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 ↗2014 Buick Enclave powertrain problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 18 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 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 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
The 2014 Buick Enclave transmission failures dominate this complaint cluster. Owners describe hard shifts, shuddering from a stop, jerking during gear changes, and transmission slip—especially at 35–60 mph or during acceleration. GM published Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-358 in October 2020 acknowledging severe launch shudder, flare, slip, and hard shift in 2014–2017 models, but no recall was issued.
Multiple owners report transmission failure at relatively low mileage (5,000–85,000 miles), with one paying $7,500 for full replacement due to loss of reverse and third gear. Rebuilt transmissions exhibit identical symptoms. Check engine lights (P0700, P182E, P0306) come on intermittently, codes clear on diagnostic scan, and mechanics cannot replicate failures during testing—leaving owners with unresolved issues after warranty expiration.
Secondary failures include unexpected reverse engagement while parked (one crash into a garage door), torque converter breakdown causing sudden power loss, clunking at low and highway speeds, and stabilitrak/traction control red warnings. One owner reported a near rear-end collision at highway speeds when the vehicle lost power mid-traffic. Power steering intermittently fails during slow turns. Dealerships either apply ineffective software patches or decline work once warranty expires. GM refuses financial relief or accountability despite documented knowledge of the defect.
Same Buick Enclave powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hard shift / shudder / jerking
Multiple owners report hard, delayed, or jerky shifts, especially during acceleration or gear changes. Some describe a severe 'launch shudder' from a stop or when shifting between gears. GM TSB 18-NA-358 (October 2020) acknowledges this as a known issue affecting 2014–2017 models.
When: Intermittent; occurs between 5,000 and 85,000 miles; some owners report worsening over months to years
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shift or delayed response when accelerating; Shuddering or jerking during 1st–2nd or 2nd–3rd gear transitions; Vehicle shaking as if it wants to stall; Padding and jerking before and after gear changes
Codes mentioned: P0700, P182E, P0306
Repairs/costs cited: Software patch applied by dealers with minimal improvement. Transmission replacement estimated $3,500–$7,500 out of warranty; owners report rebuilt transmissions exhibiting the same symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TSB 18-NA-358 (October 2020); no official recall issued despite known defect; GM refuses to provide financial relief or acknowledge responsibility; some owners reference class-action lawsuit.
Transmission slip / flare in gear
Owners report the transmission slipping, failing to engage properly, or experiencing a flare (RPMs racing without corresponding vehicle acceleration). These events occur during normal driving and highway operation.
When: Intermittent; progressively worsening over months; one owner reported it at 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips or fails to shift into next gear; RPMs race with delayed or no vehicle movement; Loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle struggles to move in traffic or accelerate from a stop
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement or full transmission replacement required; one estimate $3,500, another $7,500; warranties expired before failures manifest in several cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refuses to acknowledge faulty transmission design or provide reimbursement; no recall issued.
Transmission fails to engage reverse or park
Vehicle shifts into reverse unexpectedly when park is selected, or rolls when in park or neutral. One incident resulted in a crash into a garage door.
When: At 40,000 miles (garage door incident); intermittent in other cases
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly shifts into reverse from park position; Car rolls backward when shifted to park or neutral; Loss of gear engagement
Codes mentioned: 16-NA-013 (No Reverse, No Third)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shifter cable replacement or full transmission replacement; one owner paid $7,500 for full transmission due to 16-NA-013 defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed shifter cable fault; manufacturer notified but offered no assistance; TSB 16-NA-013 exists but marked for 2016 models only, not applied proactively to 2014 units.
Check engine light / transmission fault codes
Check engine light illuminates intermittently and flashes during transmission failures. Codes are retrieved, cleared, and do not reappear when vehicle is tested, complicating diagnosis.
When: Intermittent; at 35–60 mph city and highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on and flashes for 30 seconds; Light disappears after pulling off road; Codes clear and do not reappear on diagnostic scan
Codes mentioned: P0700, P182E, P0306
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics unable to replicate failures during diagnostic visits; dealer service clears codes without addressing root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Transmission clunking at low and highway speeds
Owners report a persistent clunking noise from the transmission when ascending a small incline or at highway cruising speeds. Dealer software patch applied with minimal improvement.
When: Intermittent; present for years; worsens or remains at 15 mph inclines and 60–65 mph highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking sound within transmission during acceleration uphill; Clunking persists at highway speeds (60–65 mph); Issue present shortly after taking ownership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer applied software patch that slightly reduced but did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer software update (partial remedy only).
Torque converter failure
Vehicle begins shuddering and losing power during normal driving, with the root cause diagnosed as a failing torque converter (part of the transmission). Safety risk due to sudden loss of acceleration.
When: During normal driving at various speeds, especially 35–60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and loss of power; Vehicle slipping or feeling as if it will stall; Sudden loss of acceleration capability
Repairs/costs cited: Certified service center diagnosed failure; repair estimate several thousand dollars.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or assistance from Buick or GM; no response from Buick Customer Care or GM Executive offices despite owner contact.
Stabilitrak / traction control malfunction
Red light warnings for Stabilitrak and traction control illuminate intermittently. After dealer repair, vehicle shakes severely, suggesting incomplete or failed repair.
When: Intermittent; one incident post-repair at low speed (30–40 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Red light warnings on and off; Vehicle shaking after attempted repair; Car feels as if it wants to stall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claimed repair was completed, but vehicle shook severely upon leaving dealership; owner switched to a different dealership due to poor service response (repair completed Thursday evening; customer told to return Monday).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed repair completed without verification.
Power steering intermittent loss
Power steering fails momentarily during slow-speed turns and suddenly returns, possibly related to electrical voltage drop.
When: During slow-speed turns; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering loss during turning; Sudden return of power steering
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
On 11/30, we turned on the car, the engine light on the dash came on to service engine. We took the car to the dealership. We were informed the problem is in the transmission. It needed a torque converter, a pump and new gaskets. They've had the car since 12/2, and informed us they were waiting for the gaskets which will possibly be two more weeks.
The Service Air Bags indicator has been on for 3 years and I have tried to get this taken care of with Buick, East Side Madison as I have indicated on another complaint form December 06 2024 NHTSA ID Number: 11629225. Now, today my daughter tried to open the door and the car's electrical system went haywire and would not let her out. I had to manually get a key to unlock the door. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 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?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 18,000 and 53,700 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 53,700. 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/2014/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.