The 2022 Buick Enclave rides on GM's C1XX platform with the 3.6L V6 and 9-speed automatic. While newer examples haven't accumulated massive miles yet, early wear patterns mirror older Lambda/C1XX cousins—particularly transmission thermal management issues and the notorious AFM/DFM piston ring problems that plague modern GM V6s.
AFM/DFM Piston Ring Failure and Oil Consumption
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption—quart every 500-1,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, Check engine light P0300-series misfires, Ticking or lifter noise due to oil starvation
Fix: GM's Active Fuel Management system causes premature ring wear on cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7. Proper fix requires engine teardown, new piston rings, and often pistons themselves if scoring is present. Some shops disable AFM/DFM post-rebuild. 18-24 labor hours for full short block or in-frame rebuild.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid pooling under vehicle near front crossmember, Low trans fluid warning or erratic shifting, Pink or red fluid drips—not coolant, not power steering
Fix: The quick-connect fittings at the transmission oil cooler corrode or the lines themselves crack where they route near the subframe. Requires cooler line replacement and sometimes the auxiliary cooler itself. 2.5-4 hours labor depending on access and whether cooler is damaged.
Estimated cost: $450-900
9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Harsh Shifts
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 20,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration or shudder during light acceleration 25-45 mph, Harsh downshifts when slowing or coming to stop, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Hesitation on takeoff from a stop
Fix: GM's 9T65 transmission suffers torque converter clutch shudder and valve body wear. TSBs call for software updates first, then trans fluid flush with updated fluid (mobile DX). Persistent cases need torque converter replacement or full valve body. Fluid service: 1.5 hours. Torque converter: 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $250-3,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration at idle in drive—goes away in neutral, Excessive engine movement visible when accelerating hard
Fix: The front and rear transmission mounts are hydraulic and tend to tear or leak, especially with aggressive driving or towing. Requires support of drivetrain and mount R&R. 2-3 hours labor for both mounts.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Timing Chain Stretch and Actuator Rattle
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle from front of engine for 2-5 seconds, Check engine light P0017, P0008—cam/crank correlation codes, Reduced power or rough idle if severely stretched
Fix: The 3.6L uses four chains (two primary, two secondary). Actuators fail or chains stretch, causing timing drift. Proper repair: all four chains, guides, tensioners, actuators, and variable valve timing solenoids. Front-wheel-drive packaging makes this labor-intensive. 12-16 hours.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
EVAP Purge Valve and Fuel System Odors
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Fuel smell inside cabin or near fuel door, Check engine light P0496—EVAP flow during non-purge, Hard start after sitting overnight
Fix: The evaporative emissions purge valve sticks open, allowing fuel vapors into the intake manifold constantly. Valve replacement is straightforward—1 hour labor—but persistent odors may indicate charcoal canister saturation requiring canister replacement as well.
Estimated cost: $180-650
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500 miles religiously—these V6s drink oil even when 'healthy.' Top off before it drops a quart.
Service transmission fluid at 40,000-mile intervals with GM-spec Dexron HP or Mobile DX, not generic ATF.
Disable AFM/DFM with a Range device or tune if keeping long-term—prevents piston ring issues but voids powertrain warranty.
Avoid extended idle times in drive—9-speed generates heat quickly and cooler lines are already marginal.
Solid family hauler if you're diligent with fluids and catch AFM issues early; avoid high-mileage examples without documented engine or transmission work—repair costs exceed resale value fast.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system; H6 group may also fit
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2018-2026 Buick Enclave — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.7 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under driver or passenger seat
🔧 GDS2 memory relearn
⚠️ Memory seat position relearn required
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with liftgate handle or rear bumper
🔧 GDS2 camera calibration
⚠️ Camera alignment calibration may be needed; 2020+ models have HD cameras
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Consequence: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
18mpg
Highway
26mpg
Combined
21mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
Second generation (2018-2024). Both front blades are 24 inches.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2022 Buick Enclave 3.6L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.