YearToAvoid

2011 Buick Enclave Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 46 engine complaints for the 2011 Buick Enclave, 22% of its 212 total complaints for the year. Owners reported issues including unintended acceleration, stalling, overheating, and water pump failures, with a median failure mileage of 69,500. No engine-related recalls are listed for this year.

Engine complaints
46
22% of 212
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
69,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle accelerating on its own or the accelerator pedal sticking, sometimes causing loss of braking control at speed.
  • Some describe the engine stalling or losing power suddenly while driving at highway speed, with a warning of reduced engine power.
  • Several owners report coolant system failures, including a punctured radiator and a failed water pump that caused overheating and stranded the vehicle.
  • Cruise control was reported to fluctuate several mph faster or slower than the set speed on hills.
  • One owner reported the engine seizing with the steering locking up and total loss of power while exiting a highway.

When 2011 Buick Enclave engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 13, 2011, latest Aug 31, 2026.

2011 Buick Enclave engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Jun 2011Mar 2014Sep 2014May 2016Oct 2017Sep 2018Nov 2019Aug 2022
46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2011 to Aug 2026; peak Sep 2019 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Buick Enclave

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Enclave model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201082 (30%)
  2. 201146 (22%)
  3. 201226 (20%)
  4. 201315 (22%)
  5. 201418 (6%)
  6. 201516 (9%)
  7. 20169 (6%)
  8. 201710 (6%)
  9. 201815 (23%)
  10. 201913 (31%)
  11. 202019 (32%)
  12. 20212 (8%)
  13. 20223 (23%)
  14. 20232 (10%)
  15. 20242 (29%)
  16. 20254 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2011 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA lists 46 engine complaints for the 2011 Enclave, which is 22% of the 212 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Buick Enclave engine?
No engine-related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the 2011 Buick Enclave, based on the records provided.
At what mileage do engine problems usually show up?
The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2011 Enclave is 69,500 miles.
What kind of engine issues do owners report most?
Owners describe unintended acceleration, sudden stalling or power loss, and coolant system failures like radiator punctures and water pump breakdowns.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to engine complaints?
Yes, NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2011 Enclave includes 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.