2016 Buick Enclave Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,449miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Buick Enclave, 7% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,449 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving vehicle would not get out of first gear. Decide to get vehicle home so I turned around and found that I did not have reserve also. On way back home transmission made a loud clunking sound and the check engine light came on. Was able to get home and park the car. Called tow truck to take to the dealers. This vehicle only has 23,773 miles on it. Dealer had to overhaul 3-5-r clutch housing.”
NHTSA complaint #11141649, filed 2018-10, 23,773 miles“I was driving with my family in our new 2016 Buick Enclave when I went to pass someone on a city street and the engine went into full acceleration. I put my foot on the brakes as hard as I could but it did not stop the vehicle. I had to put it into neutral and turn off the ignition and coast to the side of the road. Luckly there weren't many cars around me at the time. I was unable to get the vehicle started right away and I notified on star sos and they notified the police. It was towed to a Buick dealer where they are looking at it now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10905913, filed 2016-09, 644 miles“Transmission failure at 27,125 miles. While at a stop sign at a busy intersection, went to proceed and had no power to move. Engine was running fine. Got vehicle to a dealership and they found 3-5 reverse snap ring groove had sheared off and metal went throughout the transmission. Dealership informed me they had four similar issues in the past couple of months.”
NHTSA complaint #11054874, filed 2017-12, 27,125 miles“My car isn't leaking any oil so it is burning it and its it's under warranty still but they won't fix anything on it and other year and make models are having the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11321672, filed 2020-04, 65,000 miles“When stopped on a incline and you step on brake the transmission will go out of gear ,then when you start off you have to hold brake till transmission engages, it is really scary , I have almost rolled back into another car several times . Went back to place we bought the car new , they said it must be a safety feature, it is not ! My wife is scared to even drive , love the car except for this !”
NHTSA complaint #11482861, filed 2022-09Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 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…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 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.
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 2016 Buick Enclave
110 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Buick Enclave
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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