2009 Buick Enclave: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The 2009 Enclave offers a premium ride for the money, yet carries the early-build transmission, timing-chain and sunroof-leak problems; buy only with strong maintenance records. 6 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Buick Enclave ranged from $35,070 to $37,380 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The 2009 Enclave offers a premium ride for the money, yet carries the early-build transmission, timing-chain and sunroof-leak problems; buy only with strong maintenance records.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/buick-enclave-2012/consumer-reviews/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/enclave
Known issues
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Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
widespread · 210 NHTSA complaints · other
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Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
commonly reported · 70 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation
commonly reported · 45 NHTSA complaints · steering
-
Sunroof drains can clog and leak water into the cabin, sometimes damaging electrical components
occasional · 40 NHTSA complaints · body
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3.6L V6 timing-chain stretch and excessive oil consumption affect the earlier model years
occasional · 35 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Power-liftgate support struts can wear prematurely, allowing the open liftgate to fall
occasional · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, car-like ride that feels less truck-ish than many large SUVs
- Quiet, upscale interior with available premium features like Bose audio and heated/cooled seats
- Roomy, family-friendly three-row seating
Cons
- Above-average repair frequency and severity push up ownership costs
- Mediocre fuel economy for the class
- Power-steering pump failures are a frequent and recurring expense
- Six-speed transmission is a known weak point with costly failures
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX | $35,070 | discontinued | — | — |
| CXL | $37,380 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-buick-enclave-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($35,070). Higher trims started higher (up to $37,380), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/buick-enclave/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~150k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/enclave
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Buick Enclave have?
Documented issue patterns include: Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation; Sunroof drains can clog and leak water into the cabin, sometimes damaging electrical components. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Buick Enclave reliable?
The 2009 Enclave offers a premium ride for the money, yet carries the early-build transmission, timing-chain and sunroof-leak problems; buy only with strong maintenance records.
How much did the 2009 Buick Enclave cost new?
Between $35,070 and $37,380 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Buick Enclave expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.