This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Buick Enclave engine problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 20 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of Buick Enclave in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Buick Enclave engine has generated 20 complaints describing a range of failures from annoying to dangerous. The most common issue is piston misfire triggering the check engine light repeatedly—one owner had this repaired six times in one year, each time costing several hundred dollars. Timing chains stretch prematurely at 30,000 to 78,000 miles, causing rough running and loss of remote start; one owner's repair failed again within a year. Several owners report the engine simply dying on the highway without warning at speeds of 35 to 70 mph; in at least one case, the block was cracked at 32,000 miles. Two owners describe engine fires that started under the hood while driving, forcing them to pull over and call 911. Other failures include fuel injector and O2 sensor failures, rod bearing damage, battery drain, and water pump seal leaks. The dealer and manufacturer have been unhelpful—one owner faced near-accidents when the engine reduced power automatically while driving, and Buick declined assistance when the vehicle went out of warranty despite the pattern of failures affecting multiple examples.
Same Buick Enclave engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Piston/Cylinder Misfire and Check Engine Light
Recurring piston misfire triggering malfunction indicator light (MIL/check engine light), often requiring replacement of pistons and cylinders. One owner reported this issue recurring about six times over a year, with each repair costing several hundred dollars. Problem occurs in both early and later model years of the same generation.
When: 5 years into ownership (complaint #1); March 2014–March 2015 repeated incidents (complaint #2); initial occurrence varies
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering; Malfunction indicator light (check engine light) illumination; Reduced acceleration; Power engine reduce message causing automatic speed reduction; Complete vehicle shutdown while driving
Codes mentioned: P0300 or similar misfire codes (inferred from piston misfire diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Piston and cylinder replacement; costs reported as several hundred dollars per incident, totaling thousands across multiple repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread owner reports
Timing Chain Stretch and Failure
Timing chain stretches prematurely, causing rough idle, check engine light, and loss of remote start function. One owner reported replacement at 78,000 miles; another at 30,000 miles while under warranty. Chain can leak oil and cause burning smell.
When: 30,000–78,000+ miles; complaint #13 shows recurrence within one year of previous repair
Symptoms owners cite: Rough engine operation; Check engine light illumination; Loss of remote start feature; Oil burning smell; Oil leaking from front of vehicle at timing chain housing
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes indicating timing chain wear (TSB 12-06-01-009-D referenced in complaint #16)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement; owner #10 reported entire engine removal required; cost described as 'huge expense.' Complaint #13 shows repair at 78,000 miles, then failure again within one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 12-06-01-009-D exists; GM declined to assist with out-of-warranty repairs per complaint #16
Engine Cracking and Complete Failure
Engine block cracks, causing sudden complete loss of power without warning while driving on highways. Vehicle dies immediately and will not restart. Replacement engine required.
When: Approximately 32,000 miles (complaint #3)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of power while driving; Engine shutdown without warning; No restart capability
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required (February 2012, complaint #3)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty declined; Buick unwilling to assist per complaint #3
Fuel Injector and O2 Sensor Failure
Fuel injector and oxygen sensor failures causing engine stall and loss of power while driving on highway at night.
When: Approximately 43,000 miles (complaint #3, date 8/10/12)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power while driving; Engine stall without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector and O2 sensor replacement; associated repair costs of $900+
Engine Fire Under the Hood
Engine catches fire while vehicle is being driven, originating on passenger side of engine compartment. Smoke enters cabin. Fire spreads beyond owner control, requires fire department intervention. Vehicle sustains major front-end damage.
When: At 77,000 miles (complaint #4); unspecified mileage (complaint #7)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from engine; Smoke entering cabin via vents; Fire under hood visible when hood opened
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repairable in complaint #4; repair status unknown in complaint #7
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed in complaint #4
Engine Stall Without Restart Capability
Engine stalls while driving at highway speeds without any warning signs. Vehicle will not restart after multiple attempts. Problem recurs multiple times. Dealer unable to diagnose issue.
When: At 18,000 miles (complaint #9); at 60 mph highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving; No restart capability after multiple attempts; Recurring stall events
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; not repaired (diagnosis inconclusive per complaint #9)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no resolution provided
Rod Bearing Failure
Motor rod requires replacement, causing engine stall and ticking noise while driving.
When: At 162,000 miles (complaint #8)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall at 35 mph; Ticking noise from motor
Repairs/costs cited: Rod replacement needed per independent mechanic diagnosis; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact with dealer; no repair completed
Engine Hesitation and Coil Misfire
Engine coil misfire causing hesitation during acceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when accelerating; Rough acceleration response
Battery Drainage
Battery drains completely overnight when vehicle is parked, requiring replacement or recharging. Problem recurs within days of battery service.
When: Early in ownership of used vehicle (complaint #5); two incidents within one week
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dead after overnight parking; Failure to start after refueling (two occasions)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery recharged and tested good; failure recurred five days later. Owner suspects underlying parasitic drain issue.
Water Pump Seal Leakage
Water pump seal leaks coolant intermittently. Recall exists for this defect but owner uncertain if vehicle is covered.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leakage from water pump; Intermittent occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Recall documented for bad water pump seal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall available for water pump seal failure
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Engine coil misfires resulting in hesitation when accelerating. *tr
I purchased the vehicle used 1 month ago. On two occasions, the car has not started after getting gas. After several minutes, the car will start again. I believe this problem has been fixed by replacing the EVAP purge solenoid. On two occasions within the last week, the car would not start after being parked in the driveway overnight. The first time, the battery was completely dead and the…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 Buick Enclave?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 117,000 miles, with the median around 77,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 117,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Buick/Enclave.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.