most commonly cited issues revolve around the engine’s timing chain and potential oil leaks, as well as occasional transmission shudder. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and power liftgate, are also noted. Interior components like blend door actuators can fail, impacting climate control. While not immune to problems, most issues are repairable and do not indicate a fundamentally flawed vehicle. Regular maintenance and addressing early signs of trouble can help ensure a long and satisfactory ownership experience for this spacious and comfortable SUV.