Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
On the NHTSA website, there have been 43 complaints filed about the 2018 Buick Enclave. The majority of the issues detailed in these complaints are about the Enclave’s engine and brakes.
Other common problems with the 2018 Buick Enclave include issues affecting the vehicle’s transmission and electrical system.
While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not issued any formal recalls for the 2018 model, drivers have encountered several persistent problems over time.
Continue reading to discover more about the safety concerns affecting 2018 Buick Enclave drivers.
Common 2018 Buick Enclave Problems
- Transmission: Rough shifting, shuddering, hesitation during acceleration, burning smell, solenoid problems, erratic shifting, torque converter issues
- Electrical System: Defective alternator, starter issues, electrical wiring issues, damaged connectors, electronic braking problems, infotainment system glitches,
- Service Brakes: Parking brake not disengaging completely, self-correcting parking brake, overheating
2018 Buick Enclave Transmission Problems
The 2018 Buick Enclave may be prone to several transmission-related issues that can impact its performance.
Many drivers have encountered problems such as rough shifting, slipping out of gear, shuddering, and hesitation. These issues often become evident during acceleration or when changing gears.
One commonly reported issue is that the transmission fluid may break down after about 55,000 miles.
Even after changing the fluid, some drivers have found that the problem persists, suggesting that a fluid change alone may not resolve the underlying issues.
Another common complaint is the vehicle shuddering or hesitating, particularly during acceleration.
Drivers have also reported a burning smell near the transmission, which can be a sign of overheating transmission fluid or other internal transmission issues.
This odor indicates that the transmission may be experiencing problems that need to be addressed promptly to avoid further damage, so if you have felt strange odors in your 2018 Buick Enclave, we highly recommend getting professional assistance as soon as possible.
2018 Buick Enclave Electrical System Problems
Some owners of the 2018 Buick Enclave have reported serious electrical system issues, including unexpected shutdowns of both the electrical system and engine while the vehicle is in drive, even with the auto-stop feature engaged.
Such malfunctions can pose significant safety risks, particularly if they occur at high speeds.
Another problem involves the electronic parking brake system. In certain cases, the wire clip for the electronic parking brake has failed, causing the wire to rub against the rear CV boot.
This rubbing can lead to a short circuit, potentially affecting the ABS control module and compromising the vehicle’s braking performance.
Drivers have also experienced issues involving the side mirrors, which may fold inward unexpectedly even when the auto-folding feature is not activated.
These problems can be both annoying and distracting while driving. Other drivers have reported glitches with the infotainment system, such as screen freezing or unresponsiveness.
If you encounter any of these issues, you should have your vehicle examined by a professional mechanic. Special attention should be given to the electronic parking brake and side mirrors to detect any issues early.
Ensuring that your vehicle’s software is up to date can also help, as manufacturers often release updates to address known issues with the infotainment system and other electronic components.
2018 Buick Enclave Service Brake Problems
The 2018 Buick Enclave has faced several issues with its electronic parking brake system, which can lead to malfunctions and complete failures.
One common problem is that the parking brake may not disengage fully, resulting in multiple warning lights illuminating on the dashboard.
This issue can pose significant inconvenience and potential safety risks for drivers.
In some instances, the parking brake may appear to resolve itself after the vehicle has been parked overnight in a semi-heated garage. While this may provide a temporary fix, it is not a dependable long-term solution.
Another concern involves partial disengagement of the parking brake. When this occurs, the right rear brake can become excessively hot after driving a few miles.
This overheating can cause undue wear on the brake components and may ultimately lead to brake failure.
Enclave Owner Concerns
“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.”
“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.”
“Bought the 2018 Enclave last month. 2 days after purchase, vehicle would not engage out of low. Called and dealership immediately sent a tow truck to pick up the vehicle. Did not find out the cause, even though 8 error messages were recorded. Was told the vehicle was reprogrammed and had no problems when they drove it. 232 miles worth. Went 2 weeks without an issue. 3 days ago I could not back the vehicle out of the garage. After repeating putting the vehicle in reverse, then park 5 times, I decided to put the vehicle in D with my foot on the brake then transition to R. This procedure worked. I backed out of the garage and drove straight to the dealership. That was Thursday morning. This is Sunday. No solution yet. Both issues have to do with the transmission.”
The Lemon Law Process Demystified
If you are experiencing ongoing issues with your 2018 Buick Enclave, the Lemon Law could provide a solution.
The Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease a vehicle that continually fails to meet quality and performance standards while still under warranty.
If the vehicle’s problems persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts and significantly affect its safety, use, or value, you may be entitled to legal remedies.
Depending on your state’s specific Lemon Law statutes, you might be eligible for a refund, a replacement vehicle, or monetary compensation.
Please note that the manufacturer may deduct a usage fee for the time the vehicle was functioning properly from any refund or replacement offered.
If you receive a replacement vehicle, you will likely be responsible for paying any price difference.
A major advantage of pursuing a Lemon Law claim is that, in many states, the manufacturer is required to cover your legal fees and costs if you win the case.
This means you can seek resolution without incurring out-of-pocket expenses for legal representation, making it a viable and financially sensible option to address the persistent problems with your 2018 Buick Enclave.
Don’t Hesitate to Get in Touch with the Lemon Law Experts!
If you are struggling with persistent issues in your 2018 Buick Enclave, the Lemon Law Experts are here to help.
For over a decade, our dedicated team has secured substantial settlements for thousands of clients dealing with vehicle defects, specializing in Lemon Law and warranty violations.
We offer tailored legal services designed to address your specific situation and help you achieve the compensation or resolution you deserve.
Acting quickly is critical in lemon law cases, as timing can significantly impact the outcome. The Lemon Law Experts are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and ensuring your vehicle’s safety.
If you suspect your Buick Enclave may qualify as a lemon, don’t delay in reaching out.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at (877) 885-5366 or fill out our online form today.
