This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Buick Enclave powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Buick Enclave have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Enclave | 119 |
| 2009 Enclave | 23 |
| 2010 Enclave | 22 |
| 2011 Enclave | 33 |
| 2012 Enclave (this page) | 12 |
| 2013 Enclave | 10 |
| 2014 Enclave | 19 |
| 2015 Enclave | 4 |
| 2016 Enclave | 9 |
1crash
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain 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 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 informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Buick Enclave shows repeated transmission and driveline issues across this complaint cluster. Multiple owners describe backward rolling when parked on inclines in Drive—a safety hazard dealerships dismiss as normal, though test-driving other Enclaves showed mixed results. Transmission failures cluster around 100,000 miles, with owners reporting complete loss of gears, violent shuddering, and hesitation. One owner reported torque converter failure; another experienced transmission slipping into a neutral-like state over 20 times during highway merging, creating dangerous gaps in power delivery. Dealership software updates and transmission repairs have failed to resolve the slipping. Acceleration problems and sudden power loss appear across narratives, some accompanied by StabiliTrak warnings. A power steering whine from a leaking rack and pinion persisted even after system replacement, and dealerships claimed the noise met factory specifications. Owners report these problems affect Enclaves, Traverses, and Acadias similarly, suggesting a platform-wide issue that GM has not addressed through recalls or technical service bulletins cited in these complaints.
Same Buick Enclave powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive backward roll on inclines in Drive
Vehicle rolls backward when stopped on inclines while in Drive, requiring continuous brake pressure. When driver releases brakes to accelerate or merge, vehicle rolls backward uncontrollably, creating collision risk with vehicles behind and pedestrians.
When: Occurs on inclines, intersections, hills
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward excessively on inclines while in Drive; Rolling continues when brakes are released; Problem occurs at traffic lights and intersections on slopes; Reverse behavior: rolls forward when parked in Reverse on downhill
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claimed behavior is 'normal' on 2012 Enclaves; test of other Enclaves on lot showed it is not normal for other model years
Transmission failure and gear loss
Transmission fails at low mileage, resulting in loss of multiple gears. Owner reports torque converter failure around 100,000 miles despite proper maintenance. Transmission shudders, shakes, and refuses to accelerate properly before complete failure.
When: At 100,000 miles; transmission checked by GM in shop prior to purchase (unresolved)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders and shakes while refusing to accelerate; Loss of 4th, 5th, and 6th gears; Transmission slips and hesitates during cruising; Engine revs higher during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports full transmission replacement and torque converter replacement needed; Lucas additive used twice without success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM had vehicle in shop but stated they could not determine the issue; work not completed under warranty
Transmission slipping and hesitation with stall risk
Transmission exhibits persistent slipping, hesitation, and shaking during normal driving. Vehicle feels like it is about to stall and experiences downshift refusal. Condition worsens over time and occurs on every drive.
When: Occurring for last couple years at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission skipping and hesitating; Vehicle shudders and shakes during cruising; Refuses to downshift properly; Feels like vehicle is stalling and shuts down repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised transmission rebuild or replacement required; Lucas additive used twice but worsened condition
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer indicated no solution apart from transmission overhaul
Transmission slips into neutral-like state during highway merging
Transmission drops into neutral or neutral-like state without driver input during highway acceleration and merging, lasting 1–3 seconds. Occurs intermittently over 20+ times in 1.5 years, creating safety hazard during high-speed traffic.
When: During highway merge attempts; occurs 20+ times over 1.5 years
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips into neutral during merge attempts; Loss of drive for 1–3 seconds at highway speeds; Intermittent, unpredictable occurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership re-downloaded transmission software; fix was unsuccessful
Acceleration failure and power loss
Vehicle fails to accelerate properly when driver depresses accelerator pedal at various speeds. Some reports include loss of power to engine and inability to steer, with vehicle feeling like it is about to fail catastrophically.
When: At 89,000 miles and beyond; occurs at random during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate properly with pedal input; Loss of power to engine; Inability to steer; Mild to violent shudder during light acceleration at random speeds
Power steering noise with rack-and-pinion leak
Persistent whine or whistle from power steering system that started after 16,000 miles. Dealer diagnosed leaking rack and pinion, replaced the system, but noise continued. Dealer ultimately claimed noise is normal operation per specifications.
When: Started after 16,000 miles; returned for service in May 2014
Symptoms owners cite: Whine or whistle noise from power steering; Low power steering fluid; Rack and pinion leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion system replaced but noise persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated nothing can be done; Buick customer complaint rep said noise is within specifications
StabiliTrak and traction control warning lights
StabiliTrak and traction control warning lights illuminate, indicating potential system malfunction beyond manual disable. Owner reports this is a common issue across Enclave, Traverse, and Acadia models.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Service StabiliTrak warning light illuminates; Service traction control warning light illuminates; Loss of power to engine reported; Inability to steer reported
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Last couple years I been having problems with the transmission skipping, hesitating a lot the dealer told me there is big problem with the transmission in this vehicle and they told me I will need new transmission or it has to be rebuilt because it will get worse with time. My mechanic add some lucas to help smooth up the shifting and I did that twice and it getting worse now so I don't know what…
Whenever the vehicle is in drive and on an incline the vehicle will roll backwards excessively if the brakes are not held. If I pull up to a signal light or intersection where there is an incline my heart is beating so fast because I am afraid the vehicle is going to roll backwards onto the vehicle behind me. I have been told by a dealership repair representative to "just apply the brakes."…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 65,666 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 $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/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.