2008 Buick Enclave Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 139about this part
- Share
- 26%of 536 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 139 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Buick Enclave, 26% of the 536 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transmission is in limp mode and is not responding. I call the manufacture low jack security system and they said I need to buy the insurance before they can unlock the vehicle. I think they playing with the computer of my vehicle. My car was running okay. No I can't use this car anymore!”
NHTSA complaint #11210085, filed 2019-05, 150,211 miles“My 2008 Buick Enclave only has 54000 miles on it and the transmission had to be replaced. The rpms would race up but the car would not move. The air conditioner also quit working at 39,000 miles but I waited until this breakdown to fix it because it was the beginning of the cool season. The high pressure line to the condenser and evaporator had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10510825, filed 2013-05, 54,236 miles“I just had my transmission repaired, cost me my savings, and a known issue with many owners. Now the power steering is caput. Have to waist my precious time and money on taking the car to the shop again. There is already a class action law suite for this exact issue. Shame on gmc for producing such poor quality car.”
NHTSA complaint #10561819, filed 2014-01, 65,360 miles“Takata recall my Buick Enclave is having problem after problem with this transmission had it serviced twice module replaced at the dealership it still drags speedometer get stuck and now reverse issues I don't no what to do im mentally and financial drain with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10933642, filed 2016-12, 103,000 miles“Takata recall, I have problems with my transmission running hot. There have recalls on Buick Enclave 2008, but they claim its certain vins. It would not shift into gear like it should when the car is hot and then you get a warning transmission hot engine idle. Then the transmission starts to drag, had to pull out of traffic to prevent being ran into. Then I would shift into gear real hard and jerk. The vehicle has a bad roll back.”
NHTSA complaint #10933655, filed 2016-12, 13,503 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242934Sep 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics When Using the Pico Scope.
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 8% |
| 2024 | 1 | 14% |
| 2023 | 2 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 2 | 8% |
| 2020 | 9 | 15% |
| 2019 | 17 | 39% |
| 2018 | 16 | 24% |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% |
| 2015 | 4 | 2% |
| 2014 | 21 | 7% |
| 2013 | 14 | 20% |
| 2012 | 13 | 10% |
| 2011 | 38 | 18% |
| 2010 | 34 | 12% |
| 2009 | 33 | 15% |
| 2008 | 139 | 26% |
Other parts of the 2008 Buick Enclave
113 complaintsSteering
99 complaintsBody and structure
77 complaintsElectrical system
73 complaintsEngine
72 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
32 complaintsElectronic stability control
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsSuspension
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Buick Enclave
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology