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 ↗2019 Buick Enclave powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Buick Enclave have filed 13 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
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Enclave | 4 |
| 2016 Enclave | 9 |
| 2017 Enclave | 3 |
| 2018 Enclave | 15 |
| 2019 Enclave (this page) | 13 |
| 2020 Enclave | 7 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
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 service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2019 Enclave report a cluster of powertrain failures, with the auto start-stop system topping the list. Multiple complaints describe the engine shutting down completely instead of restarting when the vehicle stops at red lights, stop signs, and in traffic. When this happens, owners lose all power steering and brake assist while stranded in active traffic lanes. A dealership confirmed the stalling but couldn't identify a cause, and replacing the battery didn't help. No warning lights appear before shutdown.
Transmission problems are equally concerning. Owners describe sudden neutral shifts at highway speed where the vehicle cannot re-engage to any gear and brakes become inoperable. Another owner faced a $70,000-mile torque converter replacement that fell outside warranty by one month, despite industry bulletins flagging the issue. Some report harsh transmission shudder when the auto start-stop system re-engages, along with evidence of transmission fluid leaks.
Additional failures include an alternator that quit at 4 years causing complete electrical shutdown at 50 mph, engine power loss undiagnosed after weeks of dealer attempts, and a rear differential grinding noise at 87,000 miles. One owner reports the vehicle moving backward while in Park, striking and running over a family member. Air conditioning fails repeatedly within short timeframes.
Same Buick Enclave powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start-Stop System Malfunction
Engine completely shuts off when auto start-stop activates at stops instead of restarting, leaving vehicle without power steering, brake assist, or ability to move. Multiple owners report the vehicle becoming unresponsive at traffic lights, stop signs, and in school zones. Dealership inspection confirmed the stalling but could not identify a root cause. One owner reported sitting for 15 minutes waiting for restart. Battery replacement did not resolve the issue.
When: At vehicle stops; one failure documented at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off during auto start-stop activation at traffic lights; Complete loss of power steering and brake assist; Vehicle unresponsive; must be manually restarted in traffic; No warning lights or messages preceding failure; Unpredictable; sometimes immediate, sometimes delayed; Diagnostic tools show no fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Buick dealership inspected but could not identify single cause; no repairs specified by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Contact with dealership and manufacturer; VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 20V668000 (Powertrain) despite owner reporting identical failure to recall symptoms
Unintended Vehicle Movement—Gear Shift Failure
Vehicle moved backward without operator input while parked and in Park gear. Owner opened car door, vehicle shifted into reverse or lost Park engagement, and reversed down a driveway and into a ditch. Vehicle was still running when towed; gear shift confirmed in Park position by tow operator and owner's husband. Owner was struck and run over by vehicle during incident.
When: During morning startup; October 25, 2021 approximately 7:05 am
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moving backward while in Park gear; No warning or indication before movement; Vehicle continued to travel uncontrolled down driveway; Engine remained running during movement
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle recovered from ditch; no owner-reported repair attempts
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter requires replacement at 69,000 miles while still under mileage warranty but past the rollover-warranty-date threshold by one month. Owner notes widespread internet complaints and references service bulletin PIP5608J covering these exact issues. Owner questions transmission reliability at highway speeds if converter failure occurs.
When: 69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Torque converter degradation requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement required; owner declined diagnostic fee and did not authorize repair due to warranty denial
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denied warranty coverage due to mileage-warranty date expiration (one month past threshold); service bulletin PIP5608J references torque converter issues
Transmission Shudder and Harsh Re-engagement After Auto Start-Stop
Transmission slams into gear with noticeable shudder after auto start-stop disengages when driver removes foot from brake, before pressing accelerator. Occurs during both highway and city driving when vehicle must stop. Dealership replaced auxiliary fluid accumulator and added transmission fluid; owner then observed fluid spots in driveway indicating prior transmission leak.
When: During auto start-stop re-engagement at stops
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shudders when re-engaging from auto start-stop; Slamming into gear without accelerator input; Evidence of transmission fluid leak (spots in driveway); Occurs both at traffic lights and highway stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced auxiliary fluid accumulator and added transmission fluid
Transmission Neutral Engagement at Highway Speed
Transmission suddenly shifts itself into Neutral while traveling at highway speed and cannot be re-engaged to any drive gear. Brakes become inoperable and accelerator becomes inoperable. Vehicle coasted to shoulder and lost speed enough to finally shift into Park.
When: While traveling at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts to Neutral without operator input; Cannot re-engage to any drive gear; Brakes inoperable; Accelerator inoperable; Loss of vehicle control
Transmission Shudder at Low Speeds
Transmission exhibits shuddering at low speeds. Owner found recall listed for 2019 Buick with identical symptoms but vehicle's VIN was not included in recall eligibility.
When: During low-speed driving
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shudders at low speeds
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner's VIN not included in applicable recall despite matching symptoms
Alternator Failure
Alternator failed after 4 years of usage (approximately 60,000+ miles), causing complete loss of electrical power while driving at 50 mph in active traffic at night. Dealer refused to cover repair cost under warranty. Vehicle suddenly stopped, creating hazardous condition with family on board.
When: 4 years into ownership; at highway speed (50 mph limit road)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Vehicle suddenly stopped in traffic; No warning lights or messages noted prior
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required; dealer denied warranty coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused to cover repair cost
Engine Power Loss and Check Engine Light
Check Engine light illuminated due to abnormal engine power delivery. Dealer unable to diagnose or resolve issue over multiple weeks. Vehicle was returned to owner without repair while parts were on order; no loaner vehicle provided.
When: Multiple weeks of unresolved diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminated; Abnormal engine power delivery; Vehicle hesitates when accelerating, feels like it is going to die; Vehicle shut off randomly with display message 'not in right conditions to start'
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to fix; parts on order at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No rental car provided during repair delay
Rear Differential Grinding Noise
Loud grinding noise emitted from rear end upon vehicle startup, traced by owner to rear differential. Owner found workaround by operating vehicle in front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive. Dealership offered no diagnosis without diagnostic fee; owner declined service. Manufacturer offered no assistance.
When: Upon vehicle startup; failure noted at approximately 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise from rear end at startup; Noise eliminated by switching to front-wheel drive mode
Repairs/costs cited: Owner declined dealer diagnostic fee; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; offered no assistance
Air Conditioning System Failure—Recurrent
Air conditioning system failed three times in a two-month period. System blows only hot air regardless of motion or stationary operation and does not vary with speed or drive duration. Consistent noise from dashboard area resembles hydraulic hinge or actuator malfunction.
When: Three separate failures within two months; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Consistently blows only hot air; Failure independent of vehicle motion or speed; Noise from dashboard area resembling hydraulic actuator or hinge; Problem does not fluctuate with driving conditions
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the engine…
There are a couple of issues causing our concerns about the car. 1. Alternator - The alternator was reported went bad after only 4 years of usage, the dealer refused to pay the fixing cost for this. Due to the failure of the alternator, the car lost all the power in the middle of the road with our entire family in the car during the night, very dangerous. The car suddenly stopped at the road…
I found where there was a recall on 2019 Buick and mine was not listed. It is doing what I have read about the recall. The transmission is shuttering at low speeds.
This is the third time in less the last couple of months that the air conditioning system on this 2019 Buick Enclave has failed. The vehicle consistently blows only hot air, regardless of whether it is in motion or stationary. The problem does not fluctuate with changes in speed or drive duration. In addition, there is a consistent noise coming from the dashboard area that resembles a hydraulic…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Buick Enclave?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 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 13 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 48,900 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/2019/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.