Timing Chain Failure

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,000
Average Mileage:
96,550 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace engine (4 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
2012 Buick Enclave engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Buick Enclave Owner Comments

problem #5

Feb 222023

Enclave 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 167,000 miles

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

Long story short. I always wanted this model. I paid $11,000 for it. I drove it less than a year put a little over $1000 into it. About one year later the air conditioning quit. I had it fixed twice but quit again. That cost $320 the first time and $548 the second. Less than 6 months the timing went. I had that fixed for $3200. A week later the new chains stretched. The final repair is going to be a new engine at $3500. I still owe a little over $5000. This car is not worth roughly $18,000. I love the car but I will never own, or recommend a Buick again. I grew up in Michigan and Buick was synonymous with quality. However, my experience says otherwise. I truly feel there is enough evidence for Buick to recall other years besides 2009.

- Christie G., Rose Hill, VA, US

problem #4

Dec 022020

Enclave EX 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

This is the worst vehicle we have ever purchased. I told my wife not to buy this vehicle. Due to the cost and I knew it would come back to bite me. Only 76,000 miles on this 2012. I never had these problems in 15 years with my Montero Sport.

I will never buy a Buick again. This is shameful and not covered under warranty when they know this is a known issue.

- Michael C., Elgin, IL, US

problem #3

May 152019

Enclave LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,020 miles

Purchase a 2012 Buick Enclave on Nov 1 2018. Timing chain went out December 28th and had replaced which cost $3,000. May 15th car wouldn't start and had to have towed. Took to the same repair shop that done the timing chain replacement and stated low oil caused motor to lock up. Didn't know the oil was low since no engine light came on nor any oil light for any type of warning. Plus there was no oil on the pavement to show any leaks. The repair company stated the motor burned the oil out low. If that low on oil should have some type of light coming on, none. Now, $7246 to replace the engine with a used one that has 63,000 miles, wanted $9280 for new engine replacement more than the car is worth. Going to complain to Buick but I know it won't do any good. Just bought a lemon and didn't know it. So, wish had looked at CarComplaints.com before making the purchase. Any one purchasing a Buick Enclave beware!!!

- Terry L., South Sioux City, US

problem #2

Apr 202019

Enclave V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

GM MAKES HORRIBLE VEHICLES, HAD A 2008 ARCADIA, AND ENGINE FAIL AT 80K MILES. BOUGHT A CPO 2012 ENCLAVE AND TIMING CHAIN FAILS AT 72K MILES. THESE ARE NOT CHEAP REPAIRS, AND OF COURSE THEY BOTH HAPPENED AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES. THESE TYPE OF REPAIRS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING SO EARLY ON A VEHICLES LIFE. THAT'S WHY EVERYONE IS BUYING TOYOTAS AND HYUNDAIS.. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A GMC OF FORD PRODUCT. GARBAGE!!!

- Jessica R., Lombard, IL, US

problem #1

Aug 142018

Enclave 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,720 miles

I have been a huge GM fan all of my life. This Buick Enclave has only 95,000 KM on it. 59,000 MILES. We were driving and all of a sudden it said - low oil pressure - turn off engine. Pulled over immediately and had the vehicle towed to GM. They indicated that there were multiple engine codes of timing chain failure. Also the oil pan was full of metal pieces. The engine sounded like a diesel engine. Dealer said that they have had timing chains fail at 40,000 KM but not used to seeing engines destroyed. Cost $10,000 CDN to replace engine. I don't think any engine should fail at 60,000 miles. We have properly maintained this vehicle with GM dealership doing oil changes and service. DO NOT EVER BUY a BUICK ENCLAVE or if you own one - go get a new timing chain before you wreck the engine. BUY AN IMPORT. That is what we will do.

- goertz, Calgary, AB, Canada

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