CarComplaints.com Notes: Buying the first model year of any vehicle is rarely a good idea. You become a guinea pig for the automaker and they are really not nice to guinea pigs.

The 2008 Enclave has a wide enough range of problems to issue a warning. There's transmission failure under 90k miles, new power steering units costing over $1,300, and enough engine complaints to NHTSA to scare anyone away.

8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$80
Average Mileage:
70,950 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. clear drain tubes (4 reports)
2008 Buick Enclave windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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2008 Buick Enclave Owner Comments

problem #9

Aug 172018

Enclave CXL 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,432 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Every time we get rain and drive the vehicle it starts leaking water bad on the passenger side.This will cause water to get on your fuse panel,and have a short circuit that will cause your vehicle to drain your battery. Also car will stay running after you shut it off, then will slowly chug until the engine stalls. Also had about 2 inches of water under the carpet and mold will start to form.

I called GM and they never heard about this problem and there is no recall for this. I've seen other complaints that this can be a fire hazard. This car is nothing but a lemon. Wish we would of did more research before purchasing a used vehicle without warranty. GM needs to add this problem to there recall list. This is also common with the Arcadia's and the Traverse.

- J W., Lake Mills, IA, US

problem #8

Sep 072016

Enclave CX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles

This was the second time taking it to the dealer for the same problem.

- joyce.robinson, Chicago, US

problem #7

Oct 042016

Enclave CX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

This problem started in 2014 and again in 2016 I paid 145.00 and now in 2018 I need it fixed. This car cost too much for this problem.

- joyce.robinson, Chicago, US

problem #6

May 112018

Enclave CX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have not did anything yet. GMC needs to fix this problem. They want me to pay $65 or more a hour to take it apart and look at it. I do not have that kind of money.

- joyce.robinson, Chicago, US

problem #5

May 032016

Enclave CXL 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

My wife and I really like our Enclave except for that horrible leaky sunroof. Interior smells musty as water literally runs down the front pillars and makes puddles onto the floor. Come on GM, sunroofs aren't a new concept.

- snicholson, Penn Laird, VA, US

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problem #4

Sep 012014

Enclave CLX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

Had car parked w/ right front corner slightly lower then the rest of the car. Uneven parking space. Wife had been complaining about wet floors for awhile. Massive rain storm. Found Front right foot well completely filled w/ water. Over 3" of water. Deal wanted $125 to remove headliner. I found where the drain hole and hose are. Open sunroof. locate said holes, right and left. They are located along the sunroof slide track towards the front. Pour 1/2 a cup of water into those holes. Let sit for a couple of hours till it softens dirt plugging the tube. Use a high pressure air hose, blowing directly into the hole. You will soon see all the water coming out under your car.

Every time you wash the car open the sunroof and wipe clean the "trays" that are pitched right and left to take the water to the drain hole. Road grim and other crap does get in there. 10 second job. I do this and never have the problem again.

- rather own a ford, Waukesha, WI, US

problem #3

Oct 012012

Enclave LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

GM cannot fix the problem, they tried 6 times. Water pours in from sunroof onto the air bag, people and the floor.

- joe626, Silver Creek, GA, US

problem #2

May 062008

Enclave CX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

Sunroof leaks. I've had the sunroof fixed more than once, but it still leaks. The problem has never been fixed & dealer has no idea how to fix. 1st day I brought car home I noticed the entire rear area was wet & smelled of mold. They ended up replacing all the carpet & padding, replacing some seals, but here we are 5 years later & it still leaks. Everytime we get a good rain I have to move car to cover. Rain on horizon... better think about going out today. This is a common problem with these Buicks, yet Buick hasn't recalled it. Once again, GM putting out bad product & not standing behind it.

- pmac, Newport Beach, CA, US

problem #1

Jun 232011

Enclave CXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

Sunroof leaked consistently. It seeped more than leaked. Caused extensive damage to the fuse box and shorted much of the electrical system. Led to many other problems. It was never diagnosed.

- Larry M., Johns Island, SC, US

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