The 2012 Buick Enclave was created specifically for younger buyers and those with growing families who have a taste for luxury. The Enclave is available in four levels which include: base, convenience, leather, and premium. It has ample room inside with cargo space from 24.1 cubic feet with all three row in place and 115.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
Key Features
The Enclave gets up to 17 mpg in the city and 24 mph on the highway. It has a 2,000 pound towing capacity with a curb weight between 4,780 to 4,980 pounds. The Enclave comes with a 3.6 liter V6 six speed automatic transmission. It has 288hp and 270lb-ft of torque.
Changes for 2012
For 2012, Buick took away the CX and CXL trim designs which leaves one model with a variety of different options. New features include Hil-Hold Assist and an electronic brake override system.
What We Like
The Enclave comfortably seats up to eight adults in its luxurious interior. The V6 offers smooth acceleration while still having great fuel economy ratings. Noise reduction is another nice element that keeps intruding noise outside of the cabin. The Enclave is available in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive options.
What Concerns Us
While the Enclave does have a V6 engine, it struggles sometimes because of the weight of the vehicle. This is even more noticeable when it is fully loaded with passengers or cargo.
Available Models
Since Buick took away the CX and CXL, you will have to choose between the four different levels to distinguish your Enclave from others as there are no other models in the 2012 line.
Major Recalls
In June of 2015, General Motors LLC recalled the structure of the power liftgate in the Enclave. The struts that hold the gage open may wear prematurely and the liftgate may fall. General Motors LLC recalled the seatbelts in May of 2014. The steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard may separate over time. Airbags on the Enclave were recalled in March of 2014. The side impact air bag on the driver and passenger side may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. General Motors LLC recalled the wiper arm nuts because they can loosen and cause the wipers not to work properly.
Common Issues
Consumer complaints on the car include a malfunction with the steering wheel, the liftgate would not stay up, and the transmission slipping into a “neutral type state.” In addition, owners have complained about inaccurate fuel gauge readings which would cause the vehicle to run out of gas.
