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Engine stalls/quits while driving!

77K views 74 replies 22 participants last post by  Marin 
#1 ·
I have an 08 Enclave CXL, 45k miles -- purchased new, no accidents or major issues ever (minor issues, yes).

This has happened to me over the last month, 4 times. Random times, various speeds, while driving I lose engine power but not electrical power, so I don't know I have a problem until I try to steer or accelerate. No warning lights sounds, nothing. I took it to the dealer and they didn't find anything wrong, they fixed a braking system malfunction and was hoping it was somehow tied into that. But the next day after getting my car back from them it does it again. Today when I took it in, the foreman actually drove it with me and it did it AGAIN (thank goodness because you know it NEVER malfunctions when they are behind the wheel, lol). He is completely dumbfounded and has never heard of this happening -- the strangest part being that no warning lights come up on the dash so that they might have a "trail" to follow to find the source of the issue.

Also, once this happens, it can be restarted immediately with no problems. In fact, after it stalled on the foreman, he shifted into neutral and restarted it while coasting.

They have it now and are going to drive it with some sort of device that is supposed to capture an image of the system, should it do it again.

Has anybody ever experienced this or know somebody that has? It has me very worried and paranoid about my safety, my passengers' safety as well as other motorists out on the road.
 
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#2 ·
#4 ·
I believe some have had the same issue. Have you used the search function at the top of the page?
 
#6 ·
Okay then welcome to the board, excuse me for not saying that the first time.

I am sure you will get an answer. This is the absolute best place to find out what ever you need to know about your Enclave.
 
#7 ·
OK, so let's see....several months back we have a bunch of timing chain issues posted. then a few months later, we have wave plate posts....now we are having more than one post about engines just quitting....what kind of pattern is this? (actually, we could go back to the beginning and see the trend....sunroof leaks, then battery drain posts, then other misc. stuff, now this). It just seems weird that when we hear about one, then there's several more and it's not because they've read the other post, it's brand new threads.

Anyhoo....really interested in hearing what the outcome is, and so cool that it happened while the tech. was driving it, that's usually not the case.
 
#8 ·
kidsenclave said:
OK, so let's see....several months back we have a bunch of timing chain issues posted. then a few months later, we have wave plate posts....now we are having more than one post about engines just quitting....what kind of pattern is this? (actually, we could go back to the beginning and see the trend....sunroof leaks, then battery drain posts, then other misc. stuff, now this). It just seems weird that when we hear about one, then there's several more and it's not because they've read the other post, it's brand new threads.

Anyhoo....really interested in hearing what the outcome is, and so cool that it happened while the tech. was driving it, that's usually not the case.
Ha! My sunroof leaked AND my battery dies randomly, still. The sunroof was fixed but they still can't find a problem with the battery (even with the new battery -- sometimes I go to start my car and it will not start). They do not think the battery and engine issues are related. I am praying that they are able to capture this engine problem on their nifty little device so that it can get resolved. I will most definetly post the outcome.

I have never had so many problems with a vehicle! My husband's Infinity is 2 years older than mine and he hasn't come NEAR the Enclave's service record. I would not recommend to anyone that they buy an Enclave. Looks great but is completely unreliable.
 
#9 ·
Good luck, I truly hope these are isolated cases. The last thing I need is to find out we have 92k on two cars that both just die randomly (my 2007 BMW did exactly what's happening with these Enclaves, and it's well documented by ABC News spanning 2007 through 2009 and some 2010. 2011 isn't official, only reported on the forum--they can't get it fixed in 5 model years, sweet!)...there has to come a point in time when the 1998 Nissan isn't the most reliable car that we own.
 
#10 ·
whoonuu said:
Ha! My sunroof leaked AND my battery dies randomly, still. The sunroof was fixed but they still can't find a problem with the battery (even with the new battery -- sometimes I go to start my car and it will not start). They do not think the battery and engine issues are related. I am praying that they are able to capture this engine problem on their nifty little device so that it can get resolved. I will most definetly post the outcome.

I have never had so many problems with a vehicle! My husband's Infinity is 2 years older than mine and he hasn't come NEAR the Enclave's service record. I would not recommend to anyone that they buy an Enclave. Looks great but is completely unreliable.
I've had mine 3 years and it's 100% reliable, as far as getting you where you are going. We've only had minor issues with seatbelts and a seat that needed repair, and a tail light with moisture in the lens, but that's not considered unreliable in my book, just normal things that aren't perfect the first time around. (not to mention a few recalls, more than other vehicles....but then again look at what the Enclave is) And that brings up my next point. Your husband's Infinity? Just wondering, what is the platform that vehicle is on, and how old is the platform's design before you purchased it? That has a huge thing to do with it. The Lambda line is on it's first cycle, BRAND new in 2007 (Acadia, Outlook) and 2008 (Enclave) 2009 (Traverse), but for all sake of argument....it's a 2007 (or you could even say, 2006...platform design). 2007 to now is 4 years, so if the Infiniti's platform is that young or newer, I'll agree 100% with you, but otherwise....it may have to do with how long something is on the road. There is no way they can test for everything, and all ways people use their vehicles....but you would think they put 100,000 miles + on them, for these issues to never come up is a little hard to believe. None the less, it's still a brand new platform, and even though I agree that should never happen (issues discussed on the forums), they still do and it's "buyer beware" for all of us buying a brand new vehicle (platform).
 
#11 ·
kidsenclave said:
I've had mine 3 years and it's 100% reliable, as far as getting you where you are going. We've only had minor issues with seatbelts and a seat that needed repair, and a tail light with moisture in the lens, but that's not considered unreliable in my book, just normal things that aren't perfect the first time around. (not to mention a few recalls, more than other vehicles....but then again look at what the Enclave is) And that brings up my next point. Your husband's Infinity? Just wondering, what is the platform that vehicle is on, and how old is the platform's design before you purchased it? That has a huge thing to do with it. The Lambda line is on it's first cycle, BRAND new in 2007 (Acadia, Outlook) and 2008 (Enclave) 2009 (Traverse), but for all sake of argument....it's a 2007 (or you could even say, 2006...platform design). 2007 to now is 4 years, so if the Infiniti's platform is that young or newer, I'll agree 100% with you, but otherwise....it may have to do with how long something is on the road. There is no way they can test for everything, and all ways people use their vehicles....but you would think they put 100,000 miles + on them, for these issues to never come up is a little hard to believe. None the less, it's still a brand new platform, and even though I agree that should never happen (issues discussed on the forums), they still do and it's "buyer beware" for all of us buying a brand new vehicle (platform).
I do not need anybody to agree with me or disagree with me with regards to my opinion of the Buick Enclave. If yours is running fine, then good for you. Mine was too for the first three years. The reason I posted on this forum was to try and get answers to a serious issue.
 
#13 ·
medicrxdoc said:
Even though yours is different that the ones posted, it is probably still the BCM needing a replacement.

I see that yours sprung a leak....I bet it shorted out the BCM, ?still leaking?

I would have them replace and reprogram the BCM and go from there.
By sprung a leak do you mean the sunroof? That was fixed 4 years ago. I will ask about the BCM (Body Control Module?) This engine problem occured about the same time as the Braking System problem that came up (that was a leak in the master cylinder at the rear seal and was leaking into the brake booster). They thought at the time it might be related to the engine stall, but now that it happened yet again, they are back to square one and still searching for the answer. It is so very frustrating. You have no idea how scary it is to be driving at 60 plus mph and you completely lose the ability to steer. I am so incredibly worried and would be happy if the damb thing just disappeared or blew up...something, so I don't have to be a Buick Enclave owner anymore.
 
#14 ·
whoonuu said:
I do not need anybody to agree with me or disagree with me with regards to my opinion of the Buick Enclave. If yours is running fine, then good for you. Mine was too for the first three years. The reason I posted on this forum was to try and get answers to a serious issue.
THAT is what he and I and others are trying to do. I understand your frustration because I had a 07 Outlook which for the last 11 months of ownership was a pain in the posterior.

The chance it is a water leak creating some problems well....could be after all just because you had issues 4 years ago doesn't mean it hasn't returned.
 
#15 ·
Sailfish said:
THAT is what he and I and others are trying to do. I understand your frustration because I had a 07 Outlook which for the last 11 months of ownership was a pain in the posterior.

The chance it is a water leak creating some problems well....could be after all just because you had issues 4 years ago doesn't mean it hasn't returned.
LOL -- not laughing at you, laughing because we are in the middle of the most severe drought ever recorded in history. At least we can cross that off our list!
 
#16 ·
whoonuu said:
LOL -- not laughing at you, laughing because we are in the middle of the most severe drought ever recorded in history. At least we can cross that off our list!
Well gee whiz since the location or area where you live isn't noted anywhere there is no way anybody would know you were from the southwest. Although....

Anyway as for water leaks you know there could have still been some damage created by that leak, it has been known to have issues show up after the leak was supposedly fixed.

medicrxdoc said:
Even though yours is different that the ones posted, it is probably still the BCM needing a replacement.

I see that yours sprung a leak....I bet it shorted out the BCM, ?still leaking?

I would have them replace and reprogram the BCM and go from there.
What he stated is a possibility.
 
#17 ·
whoonuu said:
I do not need anybody to agree with me or disagree with me with regards to my opinion of the Buick Enclave. If yours is running fine, then good for you. Mine was too for the first three years. The reason I posted on this forum was to try and get answers to a serious issue.
:facepalm: Why does this happen? Guess I'll stop responding to newbies...they obviously don't want to hear from me. (Hint: Don't take helpful posts and flush them down the toilet)
 
#18 ·
kidsenclave said:
:facepalm: Why does this happen? Guess I'll stop responding to newbies...they obviously don't want to hear from me. (Hint: Don't take helpful posts and flush them down the toilet)
:shrug: Sure makes me less likely to toss in all the knowledge that I have acquired from owning the Outlook and now the Enclave. Heck that doesn't even count the...40+ years I have driven and own cars and trucks. Oh well.... :yikes:
 
#19 ·
whoonuu said:
I have never had so many problems with a vehicle! My husband's Infinity is 2 years older than mine and he hasn't come NEAR the Enclave's service record. I would not recommend to anyone that they buy an Enclave. Looks great but is completely unreliable.

I am so incredibly worried and would be happy if the damb thing just disappeared or blew up...something, so I don't have to be a Buick Enclave owner anymore.
Hmmmmm, I see a pattern. This "first time poster" went from a "supposedly" concerned owner just looking for help, to very quickly praising Infiniti and bashing Buick. I sense an agenda and call total :bs: on this thread.

Note to others....if you truly are having a problem and you want help from this forum, the way to get it is NOT by coming here and putting your import on a pedestal as if they are perfect and never have problems and claiming the Enclave is the biggest piece of crap ever built.
 
#20 ·
ccaats said:
Hmmmmm, I see a pattern. This "first time poster" went from a "supposedly" concerned owner just looking for help, to very quickly praising Infiniti and bashing Buick. I sense an agenda and call total :bs: on this thread.

Note to others....if you truly are having a problem and you want help from this forum, the way to get it is NOT by coming here and putting your import on a pedestal as if they are perfect and never have problems and claiming the Enclave is the biggest piece of crap ever built.
It could be what you are thinking, but it could just be some very frustrated Enclave drivers. :shrug:
 
#21 ·
ccaats said:
Hmmmmm, I see a pattern. This "first time poster" went from a "supposedly" concerned owner just looking for help, to very quickly praising Infiniti and bashing Buick. I sense an agenda and call total :bs: on this thread.

Note to others....if you truly are having a problem and you want help from this forum, the way to get it is NOT by coming here and putting your import on a pedestal as if they are perfect and never have problems and claiming the Enclave is the biggest piece of crap ever built.
Really???? For crying out loud, I have a SERIOUS and DANGEROUS issue with my Enclave. I made a TINY little comment regarding my husband's car, I did not go off into details. The only people putting their vehicles on pedestals are the "healthy" Enclave owners who have found a home here on these forums, a place in which to share their positive opinions of their Enclaves in the middle of threads where there is some serious searching for answers to a potentially deadly problem going on. I am a "First time poster" because I am desperate. Please, PLEASE have respect for this.
 
#22 ·
I contacted this person, Michelle Phillips whom I keep seeing on this forum, I checked my email and was happy to see she replied back. Here's the email:
=====================================================================================================
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about your situation with your 2008 Buick Enclave. I would like to set up a case for you about this. By setting up a case with General Motors, this will allow us to get with the dealership and work continue to work with you and them towards a resolution.

In order for me to proceed, I will need the following information:
-Your first and last name
-Your address
-A telephone number that is best to contact you at along with a time frame that you feel is best.
-The VIN and current mileage on the vehicle. I realize that the vehicle is at the dealership so an approximate mileage would work too.
-The name and location of the dealership that is working with you at this time on this.

Once I get the above information, I can proceed in getting this case set up for you.

Sincerely,
Michelle Phillips, Buick Customer Service
=================================================================================================================

I am so grateful that she is going to try and assist. Maybe she will see this thread and leave her comment as to how "REAL" of a person I am, with "REAL" problems going on with my Buick Enclave.
 
#23 ·
I am sure Michelle will help you.

BUT you did not like kidsenclave's response nor did you appreciate what ccaats said and I am pretty darn sure your comment back to me....well let's just say I didn't appreciate it. AFTER ALL you did not inform anyone as to what part of the country you lived in and you totally dismissed those of us who believe the previous water leaks may be an issue with your vehicle.

You see we, the members who have been here way longer, have a lot more experience as to what may be happening with your vehicle. Oh and that includes me having dealt with water leaks and how sneaky they really are getting into everything from the front to the back of the vehicle.

I believe you said that is why you joined and posted your question and you were given some real opinions on this.

As for any questions you may post down the road.......

Oh and have a great day. ;)
 
#25 ·
rbarrios said:
Water intrusion can lead to corrosion- that will show itself over time.
Fretting may be the issue the engine is dying.
Yea what he said same thing as mentioned previously. :thumb:
 
#26 ·
In no way do I believe the OP should have been called out about mentioning how dependable the Infinity has been compared to the Enclave. Heck, they've had the water leak and battery problems known to happen on the 08 Enclave.

They've had a master cylinder leak into the brake booster. Now they have an engine which cuts out while driving for no reason. They have just signed up on this forum to get help or answers, and they are attacked for mentioning something about a car that hasn't given them near the problems that the Enclave has.

Do people really think posts are being made about one subject all of a sudden just to bad mouth the Enclave? What benefit do they get out of that? You should be able to tell if it's a troll posting, or someone really trying to get help.

Whoonuu, welcome to the forum, and I hope you get your problems resolved. I hope you stick around and can learn about your Enclave from these forums. :thumb:
 
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