Buick Enclave is a mid-size SUV car that is known to have a balance in terms of luxury and basic features at once.
Still, as this car was launched in 2006, there was no doubt that the improvements are massive in number, but there are a few years that weren’t the best for the brand and the car itself.
In this article, I will mention to you the Buick Enclave years to avoid, so if you think of purchasing this car, you know some details about them!
So, Which Are Buick Enclave’s Years to Avoid?
As I mentioned above, the car was launched almost two decades ago, and the upgrades in this model are surely in a considerable number.
Still, knowing the right ones to avoid is always better for the buyer, as you wouldn’t want to spend too much money on a car, and notice that it isn’t the right and best fit for you.
That being said, the years to avoid Buick Enclave are the models of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015.
Why Avoid Those Years? – Main Issues in Buick Enclave
In each year that I mentioned above, Buick Enclave has its own history, and each year has a reason why it should be avoided.
Let me start from 2008 and go on to 2015!
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2008 Issues
Shockingly enough, after two years of the amazing launch of the Buick Enclave, things seem to go deep down, as based on all critical reviews around the world, the 2008 Buick Enclave stands as the worst Buick Enclave in history.
Something I specifically noticed in this model of Buick Enclave is the fact that its main issue stands on the transmission part!
Truly, the gears were super hard to be changed, and most importantly, accelerating the Buick Enclave was the hardest thing I ever had to do!
Besides the transmission issues, I noticed that the direction of the car via steering is hard too, along with the windows, windshields, heater, and body paint.
2009 Issues
The 2009 model of Buick Enclave came with some slight improvements on transmission issues, but the new issue that appears here is the engine itself.
The engine lights, overheating, and rough idle are what make 2009 a year to avoid because of the engine problems.
Even though most complaints are given on engine problems, there are still found transmission and steering issues, along with AC and heater.
2010 Issues
Once again, Buick Enclave couldn’t really get rid of the engine issues and they are found in the 2010 model of the Buick Enclave as well. The most common problem I encountered with this model is the timing chain and the fact that it gets worn out easily.
Besides the engine issues, I have dealt with steering and AC/Heater problems as well!
2011 Issues
Again and again, the engine of a Buick Enclave is a reason why you should avoid the 2011 model too! I know that it sounds weird to have the same problems after different models, but it seems like the manufacturer cannot really find ways to help these models.
A new issue that isn’t found in the previous years but in 2011 is the fuel system! In the 2011th model of Buick Enclave, the fuel system doesn’t work as it should and doesn’t supply the fuel to the engine.
2012 Issues
Steering and transmission problems continued to be the main big things of the 2012th Buick Enclave, and even though not as big as in the 2006 model, it still makes the drivers crazy.
Also, in the 2012 Buick Enclave, you may deal with not properly working fuel systems!
2014 Issues
Another year to avoid Buick Enclave is the year 2014, and that’s because of the AC/Heater issues, the transmission issues, and the issues in the engine.
Something I noticed in this model and that is important to mention is that it isn’t as bad as the previous ones but still, those problems are present to give you a hard time.
2015 Issues
Last but not least, another year to avoid the Buick Enclave SUV is 2015!
So, 2015 is the last year you should remember to avoid this car and the issues it has are very small when compared to its predecessors. No more transmission, steering, or engine problems!
Still, in this model, I found issues such as the interior accessories of the car and the seatbelts.
Also Read: Explaining Toyota Venza Years to Avoid
Is Buick Enclave a Good Car?
So, now that you know the struggles of the Buick Enclave through the years, you surely have created an opinion about this car and you have your concerns about choosing one right now.
However, even though it had some issues during the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015 you surely should know that in the years after 2015 you will find some of the greatest mid-size SUVs you saw.
Buick Enclave is a great car and it has done many improvements! If you want to purchase it, make sure to choose after the year 2018.
Also Read: Explaining Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid
Final Words
Just like every other car, Buick Enclave has its “dark years” and the good thing is that you know them already if you read thus far! After all, we can’t say that it is the only car that needs to be avoided in some years, and by doing so, you end up purchasing the best ones.
I hope this article has helped you have a clearer idea of what years the Buick Enclave should be avoided! Good luck!