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Buick Enclave

LLT 3.6L V6 DI 288 hp Automatic Front-wheel drive SUV 2008–2012 Custom Search
✖ Stay Away!
Engine LLT ✖ Stay Away! 11,800–24,090 $

3.6-liter V6 with direct injection and VVT, 288 hp. One of GM's most notorious engines: timing chain stretch between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, P0008/P0009 codes, cold-start rattle. GM extended coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles due to massive failure rate. Buying this engine without proof of a replaced chain means buying a ticking time bomb.

Fun Factor? Not Really

Ticking time bombs in the powertrain

Timing chain and transmission wave plate are expensive time bombs. Anyone buying over 55k miles should demand proof of service.

Engine Weaknesses 4

!! LLT timing chain stretch — the headliner defect 2009–2012

The LLT 3.6L V6 is notorious for timing chain stretch, typically between 60,000–100,000 miles. GM Special Coverage 11340 extended warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles.

Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 1–3 seconds, rough idle, check engine P0008/P0009/P0016/P0017, sluggish acceleration

2,200–5,720 $ from 145,000 km
!! Timing Chain Stretch LLT (2010)

Early LLT batch with chain defect. Interference engine: chain failure = valve damage. GM update available but early cars need replacement.

Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, P0008/P0016, power loss

1,980–3,300 $ from 80,000 km
!! Delphi high-pressure fuel pump failure

The Delphi HPFP on LLT/LFX engines can fail, causing hard starts, extended cranking, rough idle. P0087/P0089/P228C common.

Symptoms: Long crank time especially cold, rough idle, power loss, CEL with P0087/P0089

880–1,540 $ from 160,000 km
! Oil consumption from PCV and valve guide wear (LLT) 2009–2012

The LLT shows increased oil consumption due to PCV issues and valve stem seal wear. Often appears in the same timeframe as timing chain problems.

Symptoms: Oil level drops between changes, blue smoke on cold start

550–1,320 $ from 160,000 km

Vehicle Weaknesses 5

!! Gearbox 6-Speed Transmission Wave Plate Failure 2008–2012

The 6T75 wave plate in the automatic transmission can shatter due to improper hardening. Metal debris destroys the transmission internally.

3,520–5,500 $ from 92,000 km
!! Steering Power Steering Failure 2008–2015

Power steering pump and rack are prone to leaks and complete failure. GM was aware of this issue since 2007.

1,430–3,190 $ from 90,000 km
!! HVAC A/C Refrigerant Line Rubbed Through by Power Steering Hose 2008–2012

The power steering pressure hose rubs through the aluminum A/C line running to the rear evaporator. Design defect.

880–2,200 $ from 82,000 km
! Electronics StabiliTrak Warnings

StabiliTrak/TC warning lights and intermittent limp mode caused by weak battery or throttle body buildup.

220–880 $
! Body Liftgate Struts Won't Hold Open

Support struts fail to hold liftgate open, especially in cold weather.

140–440 $ from 100,000 km
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
2,215 complaints · 2008–2017
Airbags
759 ⚠ 37
Steering
431 ⚠ 12
Powertrain
305 ⚠ 8
Engine
288 ⚠ 5
Electrical
223 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (759 complaints)
⚠ Steering (431 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (305 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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