2019 Buick Enclave Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 42 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 1 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2019 Buick Enclave receives a 7.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 42 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 1 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports with a median failure point at 49,241 miles (IQR: 22,421 – 69,750 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $1,400 – $3,800 .
9.3 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
1 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (6)
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“The problematic 9 speed transmission failed at 72,000 miles on .... GM required a flush due to the significant shudder problems in the transmissions. This was performed on this vehicle at 32,000 miles. GM knows the is issues. The car brought to Gerald Jones GM in Graniteville,...”
“2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by ... mother-in-law (...). Her daug...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at 30 to 40 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was hard to shift. The TPMS was illuminated. The contact indicated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). T...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“Formal Complaint – 2019 Buick Enclave Rear A/C Evaporator Failure I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated refrigerant leaks and rear A/C evaporator failure on my 2019 Buick Enclave. My vehicle has 72,000 miles and has experienced two A/C system failures within 60 day...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. ...”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by ... mother-in-law (...). Her daug...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. ...”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while at a stop light the Auto START/STOP feature malfunctioned. The contact stated that after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle turned off instead of restarting the engine. The contact stated that several min...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning ...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“2019 Buick Enclave (GM) w/ 29481 miles, consistently serviced and in excellent working order. In city traffic about 45-50MPH, no warning lights until total electrical/power failure - no power, no steering, no electrical/lights. Car is owned by ... mother-in-law (...). Her daug...”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving in traffic at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The horn and wipers turned on unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was inoperable and the vehicle jerked. ...”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The issue appears to be related to the auto start-stop system and/or an EVAP-related component, as the vehicle will sometimes completely shut off instead of restarting when stopped. The vehic...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while attempting to buckle the seat belt however, the seat belt failed to lock securely in the buckle. The contact inspected the buckle and became aware that an internal part of the buckle had detached, preventing the s...”
“The passenger side seat air bag exploded and burned my daughter’s back while she was getting into the car. The car was in park and auto started. My son was sitting in the back seat behind her while this happened. She has 1st and 2nd degree burns and thankfully my son is okay. ...”
“DRIVER SIDE 2ND ROW PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT IS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. WHILE DRIVING THIS RENTAL CAR ON VACATION, THE PANELING FELL OFF REVEALING THAT THE SEAT BELT SPOOL WAS HANGING LOOSE AND NOT MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. BASED ON WHAT I CAN SEE FROM THE THREADS, IT APPEARS NEVER ...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (1)
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 Buick Enclave
Before purchasing a used 2019 Buick Enclave, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 1 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 Buick Enclave
Is the 2019 Buick Enclave a reliable used car?
The 2019 Buick Enclave earns a 7.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 42 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 Buick Enclave?
The leading complaint category is Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports, with a median failure point around 49,241 miles (IQR: 22,421 – 69,750 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 Buick Enclave?
Yes, the NHTSA records 1 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.

