This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Buick Enclave engine problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Buick Enclave have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 79,500 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Enclave | 30 |
| 2009 Enclave | 20 |
| 2010 Enclave | 51 |
| 2011 Enclave (this page) | 19 |
| 2012 Enclave | 12 |
| 2014 Enclave | 7 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 19 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 19 complaints cluster around engine and cooling system failures on 2011 Buick Enclaves, with water pump leaks and timing chain problems appearing most often.
Water pump failures show up repeatedly. Owners report coolant loss exceeding the entire radiator capacity, engine overheating, and radiator fans staying on after shutdown. Two complaints mention having to add 3.7 gallons of coolant over 15 months to a 3.5-gallon system. One owner's pump failed without warning while driving at highway speed. GM recall 13091 exists for 2008-2010 models on HFV6 engines; a later campaign (13079) covers this problem. However, one owner notes GM didn't change the faulty pump design until 2013, leaving earlier Enclaves at risk.
Engine seizure and crankshaft problems occur in the 110,000+ mile range. Owners report abnormal winding noises, metal in the oil, complete engine shutdown while driving at highway speeds, and loss of steering power. Dealers quote $6,800 to $9,864 for engine replacement.
Timing chain slack shows up in multiple narratives, causing check engine lights, power loss, and no-start conditions. One owner at 123,825 miles was told timing chain replacement is needed; a bulletin apparently addresses this issue.
Ignition coil and engine harness failures cause sudden power loss on highways. One harness failure left a vehicle undriveable with the GM part on permanent backorder.
Fuel gauge errors and cylinder misfires (cylinders 2, 5, 6) round out the pattern. One owner has the misfire on both a 2009 and 2011 Enclave.
Same Buick Enclave engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Water Pump Leak / Engine Overheating
Water pump leaks coolant, causing engine overheating. Radiator fan continues running after engine shut-off. Some owners added 3.7 gallons of coolant over 15 months despite radiator capacity of 3.5 gallons. Potential for sudden engine shutdown while driving and catastrophic engine damage. GM recall 13091 (2008-2010 models on HFV6 engines) and campaign 13079 exist; dealer notes GM did not change faulty pump design until 2013 on Enclaves.
When: 75,000 miles and up; summer months; no warning light displayed in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Radiator fan continues running after engine shutdown; Coolant leaking onto engine and hood; Sudden engine shutdown while driving; No check engine or low coolant warning displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement (one case at 10,000 miles); water pump replacement under recall campaign 13079
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13091 (2008-2010 Enclaves, Traverses, Acadias, Outlooks on HFV6/LY7/LLT engines); GM Campaign 13079 for water pump; GM did not change pump design until 2013; some owners report no recall notification prior to failure
Timing Chain Slack / Jump
Timing chain loses tension or jumps timing, causing check engine light and loss of power. One complaint mentions bulletin indicating crankshaft moves out of time. Engine may require replacement; dealer quoted $9,864.21 for engine replacement versus crankshaft replacement.
When: Over 120,000 miles in reported cases
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Loss of engine power while driving; Engine shutdown; Multiple diagnostic trouble codes set (P0008 reported in one case); No-start condition after failure
Codes mentioned: P0008
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft or engine replacement; one owner quoted $9,864.21 for engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Bulletin exists for timing chain slack issue; dealer advised engine replacement due to similar cost as crankshaft replacement
Crankshaft Failure / Engine Seizure
Crankshaft fails, metal debris appears in oil, and engine seizes while driving. One case involved abnormal winding noise and check engine light; another had metal in oil requiring engine replacement. Loss of engine power creates hazardous driving situation.
When: 110,000 to 114,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal winding noise from engine; Check engine warning light; Engine seizure / stall while driving; Loss of steering assist during power loss; Metal debris in oil
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required
Ignition Coil Failure
Ignition coil #3 failed, causing engine to shut down while driving at highway speed (75 mph). Vehicle displayed 'engine power reduced' message and lost all power on interstate, forcing pull-over in busy intersection.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutdown while driving; Engine power reduced warning message; Loss of power on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil #3 replacement
Cylinder Misfire
Cylinders 2, 5, and 6 misfire. One owner with both a 2009 and 2011 Enclave reports same misfiring on both vehicles and notes issue was reportedly fixed in 2008 but recurred. Rough acceleration and deceleration, rattling at idle, and intermittent check engine light.
When: Ongoing issue; noted in 2018 complaint on vehicle with unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder misfiring (cylinders 2, 5, 6); Rough acceleration; Rough deceleration; Rattling at idle; Check engine light on and off; Increased fuel consumption
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue was reportedly fixed in 2008 but recurred in subsequent model years
Engine Harness Failure
Engine harness failed, causing vehicle to stall and lose power while driving. Stabilitrak and traction control lights illuminated. GM part on back order with no release date; no alternative parts available. Vehicle unable to be driven.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sputtering at low speed; Loss of power while driving; Complete engine shutdown; Inability to turn steering wheel (power steering loss); Traction control light; Stabilitrak light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine harness replacement required; GM part backordered with no ETA
Radiator Puncture
Radiator punctured at very low mileage (10,000 miles), causing antifreeze leak and overheating. Radiator fan continued running after shutdown.
When: 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Antifreeze leaking onto engine and hood; Radiator fan continues running after shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but offered no assistance
Fuel Level Sensor Failure (Cold Weather)
Fuel gauge reads lower than actual fuel level, particularly in cold weather. Owner replaced fuel level sensor but issue recurred once after repair. May indicate sensor replacement does not resolve underlying problem or faulty sensor design. 2013 Enclave recall issued May 2014 for same issue; owner frustrated that 2011 model not included despite experiencing same problem.
When: First occurred 2012, multiple times winter 2013; warranty expired by 3,000 miles at time of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge shows less fuel than in tank; Worse in cold weather; Sensor failure message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel level sensor replacement; cost quoted at $517.27, owner paid $100 after warranty dispute
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued May 2014 for 2013 Buick Enclave only; no recall issued for 2011 model despite same issue reported
Alternator Failure with Fire Risk
Alternator failed and caught fire, overcharging battery which exploded.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator failure; Overcharging battery; Battery explosion; Fire
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required
A/C High Pressure Hose Leak
A/C compressor runs but does not cool. High pressure hose assembly leaks refrigerant. Repair required removal of fender for access.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: A/C runs but does not produce cold air
Repairs/costs cited: A/C high pressure hose assembly replacement; cost $466.00; required fender removal
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Buick enclave. While operating the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal winding noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. Johnny londoff Chevrolet (1375 dunn rd,…
Water pump failed, car overheated. Stranded wife and daughter 2 hours. Part fixed under recall gm campaign 13079. Never notified of recall prior to incident. *tr
Had engine trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 53,068 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 79,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,068; a quarter make it past 110,000. 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/2011/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.