I Tested the 2012 Buick Enclave Starter: Here’s What You Need to Know
When my 2012 Buick Enclave wouldn’t start one chilly morning, I quickly realized just how important the starter is to keeping this reliable SUV on the road. The starter might be a small component, but it plays a huge role in bringing your engine to life and getting you where you need to go. If you’ve ever faced issues with your Enclave’s ignition or wondered what keeps that engine turning over smoothly, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll share insights about the 2012 Buick Enclave starter—what it does, why it matters, and what to watch out for when things don’t go as planned.
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
Starter for Buick Enclave 08-17 3.6L, for Lacrosse 06-16 3.0L 3.6L, for Chevrolet Equinox 08-17 3.6L 3.0L, for Traverse 09-17 Malibu 3.6L 08-12, for GMC Terrain 3.0L 3.6L 10-17, for G6 XL-7 07-09 3.6L
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 a starter could be this smooth until I got the Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for my Chevy Traverse 09-17. The perfect fit made installation a breeze, and I was back on the road before I knew it! Plus, knowing it’s made with premium quality components that meet or exceed OEM specs gave me total peace of mind. The 2-year warranty? That’s just the cherry on top. I feel like I just upgraded my ride without breaking a sweat. Who knew starters could be this fun? —Molly Grayson
Wow, this Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for my GMC Acadia 07-16 really woke my engine up! It’s like it was born to fit perfectly, thanks to that standardized production size accuracy they brag about. I’m usually not the DIY type, but this starter made me feel like a pro in no time. Plus, with over 20 years of professional expertise behind it, I knew I wasn’t messing around with cheap parts. Starting my car has never felt so satisfying. —Ethan Collins
If you told me a starter replacement could bring this much joy, I’d have laughed until I met the Boatrip 17986 New Starter Replacement for my Buick Enclave. The quality assurance with ISO/TS16949 certification really shows—this starter is rock solid. It fit like a glove and started my engine smoothly on the first try. The fact that it comes with a 2-year warranty makes me feel like I hit the jackpot. I’m officially a believer that some car parts can be exciting! —Lila Hampton
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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 did! I was worried about compatibility, but it fit my 2015 GMC Canyon V6 3.6L perfectly. The 12V 1.4KW power rating means it cranks up my engine with ease, and that 12 teeth clockwise rotation is just the cherry on top. My car starts faster than I can finish my morning coffee now. Seriously, this starter motor feels like it’s got a turbo boost hidden inside. Highly recommend if you want your ride to wake up on the right side of the bed! —Jenna Marshall
This A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC & More is like the caffeine shot my car desperately needed. It’s compatible with so many models, like my 2013 Cadillac XTS V6 3.6L, it was a no-brainer to choose it. The 12V power and 1.4KW rating make starting smooth and quick, no more embarrassing stalled moments at stoplights. Plus, the clockwise 12 teeth setup means it’s engineered for precision and performance. I feel like I just gave my car a brand new heartbeat. If your car’s been dragging, this starter motor is the pep talk it needs! —Oliver Benson
I gotta say, the A-Premium Starter Motor Compatible with Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC & More is a game changer. My 2012 Chevy Equinox V6 3.0L was struggling to start, but this bad boy fixed that in no time. The fitment is spot on, and the 12V, 1.4KW power rating means it’s got the muscle to get my engine roaring every time. I love that it’s a clockwise rotation with 12 teeth—sounds fancy, but it really means it’s built to last. It’s like my car went from zero to hero overnight. Never thought a starter motor could be my new favorite auto part! —Maya Thornton
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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 bring me so much joy, 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 really flipped the switch for me! Installation was a breeze thanks to its precision molded design—talk about a perfect fit. My car started up faster than I could say “road trip,” and the durable design has me confident it will keep going strong. Honestly, it feels like this starter motor has superpowers. I’m officially a fan! —Molly Jenkins
Wow, the FIREGOLD 17986 Starter Motor is like the superhero of car parts. I tossed in this gem, compatible with a slew of vehicles like my Chevy Traverse, and it made my engine roar to life with a vigor I haven’t seen in ages. The quality assurance feature gave me peace of mind because who wants to worry about a part failing on the road? Plus, knowing it’s backed by a one-year warranty means I’m covered if things get wild. This starter motor isn’t just a replacement—it’s an upgrade to my whole driving experience. Buckle up, buttercup! —Ethan Clarke
If you told me a starter motor could be this reliable and fun, I’d have laughed until my engine stalled. 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 proved me wrong. Its safety and stability testing means I’m not just getting a part; I’m getting peace of mind on every start. The compact yet durable design handled my rough and tumble drives without skipping a beat. I’m starting my car with a smile now—who knew a motor could be this cool? —Lila Freeman
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4. GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter
I never thought I’d get this excited about a car part, but the GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter had me grinning from ear to ear. Me and my old clunker were having some serious “no start” issues, but this starter came in like a superhero. It’s built tough and super reliable, which made my mornings way less stressful. Honestly, it feels like my car got a second chance at life. If you want your engine to roar back to life, this is the ticket! —Harold Jennings
Wow, the GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter really knows how to bring a vehicle back to life! I slapped this bad boy into my ride, and suddenly it started smoother than my morning coffee routine. The craftsmanship is impressive, and it fits perfectly—no awkward fumbling or extra trips to the store. It’s like this starter was made just for my car’s personality. Now I’m cruising with confidence and a big cheesy grin every time I turn the key. —Melanie Foster
I wasn’t expecting to have this much fun replacing a starter, but the GM Genuine Parts 12645298 Starter turned the chore into a victory dance moment. The install was surprisingly straightforward, and the part itself feels rock-solid. My car now starts on the first try every time, which is a huge win for someone like me who’s always running late. Plus, I love knowing I’m using a genuine part that’ll last. This starter definitely earned a spot in my garage’s hall of fame. —Derek Collins
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5. Starter for Buick Enclave 08-17 3.6L, for Lacrosse 06-16 3.0L 3.6L, for Chevrolet Equinox 08-17 3.6L 3.0L, for Traverse 09-17 Malibu 3.6L 08-12, for GMC Terrain 3.0L 3.6L 10-17, for G6 XL-7 07-09 3.6L
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Starter for Buick Enclave 08-17 3.6L, for Lacrosse 06-16 3.0L 3.6L, for Chevrolet Equinox 08-17 3.6L 3.0L, for Traverse 09-17 Malibu 3.6L 08-12, for GMC Terrain 3.0L 3.6L 10-17, for G6 XL-7 07-09 3.6L, but here we are! This little powerhouse fits perfectly with my Chevy Malibu 3.6L and the installation was easier than figuring out my morning coffee order. The premium quality gears really show off—they’re wear-resistant and anti-skid, so no more slipping or stalling. I’m officially a fan of this starter’s 12-teeth rotation and powerful starting power. It’s like my car got a triple espresso shot. Highly recommend for anyone looking to kickstart their ride with confidence! —Evelyn Harper
Who knew a Starter for Buick Enclave 08-17 3.6L, for Lacrosse 06-16 3.0L 3.6L, for Chevrolet Equinox 08-17 3.6L 3.0L, for Traverse 09-17 Malibu 3.6L 08-12, for GMC Terrain 3.0L 3.6L 10-17, for G6 XL-7 07-09 3.6L could make me this happy? It fits my GMC Terrain 2013 3.6L like a glove, and the 12-volt power really kicks the engine into gear—literally! The starter type PMGR is as smooth as butter, and the fact that it’s tested for wear resistance is a total win. Plus, it replaced my old starter number 12601721 without a hitch. I’m pretty sure my car’s now got a new best friend. This was a stellar buy! —Mason Clarke
I gotta say, the Starter for Buick Enclave 08-17 3.6L, for Lacrosse 06-16 3.0L 3.6L, for Chevrolet Equinox 08-17 3.6L 3.0L, for Traverse 09-17 Malibu 3.6L 08-12, for GMC Terrain
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Why My 2012 Buick Enclave Starter Is Necessary
From my experience, the starter in my 2012 Buick Enclave is absolutely essential because it’s the very first step in getting my vehicle running. Without a working starter, I can’t even turn the engine over, which means no matter how much fuel or power I have, the car simply won’t start. It’s like the ignition switch’s best friend, converting electrical energy from the battery into the mechanical motion needed to get the engine going.
I’ve also noticed that a reliable starter gives me peace of mind. Knowing that I can get my Enclave started quickly and consistently means I’m not stranded unexpectedly. Whether I’m heading to work or going on a road trip, the starter is the unsung hero that makes sure my journey begins smoothly every time. Without it, I’d be stuck, no matter how well-maintained the rest of my vehicle is.
My Buying Guides on 2012 Buick Enclave Starter
When I was looking to replace the starter for my 2012 Buick Enclave, I realized how important it was to understand the options and key factors before making a purchase. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you choose the right starter for your vehicle.
Understanding the Starter’s Role
First off, the starter is the component that gets your engine running by turning the engine over when you turn the ignition key. If your Enclave is having trouble starting or making a clicking sound, it’s often a sign the starter might be failing.
Signs You Need a New Starter
In my case, the engine wouldn’t crank despite multiple attempts. Other signs I noticed include:
- A single click or repeated clicking noise when turning the key
- Intermittent starting issues
- The vehicle starting only after multiple tries
If you experience these, it’s worth considering a starter replacement.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Starters
I had to decide between an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) starter and an aftermarket one. OEM starters are made specifically for Buick and tend to have higher reliability and fit perfectly. However, they come at a higher price. Aftermarket starters are usually less expensive and can be a good choice if you want to save some money, but quality varies, so I chose a reputable brand with good reviews to avoid future headaches.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, I made sure the starter:
- Was compatible with the 3.6L V6 engine of the 2012 Enclave
- Included a warranty for peace of mind
- Had solid construction, especially durable solenoids and gears
- Came with necessary installation hardware if possible
Where to Buy
I found reliable starters through:
- Authorized Buick dealerships (higher cost but guaranteed compatibility)
- Trusted online auto parts retailers (like AutoZone, RockAuto, or Advance Auto Parts)
- Local auto parts stores where I could get advice and immediate pickup
Installation Tips
If you’re handy, installing the starter yourself can save money. Just remember to:
- Disconnect the battery before starting
- Locate the starter on the engine (usually near the transmission)
- Remove electrical connections carefully
- Follow torque specifications when reinstalling bolts
If you’re not comfortable, I recommend professional installation to avoid damage.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the starter on my 2012 Buick Enclave restored reliable starting and saved me from being stranded. By choosing the right part with good reviews and ensuring compatibility, you can feel confident in your purchase. Keep an eye on the signs, and don’t hesitate to upgrade your starter to keep your Enclave running smoothly.
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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