Common Problems with the 2018 Buick Enclave
Transmission Issues: Rough Shift/Slipping Out Of Gear; Shudders, Hesitates, Jerks.
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while idling or at a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward upon acceleration. The contact then stated that while shifted to park, the vehicle inadvertently started. The contact also stated that she heard a screeching sound in the wheels while shifting in the first gear, and intermittently in second and third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was previously illuminated; however, after driving the vehicle, the check engine light turned off. The vehicle was taken three times to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty was not honored, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 125,639.”
Electrical Problems:
“The car has an auto-stop feature however at times, when the car is stopped, the entire electrical and engine shuts down even while the car is in drive. The driver must restart the car and put the car into park and then back into drive. When the car restarts, several lights/messages turn on including "Service Transmission" and the "Service Parking Brake" message and parking break light. This is a safety and hazard issue as it has happened while in traffic on the freeway when at a standstill.”
Power Train Problems:
“Place car in park, went into store, came back out tried to put car in reverse, car would. To go, tried it two more time, car would. To go in reverse. Turned car off, put in drive , would go in drive, put in reverse, car would go, but the engine light came on and stayed on until later that day. Took car to the dealer that Monday morning, (Onstar notification says engine or transmission problem, park brake assist light came on a few times flashing on dashboard.dealer tells me first, needs to change transmission fluid. Then told me it is the solenoid switch in the transmission. Dealer calls National auto care(my warranty) and tells them that the problem, warranty wants the cause and part#. Dealer came out to look at car, stated don’t drive because their is slim metal shavings in transmission fluid. No one can tell me where it’s coming from. And the warranty company will not replace the transmission. So here I am paying a car note and a warranty. No fix”
“For 6 months I have had a shutter in the front part of my car. When I accelerate the car violently shakes. The car was under bumper Bumper warranty when this problem started. I have taken it to my dealer on multiple occasions and they and their engineers cannot determine what is causing the problem. They have had several other enclaves come in with the same issues. They replaced my transmission among other things and nothing fixes it. I have contacted buick headquarters and I am only permitted to speak to customer service who only tells me the same thing that my dealership tells me. I am frustrated and don't know what to do. The problem is getting worse. The dealership says they are working with engineers and they cant seem to find the problem. I'm told my dealership has 6 other buick enclaves with the same issue and other dealerships he had some as well. There has been no warning icons show up.I have no copies of paperwork where my dealership has worked on my vehicle, but they have everything in their computer. My dealership is Bob Ross in Centerville, Ohio. I'm not sure if this is a safety issue or could become one since no one seems to know what is wrong with my vehicle.”
Engine Problems:
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while idling or at a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward upon acceleration. The contact then stated that while shifted to park, the vehicle inadvertently started. The contact also stated that she heard a screeching sound in the wheels while shifting in the first gear, and intermittently in second and third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning light was previously illuminated; however, after driving the vehicle, the check engine light turned off. The vehicle was taken three times to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty was not honored, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 125,639.”
“While at a stop sign at a busy intersection, pressed brake and tachometer went to off instead of auto-stop. Engine still on but pressing gas didn't do anything.. transmission light went on. Had to push the start/stop button a few times before engine turned off and on again.”
“Shortly after getting gas, the car will rev to 2-3rpm when lightly accelerating, and seem to "run rough". then, after coming to a stop at a traffic light, the car will auto stop and then shift into neutral. I can not shift back into drive without pushing the start/stop button to restart the car. It does not happen every time I get gas, but all 3 times it has happened have been after getting gas. The first 2 times it happened, I was told there was a recall, which was the cause, but this last time, there was no recall, and they said there were no error codes, so they do not know what is wrong. The car stalling episodes occurred in August 2019, September 2019, and February 2020. It may or may not be related, but in October 2019, there were also 2 instances of an "evap leak" that were fixed.”
Brake Problems:
“The Electronic Parking Brake has had multiple apparent malfunctions and one complete failure. On several occasions the parking brake failed to disengage completely with multiple warning dash lights illuminating. One such incident apparently self-corrected after being left parked overnight our semi-heated garage, with another incident only partially disengaged the parking brake with warning lights indicating a parking brake malfunction, and after driving two to three miles returning home the right rear brake was baking hot. The latest malfunction was a complete failure of the parking brake to engage at all, with the warning lights again illuminating and would be an obvious danger while parking. The vehicle is just over four years old and was two-and-a-half months out of warranty at the time of failure, and had/has 5,121 miles. It has now been waiting at the dealership for repairs for FOUR WEEKS, awaiting a Parking Brake Control Module which they cannot give any timeline for delivery or arrival. It is unknown if the Brake Control Module for the parking brake has any control or effect on the service brakes, so the vehicle is sitting at the dealership collecting dust, unusable to us.”
“Cold start, AC unit on, and the engine at a higher idle. Put car in reverse to back out of garage. Stepped on brake pedal and car kept rolling, so I pumped brake and pressed pedal with very hard pressure, but the car did not slow down. Panicked that I would hit a wall, I dropped car into drive from reverse. Still on high idle the car rolled forward back into the garage and still would not stop with extreme brake pressure applied. Car hit a cabinet in my garage causing considerable front end damage.
Everything happened so quickly, I couldn't understand what happened. I could only think I must have done something wrong.
Re-started the car and all functions were fine. Was able to drive the car as the brakes were functioning normally. Drove to dealer to get estimate on the repair. Continued to drive the car all functions normal. I'm waiting to schedule collision damage repair.”
Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com
California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist
The California Lemon Law serves as a crucial safeguard for consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles plagued by defects, including the 2018 Buick Enclave. If you're grappling with persistent issues that haven't been adequately resolved despite reasonable repair attempts, or if your vehicle has spent a significant amount of time undergoing repairs, you may have a solid case under the Lemon Law.
Valero Law, a respected Lemon Law attorney firm in Los Angeles, specializes in assisting individuals facing challenges with vehicles like the 2018 Buick Enclave. Armed with a deep understanding of the intricacies within Lemon Law cases, we can guide you through the process. Whether it entails negotiating with the manufacturer for a buyback or replacement, or pursuing a legal claim to uphold your rights, Valero Law is dedicated to advocating for your interests. If the ongoing issues with your Buick Enclave are impacting your driving experience, it's worth considering the assistance of Valero Law to explore your options and seek resolution through the California Lemon Law.