Transmission problems are not a serious concern for the 2012 Buick Enclave. However, a number of owners report having to rebuild or replace the gearbox at around 100,000 miles, always at their own expense.
Key Points
- There are no recalls registered against the 2012 Buick Enclave’s six-speed transmission, and no investigations have been opened.
- A few threads on Enclave Forum discuss the gearbox slipping and hesitating while changing gears.
- Owners report the issue is most noticeable when accelerating and is more likely to happen once the vehicle has reached 100,000 miles.
- Transmission repair costs for this problem average around $3,500 and involve rebuilding or replacing the unit.
- Ultimately, you do not need to avoid the 2012 Enclave over possible transmission quirks, but you should be diligent when shopping.
2012 Buick Enclave’s Six-speed Gearbox is Known to Hesitate, Slip at Around 100,000 Miles
The 2012 Buick Enclave does not have any widespread problems with its six-speed automatic transmission. No recalls have been issued and no investigations have been opened for the SUV’s gearbox (internally dubbed the 6T75E).
However, dig through a few automotive repair forums, and you will find mentions of issues that tend to show as the SUV approaches 100,000 miles. Most worrisome, owners report the transmission slipping or hesitating during shifts.
“My transmission was slipping when it changed gears,” shares one owner on Enclave Forum about their 2012 Buick Enclave with 107,000 miles.
“We have a 2012 Buick Enclave with over 81,000 miles,” says another. “Recently, we have noticed a slight jerk when the car is shifting into second and especially when making a quick acceleration.”
Owners Report Having to Rebuild or Replace the Transmission to Stop it from Hesitating or Slipping, for an Average of $3,500
Car Complaints shows owners are spending an average of about $3,500 to stop the transmission from hesitation and slipping. Unfortunately, this often requires the unit to be rebuilt or replaced.
“The car hesitates anytime you’re trying to pass another car on highway or anytime you may have to jump on the gas for a second,” shares one 2012 Enclave owner in their complaint.
“The engine seems to be fine but at cursing speed the vehicle shutters as if between gears,” says another. “I have had a few mechanics look at it and no confirmed cause.”
While rebuilding or replacing the transmission is the most common fix, mentions can be found suggesting the issue stems from the vehicle not having an external fluid cooler. Some have installed these themselves and claim it does the trick in preventing problems.
2012 Buick Enclave’s Transmission Problems are Serious, But Not Common
Yes, a potential $3,500 shop bill is concerning, but there just aren’t that many owners mentioning having problems. This is especially true considering the model is now more than a decade old.
Should you avoid the 2012 Enclave over potential transmission problems? No, because slipping and hesitating aren’t all that common, with only a handful of complaints ever being reported.
Your best bet at avoiding gearbox problems in a 2012 Enclave is to have the unit inspected before buying, routinely change the transmission fluid, and address any symptoms as soon as they arise.
Photos: Buick
