This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Buick Enclave powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Buick Enclave have filed 10 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
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Enclave | 23 |
| 2010 Enclave | 22 |
| 2011 Enclave | 33 |
| 2012 Enclave | 12 |
| 2013 Enclave (this page) | 10 |
| 2014 Enclave | 19 |
| 2015 Enclave | 4 |
| 2016 Enclave | 9 |
| 2017 Enclave | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 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.
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 identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a range of transmission failures in 2013 Buick Enclaves, typically surfacing between 92,000 and 140,000 miles. The most common complaint is complete transmission shutdown while driving—some vehicles lose all gears or are stuck in limp mode, unable to shift above second gear or access reverse. Other owners describe shuddering, hesitation, and rough riding that worsens under acceleration at low RPM, suggesting clutch slip.
One owner's vehicle suddenly entered reduced engine power mode on the highway, triggering warning lights (Service StabiliTrak, Traction Off, Service Engine Soon) without initially storing codes; a C0561 code eventually appeared but cleared before the dealer could diagnose it. Another owner reported a loud bang and complete drivetrain failure on the interstate.
Owners cite transmission fluid cycling procedures recommended by dealers, rebuilds and full replacements after already high mileage, and repair shops noting multiple Enclaves in for the same work simultaneously. Several owners mention missing recall applicability for their vehicles despite recalls numbered 14V092000 and 09V073000 being referenced as applying to similar model-year Enclaves. One transmission required replacement twice with no lasting correction.
Same Buick Enclave powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Failure—Complete Loss of Gears
Transmission loses ability to shift into proper gears or becomes stuck in reduced mode, leaving vehicle unable to accelerate or operate normally on the highway.
When: 92,000 to 140,000 miles; some incidents occur suddenly without warning during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: No first gear or no reverse; Stuck in second gear maximum; Vehicle limited to 15–20 mph; Sudden loss of power while driving 65–70 mph; Loud bang or grinding sound prior to failure; Complete drivetrain stoppage
Codes mentioned: C0561
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or full replacement; one owner reports transmission replaced twice without lasting correction; repair shops report multiple Enclaves requiring same work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 14V092000 and 09V073000 referenced by owners but reportedly not showing in system for 2013 models; dealers report recall does not apply to some 2013 Enclaves
Transmission Shuddering and Clutch Slip
Transmission causes vehicle to shudder and hesitate during acceleration, particularly at low RPM, indicating clutch slippage or inadequate manufacturing of clutch components.
When: Occurs during normal driving; one complaint noted after transmission replacement at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders abruptly while driving; Hesitation during acceleration; Rough riding as if vehicle will stall; Entire car shudders instead of downshifting; Jerking and hesitation as if in too high a gear or dragging clutch; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid cycling through system recommended by dealer; one transmission replaced twice with persistent shuddering; another diagnosed at 138,000 miles
Reduced Engine Power Mode—Intermittent Loss of Power
Vehicle suddenly enters limp mode or reduced power state while driving at highway speeds, cutting engine power without stored diagnostic codes and creating safety hazard.
When: Multiple occurrences over several months in 2014; no mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden speed reduction from 65–70 mph to 35–45 mph; Service StabiliTrak light illuminated; Traction Off light illuminated; Flashing Service Engine Soon light; Car running rough; Power reduced mode engaged; Multiple occurrences without consistent code storage
Codes mentioned: C0561
Repairs/costs cited: Code clears over drive cycles before diagnosis possible; OnStar diagnostics could not identify issue; dealer unable to diagnose without active fault code
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
This vehicle should have a recall on the transmission upon review the recall numbers NHTSA Recall ID: 14V092000 and NHTSA Recall ID: 09V073000 are not showing up in the system as recalls on the 2013 model. I purchased this vehicle used from a private owner. In April of 2023 the transmission went out without any warning a major expense not to mention the trauma from being stranded on the…
Transmission failure. No reverse and will not shift past second gear. Vehicle is limited to about 15-20 MPH.
My 2013 Buick Enclave transmission needed to be rebuilt after only 140,000 miles. While my cars transmission was being repaired there were 5 other Buick Enclaves being rebuilt as well. The internet shows that it is the number 1 car issue in Buick Enclaves. There needs to be some kind of recall for this issue. There is no reason that a transmission should be rebuilt on so many Enclaves.
04/24/2014 3:56pm our 2013 enclave suddenly went into reduced engine power mode while traveling on the interstate at speeds of 65-70 when suddenly speed was reduced to 35-45mph. My wife almost got rear ended. She contact onstar for diagnostics but they could not see any issue with the vehicle. (not issues or diagnostic codes found) when this happened the service stabilitrak light lit, traction…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Buick Enclave?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 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?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 83,500 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/2013/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.