191 messages,
Last post on May 21, 2013 at 4:16 PM
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Buick Enclave Forum.
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Buick Enclave, Buick, Steering, SUV
#168 of 191 Power steering and strut problems
by skonitzer
Mar 10, 2013 (3:59 pm)
I am the original owner of a 2009 Buick Enclave with 70,000 miles. Over the past few months I have been experiencing the same power steering and strut problems described in this forum. Steering makes whining noise and the struts creak especially in cold weather. (Also had the bubbling applique issue) I had no idea this problem was widespread until today. Something made me decide to do a google search on the power steering issue today. The scary thing, this weekend I bought a new 2013 model with a sticker of $53K and I pick it up tomorrow. I am borderline freaking out after reading 17 pages of posts from people with the same issues that I have. I would like to know if GM has made any design changes to fix the steering, strut, and applique problems. If so, starting what model year?
#169 of 191 2008 Enclave - Steering, Coolant, now transmission?!
by tstoy
Mar 12, 2013 (8:28 pm)
I LOVE my Buick Enclave but I'm starting to feel like I'm in a BAD relationship. "Our" problems started awhile back, I can't even remember at this point in time. I've been through the steering issues that everyone complains of. I've had EVERYTHING related to the steering replaced and it has FINALLY resolved the "oh shoot, i can't turn" issue... it took a good 18 months and about $2700 or so to FINALLY resolve. I've had many problems which have been able to be fixed, but at a cost. My latest visit that finally fixed the steering also turned up that the coolant system needed to be replaced. No sooner do I drive out of the dealership (just this past Saturday) that my transmission is COMPLETELY messed up. Around 2800 - 3000 RPMs it knocks down into what feels like first gear. I called my dealership and my service manager is GREAT (with so much time spent with him with so many repairs, thank goodness) about the NEW problem with the transmission. Over the phone he says it's hard to diagnose but he's guessing it's an internal transmission issue which can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000!!! I literally just passed the 100,000 mile mark 2 weeks ago and it seems that the car is falling apart. I've put about as much money as I can into fixing this vehicle that wasn't a cheap car. I fully expected it to last much longer than 90,000 miles and 4.5 years. Completely disappointed. I already boycott Ford due to a terrible 2000 Ford Focus debacle. Here's hoping I don't have to add Buick to that list now too.
#170 of 191 Re: 2008 Enclave - Steering, Coolant, now transmission?! [tstoy]
by gmcustsvc
Mar 13, 2013 (6:56 am)
tstoy,
Let us know if you would like for us to check into this situation further with you. We can be reached at socialmedia
gm.com (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and a summary of the situation).
Sarah, GM Customer Service
#171 of 191 2010 Buick Enclave
by bobs124
Apr 02, 2013 (2:28 pm)
I too have a problem with my 2010 Buick enclave. 72,000 mile and the rack and pinion needs to be replaced as well as control arm. In all it cost me more than 1500.00 dollars. The dealership did help out by lowering their parts cost by $100.00. They told me they contacted GM to help out on the parts cost but GM refused. This comes on top of replacing both front struts 6 months ago.
I wish I had room in this blog to tell y'all about my experience with my 2008 Acadia that I ordered new but like I said "no room" My file was more than an inch thick and the car was in the shop once a month, for 2 years, to fix issues. After I had enough I contacted GM and they told me they were going to do nothing because it was 2 years old and I should have contacted them sooner. I just thought each time it was fixed for good.
So I traded it in for a new Buick Enclave CLX. Was great tell 6 months ago. I bought it with a warranty till 62,000 miles. I suppose I should have bought a longer warranty!
I will be contacting GM and let everyone know what happens.
#172 of 191 Re: Power steering and strut problems [skonitzer]
by father4girls
Apr 07, 2013 (6:50 pm)
I am a very happy owner of a 2009 Buick Enclave with 43k miles and it is currently in the shop for a transmission problem that is supposed to be corrected by reprogramming (I think) but the car will lose 2 mpg as a result. While test driving, the dealer noticed the steering issue and advised. Luckily this all under warranty. I am a believer that the car is only as good as the service you receive from the dealership. I have had many new cars over the last 20 years (BMW, Lexus, Infiniti) and all had some kind of problem. I must say, the dealership I use to service my Buick (bought from as well) is spectacular. They communicate well and provided me with a loaner car equivalent to my car (I have 4 kids and newborn twins). Not only would I buy another Buick, I will always use this dealership. I suggest that the next time you buy a Buick or any car, meet with the service manager first and get some history on the mechanics. I left Lexus because the dealership near me seemed to have lost all of the senior techs and the kids they hired were nice, but nearly as knowledgeable and seemed to always refer to some book.
#173 of 191 Re: Power steering and strut problems [father4girls]
by gmcustsvc
Apr 08, 2013 (11:09 am)
Hi father4girls! Happy to hear that we are able to make things a little easier for you:-)! With 4 girls you certainly have your hands full. Thank You!
Sincerely,
Crystal L. - GM Customer Care
#174 of 191 Re: Power steering and strut problems [father4girls]
by jacksparrow2
Apr 08, 2013 (5:36 pm)
I guess in the USA dealers are more conciencous towards customers than here in Canada. I was even told by one dealer that Buicks were not covered under GM T.S.B.'s. Every now and then I must kick the drivers door to get my heated seat to work, sometimes it is the radio display that does not work (Navigation radio at that) along with other electrical problems, and there are times when I leave the car and the electricals keep on working. I was given the TSB number here by a certified GM Tech, and was told off, because I am not supposed to have official GM documents.
#175 of 191 Re: Power steering failure [dwarstl]
by elsief
Apr 08, 2013 (5:44 pm)
I have a 2009 Buick Enclave with about 63,000 miles on it. I was having the same type of steering issues...almost impossible to make a u-turn, very difficult to turn when backing out of tight spaces. I took my car to the dealership about two weeks ago...they replaced the steering rack and gear. We are still having the exact same problems. Thank goodness I purchased the extended warranty! I took it back in today for them to attempt to diagnose the problem. Hope that it is a quick fix as they had my car for two days the last time it was in.
#176 of 191 Love the Enclave but hate post warranty premature problems.
by grnmama
Apr 08, 2013 (6:28 pm)
We really have enjoyed our 2008 Buick Enclave, so much that we recently bought a LaCrosse, inspite of multiple issues with the Enclave; 2 GPS replacements, one sunroof leak, water pump replacement (all recalls), as well as multiple trim installation problems which were merely glued back in place by service. But following our latest purchase we discovered the Enclave needed a new rack and pinion because the OEM part was failing at 59,000miles. We had the work done outside of the dealership, as we are a long distance from the dealer and expected to pay out of pocket, only to find out this is a known premature failure for this vehicle make and model. Wish we knew this was coming prior to committing to another Buick. Would love to hear from a Buick representative as the service department at the dealership will not return my call.
#177 of 191 2010 Enclave power steering issue
by mike_60
Apr 08, 2013 (8:20 pm)
My 2010 enclave with 32000 miles had the power steering whine since new. It was getting louder. I had brought it to the dealer (All Star Buick GMC Sulphur, LA). They fixed the noise but then it leaked fluid. So I brought it backed. It still leaked but not as bad. I brought it back and am now waiting for repairs. This is sad because it is nice on road trips. On long trips the third row seat is big enough for adults. The dealer has been good to me but this issue is with the design and there should have been a recall. I didn't know how wide spread the problem was until I researched it. At least it is still under warranty.