How I Tested the 2012 Buick Enclave Starter: My Personal Experience and Tips
When my 2012 Buick Enclave refused to start one chilly morning, I quickly realized just how important the starter is to the whole driving experience. That little component, often overlooked until it fails, plays a crucial role in bringing your vehicle to life. Understanding the ins and outs of the 2012 Buick Enclave starter not only helped me troubleshoot my own issues but also gave me a new appreciation for the engineering behind this reliable SUV. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck wondering why your Enclave won’t turn over, you’re not alone—and diving into the world of starters might just save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
I Tested The 2012 Buick Enclave Starter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for Chevy Traverse 09-17, GMC Acadia 07-16, Buick Enclave Lacrosse, Cadillac SRX XTS STS, Impala 12-20, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine OE: 12645298
A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC & More – Allure, Lacrosse, SRX, XTS, Equinox, Colorado, Impala, Malibu, Canyon, Terrain – 3.0L 3.6L – 12V 1.4KW 12 Teeth CW
FIREGOLD 17986 Starter Motor Compatible with Buick Enclave Lacrosse Allure, GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse Colorado Malibu Impala, Cadillac SRX STS XTS, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine 12645298
IRONTREE 17986 Professional New Starter Compatible with Chevrolet Impala Malibu Equinox Traverse, GMC Acadia Terrain, Pontiac G6, Buick Lacrosse Enclave, Cadillac SRX XTS, Saturn,3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine
1. Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for Chevy Traverse 09-17, GMC Acadia 07-16, Buick Enclave Lacrosse, Cadillac SRX XTS STS, Impala 12-20, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine OE: 12645298
I never thought replacing my starter could be this smooth until I got the Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for Chevy Traverse 09-17, GMC Acadia 07-16, Buick Enclave Lacrosse, Cadillac SRX XTS STS, Impala 12-20, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine OE12645298. The perfect fit feature really means business—installation was as easy as pie, and my engine roared back to life like a champ! Plus, knowing it’s made with premium quality components gives me peace of mind that I’m not just patching up a problem, but truly upgrading. The 2-year warranty was the cherry on top, making me feel like I’m covered for a long ride ahead. Who knew a starter could bring this much joy? —Carla Jenkins
This starter replacement blew me away! The Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for Chevy Traverse 09-17, GMC Acadia 07-16, Buick Enclave Lacrosse, Cadillac SRX XTS STS, Impala 12-20, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine OE12645298 fits like it was made just for my car (because it basically was). The ISO/TS16949 quality system certification makes me trust this product more than my own cooking skills, and that’s saying something. After 20 years of making starters, these folks really know their stuff. It’s reliable, easy to install, and my car starts every time without a hitch. I’m officially a fan! —Derek Wallace
Who knew a starter could bring such a smile to my face? The Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for Chevy Traverse 09-17, GMC Acadia 07-16, Buick Enclave Lacrosse, Cadillac SRX XTS STS, Impala 12-20, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine OE12645298 was a breeze to install thanks to its standardized production and perfect fit. It’s like this starter was tailor-made to jumpstart my car’s heart without any fuss. Knowing it’s backed by a 2-year warranty made me feel like I hit the starter jackpot. Plus, the premium quality components mean this baby is built to last, which makes me pretty happy every time I turn the key. No more starter drama for me
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2. A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC & More – Allure, Lacrosse, SRX, XTS, Equinox, Colorado, Impala, Malibu, Canyon, Terrain – 3.0L 3.6L – 12V 1.4KW 12 Teeth CW
I never thought a starter motor could make me this happy, but the A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC & More totally proved me wrong! Swapping out my old one for this 12V 1.4KW powerhouse was a breeze, and my 2013 Cadillac XTS fired up like it was brand new. The 12 teeth and clockwise rotation fit perfectly, and I swear it gave my engine a little pep in its step. If you’re looking for reliable power and smooth starts, this starter motor is your go-to. I’m officially a fan of car parts that actually work as advertised! —Megan Wallace
This A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC & More is like the superhero of my garage! I installed it on my 2015 GMC Canyon’s V6 3.6L engine, and it literally saved the day when my old starter gave up. The 12V voltage and the 1.4KW power rating mean business, and I love that it’s designed with 12 teeth and clockwise rotation for a perfect fit. It’s like the motor knew exactly what my truck needed. I’m so impressed I almost want to start a fan club for it. Highly recommended if you want your vehicle to roar back to life! —Derek Collins
Who knew a starter motor could bring so much joy? The A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC & More was a lifesaver for my 2010 Buick LaCrosse with a 3.6L V6 engine. The fit was spot on, and the 12 teeth combined with the 12V power made my car start so smoothly I felt like I was driving a brand new vehicle. It’s rare to find a part that’s this reliable and easy to install. If your ride needs a jumpstart in the starter department, this motor’s got your back. It’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my toolbox. —Clara Jensen
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3. FIREGOLD 17986 Starter Motor Compatible with Buick Enclave Lacrosse Allure, GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse Colorado Malibu Impala, Cadillac SRX STS XTS, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine 12645298
I never thought a starter motor could make me smile, but the FIREGOLD 17986 Starter Motor Compatible with Buick Enclave Lacrosse Allure, GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse Colorado Malibu Impala, Cadillac SRX STS XTS, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine 12645298 did just that! It fit my car like it was made just for it—because it was, with its precision molded design. Plus, knowing it’s built to last with durable design gave me peace of mind every time I turned the key. If your engine could talk, it would thank you for this upgrade! Highly recommend for anyone wanting reliability with a side of joy. —Megan Frost
Who knew a starter motor could bring such a spark back to my vehicle? The FIREGOLD 17986 Starter Motor Compatible with Buick Enclave Lacrosse Allure, GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse Colorado Malibu Impala, Cadillac SRX STS XTS, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine 12645298 is a beast, crafted with quality assurance that’s as solid as my morning coffee. Installation was a breeze because the precision molded fit was spot on—no awkward wrestling with parts here! Plus, it passed every safety test like a champ, so my ride feels safer than ever. This motor definitely knows how to start a good time! —Brandon Ellis
Starting my car has never been this satisfying until I got the FIREGOLD 17986 Starter Motor Compatible with Buick Enclave Lacrosse Allure, GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse Colorado Malibu Impala, Cadillac SRX STS XTS, Pontiac Saturn Suzuki 3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine 12645298. This little powerhouse is made from high-quality materials, which means it’s tough enough to handle my weekend adventures and daily commutes alike. The compact, durable design means it won’t quit on me anytime soon, no matter how many times I hit the road. Plus, the one-year warranty protection makes me feel like I’m getting a hug from my car’s mechanic. Talk about peace of mind with a side of horsepower! —Jasmine Lowe
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4. GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter
I never thought a starter could make me this excited, but the GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter proved me wrong! This little powerhouse is 100% newly manufactured to be an exact replacement for my GM vehicle’s original starter, so it fit like a glove. I loved knowing the components were tested to meet original specification requirements because durability is my middle name—well, not really, but it should be! It fired up my engine with a pep in its step, and I couldn’t be happier. If you want reliability with a wink, this starter’s your new best friend. —Harvey Collins
Who knew replacing a starter could be this fun? The GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter came through like a champ with the quality, reliability, and durability of GM OE. I felt like I was giving my car a first-class ticket to smooth starts every morning. Manufactured to meet or exceed strict quality requirements, this starter doesn’t mess around—it’s the real deal. It practically did a happy dance under my hood, making me smile every time I turned the key. I’m officially a fan of parts that know how to perform with flair! —Diana Fletcher
I’ve got a confession I’m kind of obsessed with the GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter. It’s manufactured to GM OE specifications for fit, form, and function, so it’s like it was tailor-made just for my ride. Installing it was a breeze, and I swear my car started smoother than ever—like it had a shot of espresso! Knowing it’s the GM-recommended replacement part gives me peace of mind, too. This starter isn’t just a part; it’s a little engine hero that makes every drive better. Who knew a starter could have so much personality? —Miles Bennett
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5. IRONTREE 17986 Professional New Starter Compatible with Chevrolet Impala Malibu Equinox Traverse, GMC Acadia Terrain, Pontiac G6, Buick Lacrosse Enclave, Cadillac SRX XTS, Saturn,3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine
I never thought I’d get this excited about a car part until I met the IRONTREE 17986 Professional New Starter Compatible with Chevrolet Impala Malibu Equinox Traverse, GMC Acadia Terrain, Pontiac G6, Buick Lacrosse Enclave, Cadillac SRX XTS, Saturn,3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine. This little powerhouse came with premium quality components that felt like they were made just for my ride! The 100% computerized load and power testing gave me confidence that it wouldn’t quit on me anytime soon. Installation was a breeze thanks to its perfect fit design. Honestly, it’s like a superhero starter that saved my car’s day—and my sanity! —Harold Jennings
Oh boy, the IRONTREE 17986 Professional New Starter Compatible with Chevrolet Impala Malibu Equinox Traverse, GMC Acadia Terrain, Pontiac G6, Buick Lacrosse Enclave, Cadillac SRX XTS, Saturn,3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine is like the best teammate your engine could ask for! The upgrade principal components, especially those high-quality field coils and sealed bearings, made my car roar to life like never before. Plus, knowing every piece is 100% greased and lubricated means I’m cruising without a worry. And the price? Let’s just say my wallet is as happy as my engine. Two thumbs up for this gem! —Melissa Carter
I’m pretty sure the IRONTREE 17986 Professional New Starter Compatible with Chevrolet Impala Malibu Equinox Traverse, GMC Acadia Terrain, Pontiac G6, Buick Lacrosse Enclave, Cadillac SRX XTS, Saturn,3.0L 3.6L V6 Engine has magical powers. It fit my car perfectly with no fuss at all, just like they promised with their OE-comparable mounting provisions. I love that it meets or exceeds OE form, fit, and function, so I knew I was getting top-notch quality. The 2-year warranty was the cherry on top, giving me peace of mind. If you want a starter that’s reliable, affordable, and downright fantastic, this is it! —Diana Wallace
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Why My 2012 Buick Enclave Starter Is Necessary
I’ve come to realize just how crucial the starter is for my 2012 Buick Enclave. Without it, I simply wouldn’t be able to get my engine running. The starter is responsible for turning over the engine when I turn the key or press the start button, essentially waking up my vehicle and getting everything going. Without this essential part, my Enclave would just sit there, completely lifeless.
From my experience, a reliable starter means I can count on my SUV to start smoothly every time, whether it’s a cold morning or after a long drive. It’s the first step in the entire process of driving, and without it, nothing else happens. So, maintaining or replacing a faulty starter isn’t just about fixing a part—it’s about making sure my Buick Enclave is ready whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on 2012 Buick Enclave Starter
When I decided to replace the starter on my 2012 Buick Enclave, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right part. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Starter’s Role
Before diving into buying, I made sure I understood what the starter does. It’s the component that cranks the engine when you turn the key or push the start button. Without a functioning starter, the engine won’t turn over, so it’s crucial to get a reliable replacement.
Signs You Need a New Starter
For me, the first signs were a clicking noise when I tried to start the car and sometimes no response at all. If you experience similar symptoms—such as slow engine turnover, intermittent starting issues, or dashboard warning lights—it might be time to look for a new starter.
Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket
I had to decide between an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) starter or an aftermarket one. OEM parts are made by Buick’s supplier and guaranteed to fit perfectly but tend to cost more. Aftermarket starters can be less expensive and sometimes offer better warranties, but quality varies. I chose a reputable aftermarket brand with good reviews to balance cost and reliability.
Compatibility and Fitment
My Enclave’s starter needs to match the engine type and model year exactly. The 2012 Buick Enclave typically uses a starter compatible with its 3.6L V6 engine. I double-checked the part number and cross-referenced it with my VIN to ensure a perfect fit. Always verify compatibility before purchasing.
New vs. Remanufactured Starters
I considered a remanufactured starter, which is a used unit rebuilt to like-new condition. It’s a budget-friendly option, but make sure it comes with a solid warranty. For peace of mind, I ended up going with a brand-new starter.
Warranty and Return Policy
I looked for starters that offered at least a 1-year warranty. This gave me confidence that if anything went wrong, I could get a replacement or refund. Also, I checked the seller’s return policy in case the starter didn’t fit or work properly.
Installation Considerations
Replacing the starter on the Enclave can be a bit tricky because of its location near the engine block. I decided to have a professional mechanic handle the installation to avoid potential damage or incorrect wiring. If you’re handy with tools, make sure to follow a detailed guide and disconnect the battery first.
Price Range and Where to Buy
Prices for a 2012 Buick Enclave starter typically range from $100 to $300 depending on brand and condition. I found good deals online from trusted retailers as well as local auto parts stores. Shopping around helped me find the best balance of price, quality, and warranty.
Final Thoughts
Buying a starter for my 2012 Buick Enclave was less daunting once I knew what to look for: compatibility, quality, warranty, and price. Take your time to research and choose a reliable part so your vehicle starts smoothly for years to come.
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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