This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Buick Enclave powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Buick Enclave have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 40,500 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Enclave | 119 |
| 2009 Enclave | 23 |
| 2010 Enclave | 22 |
| 2011 Enclave (this page) | 33 |
| 2012 Enclave | 12 |
| 2013 Enclave | 10 |
| 2014 Enclave | 19 |
| 2015 Enclave | 4 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 33 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Buick Enclave in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two dominant powertrain issues. First, uncontrolled rolling on inclines affects multiple vehicles across model years. In Drive on uphill grades, the 2011 Enclave rolls backward when the brake is released, forcing drivers to use both feet simultaneously—one on the brake, one on the accelerator—to prevent collision. In Reverse on downhill grades, it rolls forward. Owners call this a safety hazard; the dealer's standard response is that it's normal operation. One owner's manual reference (page 9-25) acknowledges the torque converter design causes this but only mentions it in the Drive section. Some owners report 300 feet of rollback; others describe dangerous situations in residential driveways and parking lots. Dealers attribute it to the transmission design, claiming GMC acknowledged similar behavior in other models, though one owner was offered only an aftermarket hand-brake install at partial cost.
Second, timing-chain failure appears in early driving life. One owner at low mileage experienced a loud knock, complete engine shutdown while descending a hill, and loss of power steering—requiring engine removal to replace the timing chain. Buick issued a bulletin for 2009 model year only, with 120K/7-year extended warranty, but refused to cover the same failure in 2011 models. Water-pump leaks also surface; one owner at 79,738 miles (within powertrain warranty expiration) faced replacement costs despite TSBs for 2008–2010 models.
Same Buick Enclave powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Uncontrolled rollback on inclines (Drive and Reverse)
Vehicle rolls backward when stopped on an uphill grade in Drive, or rolls forward when stopped on a downhill grade in Reverse, regardless of brake application. Rolling continues indefinitely until accelerator is forced or brakes are held firmly. No hill-hold feature or transmission resistance prevents motion.
When: Occurs at low and highway speeds; present since purchase for most owners; reported at mileages from 80 to 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled rollback backward on incline in Drive; Uncontrolled roll forward on decline in Reverse; No resistance from drivetrain when brakes released; Requires simultaneous brake and accelerator pressure to maintain position; Rolling distance varies from inches to 300 feet depending on grade
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic found no failure codes in one case; dealer unable to duplicate failure on test drive. No repair performed. One owner was offered partial-cost aftermarket hand-brake install.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state this is normal operation by design. Owner's manual (page 9-25) confirms torque converter is designed to improve fuel economy and performance, causing rollback on hills; manual advises using brake. No recall issued. Manufacturer acknowledges no failure. Some dealers compare behavior to GMC products with similar design.
Timing-chain failure
Timing chain breaks during normal driving, causing sudden engine shutdown, loud knocking noise, loss of power steering, and vehicle immobilization. Requires engine removal for replacement.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one case at very low mileage (within first two weeks of ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise from engine; Complete engine shutdown while driving downhill; Loss of power steering; Vehicle unable to restart; Dangerous loss of control while decelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Engine removal required to replace timing chain; labor cost not specified by owner, but described as major repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick issued TSB for 2009 model year only with extended warranty (120K/7 years). Buick refused to acknowledge or cover same failure in 2011 model year (manufactured 2010) despite owner research showing the issue appears across multiple model years. Buick refused multiple owner requests for financial compensation or investigation.
Water-pump leakage
Water pump develops a leak, causing coolant loss and overheating warnings. Pump requires replacement.
When: At 79,738 miles on a 2011 model; powertrain warranty had just expired (100K miles / 5 years, expired 10/15)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine Hot, A/C Off warning message; Engine Overheated Idle Engine warning; Engine Power Reduced warning
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement performed at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #13079 (April 2013) covers leaking water pump shaft but had expired by the time of complaint. Extended warranty coverage (#13091) applies only to 2008–2010 Enclaves. Powertrain warranty (100K/5 years) expired on owner's 2011 model. Dealership told owner warranty had expired; GM customer service indicated dealership would determine financial assistance but no guarantee given.
Transmission shaking and clutch-pack engagement issues
Transmission shakes violently during highway cruise-control operation, particularly when 3rd and 5th clutch packs attempt to engage. No warning lights precede failure.
When: During highway driving under cruise control
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking at highway speeds; Shaking occurs during clutch-pack engagement; No dashboard warning lights; Nearly caused loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Owner scheduled transmission rebuild or replacement.
Transmission fluid leaks and slipping
Transmission develops oil leaks, requiring frequent fluid top-ups. Transmission performance degrades with sluggish, sloppy shifts; vehicle does not downshift to pass; transmission slips under load.
When: At 160,000 miles; issue present for approximately 1 year / 10,000 miles before replacement needed
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission oil leaks; Frequent need to refill transmission fluid; Sluggish and sloppy shifting; No downshift response when attempting to pass; Transmission does not hold in Reverse on inclines
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed at 160,000 miles.
Camshaft reducer wheel / valve breakage
Camshaft reducer wheel (or valve) fractures without warning, causing sudden engine stall at highway speed. Owner nearly struck by semi-truck during forced shoulder maneuver.
When: During highway driving at speed
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected component breakage; Sudden engine stall at highway speed; Nearly caused collision with semi-truck; Owner had to drift vehicle to shoulder across multiple lanes
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states this is a known problem affecting multiple owners of the same model year.
Driveshaft separation
Driveshaft or drivetrain becomes detached from vehicle and falls onto roadway during highway merge.
When: While merging onto highway
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pinging noise followed by thud; Drivetrain or driveshaft falls out of vehicle; Loss of propulsion
Engine stalling and power loss during driving
Engine stalls or loses power intermittently while vehicle is in motion. In one case, vehicle jerked hard, loss of power and stabilization system shutdown occurred, limiting speed to 20 mph afterward with ongoing jerking and shaking.
When: While driving on highway and during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks back hard with sudden power loss; Stabilization system shuts down; Speed limited to 20 mph after event; Continued jerking and shaking of vehicle; Engine stalls during driving
Camshaft and crankshaft position sensor fault codes
Diagnostic codes P0017 (Camshaft Position Sensor B) and P0008 (Crankshaft Position Sensor) persist or recur despite sensor replacement.
When: During driving and while engine is parked and running
Symptoms owners cite: P0017 code present; P0008 code present; Codes persist after sensor replacement; Codes trigger while driving and parked
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft position sensor replaced without resolving issue.
Erratic RPM fluctuation during driving
Engine RPM rises and falls during normal driving as if transmission is preparing to shift, causing vehicle to lose power intermittently while in motion.
When: During driving while vehicle is in motion
Symptoms owners cite: RPM increases and decreases unexpectedly; Vehicle loses power during driving; Resembles transmission preparing to shift; Occurs while driving, frightening driver
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
2011 Buick enclave rolls unabated on hills while in gear - drive or reverse. Very hard to control. Requires very quick move from brake to accelerator and "2-foot" driving which is dangerous and wears brakes and transmission. There is no "hill hold" feature and drivetrain provides no resistance. *tr
I was driving down the highway and all of sudden the vehicle jerk back hard and I loss power and stabilize system shut down and could drive no more than 20 mile an hour. It gotten worst that my truck is jerking and shaking.
Codes p0017 and p0008 camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position keeps coming on driving and parked running. Even after replacing the sensor.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Buick Enclave?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,733 and 82,100 miles, with the median around 40,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,733; a quarter make it past 82,100. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.