This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Buick Enclave engine problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 12 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Buick Enclave, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 3 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 technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in 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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Enclave shows a pattern of serious engine problems across multiple failure modes. Most alarming are catastrophic internal failures: owners report sudden engine shutdown while driving or idling, without prior warning lights, sometimes followed by inability to restart. Mechanics diagnosed piston rod failure and unspecified broken internal engine parts, with repairs requiring full engine replacement costing $7,500-$8,500. These failures occurred between 75,000 and 140,000 miles.
Timing chain failure is also cited as a recurring issue, with owners noting coded failures (P0017, P0018, P0019) and describing it as a known defect GM should recall.
A separate problem involves unexplained power loss during acceleration or at speed, triggering traction control and Stabilitrak warnings. GM issued a TSB (technical service bulletin) for code P2138 with a 10-year/120,000-mile warranty extension, suggesting manufacturer awareness.
Oil seal leakage is mentioned as causing hazardous accumulation on the engine and undercarriage. One owner reported engine shuddering and rough idle that persisted despite filter, plug, and tune-up service.
One complaint involved jerking that recurred even after dealer engine replacement. Owners consistently note the lack of diagnostic codes makes troubleshooting difficult.
Same Buick Enclave engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Engine internal failure - piston rods, broken internal components
Catastrophic internal engine failure requiring full engine replacement. Owners report sudden engine shutdown or stalling while driving, often without warning lights. Mechanics diagnosed failed piston rods or unspecified broken internal engine parts. No prior symptoms in some cases.
When: 75,000 to 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving or idling; Engine will not restart; Audible screeching from engine on restart attempt; Engine shaking on restart attempt
Repairs/costs cited: $7,500-$8,500 for full engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner was advised this is a known common issue with Buick; no formal recalls or TSBs mentioned
Timing chain failure
Timing chain and related seals wear prematurely or fail completely. Owners report this as a known defect in the 2012 Enclave and cite safety concerns due to sudden loss of engine function while driving.
When: Not specified by owners
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power or shuts down while driving; Affects vehicle performance
Codes mentioned: P0017, P0018, P0019
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and gears require replacement; costs not cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners assert this is a known defect that should be recalled by GM
Oil seal leakage
Seals on the motor leak oil excessively, causing oil to accumulate on engine and undercarriage. Owner characterizes this as a known defect GM has used for years.
When: Not specified by owner
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaks from under vehicle on passenger side; Large oil accumulation on engine, brakes, and undercarriage; Safety hazard due to oil accumulation
Repairs/costs cited: Owner cleaned accumulated oil multiple times; repair cost not cited
Engine power loss and traction control faults
Loss of engine power during acceleration or steady driving, triggering traction control and stability system warnings. Multiple attempted repairs including gas pedal and throttle body sensor replacement did not resolve the issue. GM issued a TSB for this condition with extended warranty.
When: Timing not specified; occurs at various speeds including 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced, vehicle slows like downshifting two gears; Traction control light comes on; Service Stabilitrak warning; Engine Power Reduced message displayed; Problem occurs intermittently
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Gas pedal replaced, throttle body sensor replaced; issue persisted. Owner considers vehicle unsafe to drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued TSB with warranty extension: 10 years or 120,000 miles for P2138 code
Engine shuddering and loss of power during acceleration
Engine shudders and loses power when accelerating, causing bumpy and rough driving. Issue persists despite comprehensive service including filter, spark plug, and fuel system work. No diagnostic trouble codes generated.
When: Not specified by owner
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudders when accelerating; Loses power during acceleration; Rough, bumpy driving; No check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: All filters replaced, spark plugs replaced, tune-up performed; problem remains unresolved
Engine rough idle and stalling
Engine runs rough while idling at traffic light and then dies. Limited information provided on this complaint.
When: Not specified by owner
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs rough at idle; Engine dies while sitting at traffic light
Jerking while driving
Vehicle jerks while driving at various speeds and during uphill driving. After initial engine replacement by dealer, the issue recurred. Failure codes related to wheel speed sensor were retrieved, but engine replacement was still recommended.
When: 128,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks while driving uphill at 60 mph; Jerking occurs at various speeds; Jerking recurs after initial repair
Codes mentioned: Wheel speed sensor codes (specific codes not listed)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine was replaced by dealer, but jerking recurred
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving uphill and while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired after the dealer made a contract for the repair; however, the…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Buick Enclave?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 116,571 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2012/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.