Problems · by component

2010 Buick Enclave power train problems

34 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Buick Enclave cite power train, 12% of all 275 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
34
12% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I purchased a 2010 Buick Enclave from a dealer who did not disclose any major issues with the vehicle. After purchase, I began experiencing significant problems while driving, including difficulty shifting, loss of power, and unstable handling. Concerned for my safety, I took the Buick to a mechanic for inspection. The mechanic verified that: •The wrong transmission had been installed in the vehicle, causing unsafe shifting and performance issues. •The driveshaft was malfunctioning, which affects the stability and control of the SUV. •No warning or check engine lights were on •CV axel bolts were zip tied closed Because of these defects, the mechanic told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. These problems were never disclosed to me at the time of sale, and I would not have purchased the vehicle had I known.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2025Suspension, Power trainODI 11684851
“The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed again that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the issue would be escalated. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2023Power trainODI 11502627
“The contact owns a 2010 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle prior to starting the engine. After starting the vehicle, the noise became louder. While operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and a humming noise was present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who indicated that the transmission gear was faulty. The vehicle was serviced however, the failure persisted. No further information was available. In addition, after refueling the vehicle would not immediately startup. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2022Fuel system, gasoline, Power train, EngineODI 11465389
“2010 BUICK ENCLAVE WITH 116,164 MILES, JUST OVER 10,00 PER YEAR, ENGINE DEVELOPED A SPUN ROD BEARING AND QUIT WHILE DRIVING. STEERING LOST POWER AND ENGINE STOPPED. I HAD TO PUSH IT BACKWARDS TO GET OUT OF AN INTERSECTION. I HAD JUST STARTED A RIGHT TURN. 22 MONTH EARLIER THE TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED ON THE VEHICLE COSTING $2000 IN REPAIRS. OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 5000 OR LESS MILES AND USED MOBILE 1 SYNTHETIC OIL THE ENTIRE TIME. THIS AND OWNERS OF EARLIER MODEL YEARS REPORT THIS SAME PROBLEM FROM THIS VEHICLE. A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TWO PROBLEMS WHICH POINTS TO SOME FAILURE IN DESIGN OR MANUFACTURE. VEHICLE IS NOW JUNK.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 13, 2020Power train, EngineODI 11383198
“ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON DUE TO ISSUE WITH TIMING CHAIN. MY MECHANIC SAID GM ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN AND GM OFFERED EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR MODEL YEAR 2009 BUT NOT 2010 (WHICH IS MY MODEL YEAR). IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND GM REFUSES TO COVER THE REPAIR OF THE TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2020Power trainODI 11372985
“2010 BUICK ENCLAVE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH, ENGINE STUTTERED, LOST POWER, AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. PULLED OVER AND ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. TOWED TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN, GEARS BLEW APART, TIMING CHAIN SHOT. FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT COSTING ALMOST $7,000. MILEAGE WAS 178,222. ADDITIONAL ISSUES TO INCLUDE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS, BRAKES, ROTORS, WHEEL BEARINGS (TWICE) DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. REAR LATERAL LINKS BOTH UPPER AND LOWER (TWICE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS). CAR STILL DOES NOT RIDE PROPERLY AFTER SECOND REPLACEMENT OF PARTS AND 4 ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. CAR SWAYS TERRIBLY AND ROCKS ESPECIALLY DURING HIGHER WINDS. VERY HARD TO KEEP ON THE ROAD AND DANGEROUS. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2020Suspension, Power train, EngineODI 11326788

Showing 6 of 34 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2010 Enclave problem areas