The Enclave, Buick’s mid-size SUV offering, has been one vehicle that has helped the automaker stay afloat. Based on Chevrolet’s successful Traverse, the Enclave comes in as a premium alternate, basically fixing all things that are wrong with Chevy. Well, that doesn’t include the common problems shared between them because both SUVs have registered an identical 4 recalls for the 2013 model year. However, the general customer complaint numbers are low on the Buick’s side even if you factor in the lower sales numbers. So the question is, does the 2013 Buick Enclave comes out as a better and more reliable option than its twin the Chevrolet Traverse, or even the other premium options like the Acura MDX and the Lincoln MKT? This review will help you out with that question.
2013 Buick Enclave User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
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Engine problems- Sudden loss of power coupled with an engine warning light or “Engine power Reduced” message has been a common issue on the 2013 Buick Enclave. Though this problem is said to occur in relation to Buick’s proprietary traction control software glitches, firmware errors in the ECU have been found to be the major cause. The average failure mileage recorded is around 90,000 miles and if diagnosed, would require an ECU replacement.
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Transmission Problems- Transmission issues are something to watch out for on the 2013 Buick Enclave with the mileage. Jerky shifts, failure to upshift, clunking noises, and loss of acceleration are some of the common indications of a failing transmission. A few owners have reported of needed a transmission replacement in under 100,000 miles. Without a warranty, a new transmission unit will cost in upwards of $5,000.
Electric System complaints
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StabiliTrak issues- StabiliTrak malfunction is a pretty common issue on the 2013 Buick Enclave. Loss of engine power coupled with the traction control warning is the most common indication of this issue. The issue is usually traced to a faulty ECU, a burned-out fuse, or physical damage to the wiring harness, all of which would require a replacement of the damaged component.
Structural Complaints
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Strut / Front End noise- Several 2013 Buick Enclave owners have complained about clicking or rattling sounds from the SUV’s front end when going through road undulations. The issue mostly arises due to either a failed lower control arm bushing or a worn-out stabilizer link. SUVs with mileages as low as 32,000 miles have been reported with this issue. Though the spares themselves are cheap, you would end up paying a few hundred dollars in labor.
Safety Complaints
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Airbags Issues- “Service airbag system” warning is an issue commonly seen on the 2013 Buick Enclave. This specific model year of the Enclave is known for airbag module and wiring issues, so the issue could arise due to any of these issues. The automaker is aware of these issues and has even rolled out three separate recalls (IDs-21V782000, 21V246000, and 14V118000) to rectify all issues traced to date with the system.
2013 Buick Enclave Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7th October 2021 |
21V782000 |
The driver’s airbag inflator may explode |
The driver's airbag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect, increasing the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.
|
The dealers will replace the driver's airbag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022.
|
|
2 |
8th April 2021 |
21V246000 |
The side curtain airbags may be unsecured |
The side curtain airbags may not be properly attached, causing them to not perform as intended and increasing the risk an injury. |
The dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. |
|
3 |
20th May 2014 |
14V266000 |
Flexible steel cable for seatbelt may fail |
The flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time, which may not restrain the occupant properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pre-tensioner, free of charge. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. |
|
4 |
17th March 2014 |
14V118000 |
Side impact airbag wiring connections |
Increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pre-tensioners not deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. |
Should you buy a used 2013 Buick Enclave?
The Buick Enclave has been in the market since 2008 and has been a relative success for the automaker. Though it had its fair share of issues initially, the 2013 model year with just 4 recalls and 59 complaints do come in as one of the most trouble-free years for this premium midsize SUV so far. The reliability status is more in line with what the best this class has to offer as well with no reports on common failure points. For this reason and many others, the 2013 Buick Enclave does take the top position in our SUV rankings for this year as a new purchase. Used buyers, especially those looking at used SUVs with mileage over 100,000 miles, should be aware of expensive issues that could arise such as transmission faults.
