Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Buick Enclave Reliability Report
The 2019 Buick Enclave has a good reliability standing, but owners report stalling at stops and power train trouble that can leave drivers stranded.
Recalls
1
Complaints
38
Complaint Rate
7.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Good standing and a 5-star crash rating, but weaker than most Enclave years, with stalling at stops and one power train recall.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (12)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- ENGINE (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (2018).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 2nd generation Enclave (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
2018: Second generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (2018).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Buick Enclave?
Good, but not the best the Enclave offers. Federal recall records and owner complaints place this year above average among 2019 SUVs, yet among the weaker of nine scored Enclave years. It earns 5 of 5 stars in federal crash tests. The 2018 rates about the same, and the 2020 rates worse.
Power train trouble leads the complaints. Owners say the engine shuts off at a stop and will not restart under auto start/stop, which leaves them without steering and brake assist in traffic. Others describe the transmission slamming into gear, shudder at low speeds, a torque converter replacement near 69,000 miles, and a grinding rear differential near 87,000. One recall covers the power train. Electrical complaints add stalling that battery and starter replacements did not cure. Two seat belt reports describe belts that would not lock.
Ask for proof the power train recall was completed, plus any records of torque converter, battery or starter work. Test the start/stop restart before buying. The 2018 had no recalls and a similar rating, so compare it too.
Compared to the 2020 Buick Enclave, which scored 7 points lower. See also the 2018 Buick Enclave for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN: Engine shuts off at a stop instead of restarting under auto start/stop (12 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Stalling in traffic, followed by a refusal to restart or shift, is the most... (6 complaints)
Compare 2019 Buick Enclave With
2019 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 62/100
2019 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 56/100
2019 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 70/100
2019 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 69/100
2019 Volkswagen Atlas
Reliability: 48/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (12)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2019 Buick Enclave carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Buick Enclave Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Buick Enclave. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Buying a used 2019 Buick Enclave? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Buick Enclave, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Buick Enclave NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.0%
Safety Technologies
Buick EnclaveRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Buick Enclave Resale Value
The Buick Enclave is estimated to retain about 51.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Buick Enclave model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- Value Retained
- 51.4%
- Depreciation
- 48.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 175
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Buick Enclave depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–21 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,850–$3,000/yr
Fuel only
17–18 city / 25–26 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enclave FWD 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Enclave AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Buick Enclave.
Come to several full stops with auto start/stop on and confirm the engine restarts promptly with steering assist intact.
Watch for the transmission slamming into gear after a start/stop restart, and feel for shudder at low speeds.
Ask for service records showing torque converter, transmission fluid, or auxiliary fluid accumulator work.
Look under the car and on the parking spot for transmission fluid or oil drips, especially on the driver's side.
Listen for grinding from the rear on startup and at low speed in all-wheel drive.
Scan for stored codes, especially P0442, and confirm no StabiliTrak or check engine light appears at stops.
Inspect the exhaust brackets behind the engine for broken welds, and sniff for exhaust smell in the cabin.
Latch and tug every seat belt, test the power liftgate's auto-reverse, and check that both sunroofs close and latch.
2019 Buick Enclave Common Problems by Component
38 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
12 complaintsSafety-relatedThe engine shuts off at a stop instead of restarting under auto start/stop. Drivers lose steering and brake assist and are stranded in traffic, sometimes for minutes. Others describe the transmission slamming into gear after start/stop, fluid leaks, shudder at low speeds, and a torque converter replacement near 69,000 miles. One report has the car shifting into neutral at highway speed. A grinding rear differential appears near 87,000 miles. One crash report, with one injury, involves the vehicle rolling backward after being started.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedStalling in traffic, followed by a refusal to restart or shift, is the most serious pattern. The display reports that conditions are not met for driving, and repeated battery and starter replacements do not cure it. One fire report, with one injury, describes the passenger-side seat air bag exploding and burning an occupant during an auto start. Other complaints cite a cooling fan motor that shorts and blows its 70 amp fuse, accessory outlets and DVD players resetting when doors close, and a noise-cancellation module failure that silences the speakers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsSunroof failures stand out. The front glass shatters while driving, and a plastic clip on the rear sunroof breaks with no replacement part, leaving it stuck open. Exhaust brackets break off at the welds behind the engine, letting fumes into the cabin, with $800 quoted to fix the pipes. Other reports describe the power liftgate starting to close while someone is reaching into the cargo area, and the key fob starting the car remotely inside a closed garage.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsCheck engine lights tied to the evaporative emission canister purge valve, including code P0442, are the main pattern. When it fails, the engine can flutter and stall after refueling, and in one case the dealer replaced the part twice. Separate reports describe a sudden loss of power that left the car stuck in 3rd gear at low mileage, and a leaking timing chain seal with a pitted camshaft that the dealer replaced under warranty.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsLoss of power steering during a stall is the most serious report. The vehicle dies in traffic at 40 mph, jerks, and the horn, wipers, door locks, windows, and air conditioning stop working normally while several warning lights come on. The car then needs a tow. A second report pairs heavy steering and hesitation with StabiliTrak and check engine lights at stops, a shift display jumping between neutral and low, and speed falling while accelerating. Transmission service leaves the StabiliTrak warning unresolved.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsBelts fail to latch or are not anchored properly. In one case an internal part of the buckle detaches at about 43,000 miles and the belt will not lock. In another, a second-row retractor is found hanging loose and never bolted to the frame, discovered at 12K miles when a trim panel fell off. In both cases the occupant would have no working restraint in a crash.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsAn oil leak dripping on the driver's side is one of only two scattered reports here. The dealer blames the oil filter, though the filter sits on the opposite side of the car. The other report concerns the passenger-side kick panel, whose design may injure a passenger's feet, raised at 3,000 miles. Dealers say the panel meets manufacturer specifications and decline to replace it.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintOne day, I looked over at my seat and there were literally two tears in the leather. I immediately looked to see if something had ripped them. The only thing I put over there is a small cloth lunch sack so there’s no way that that could’ve done it. there was NOTHING SHARP on the seat. I am also very good about keeping my leather maintained and car maintained . It needs to be repaired before it gets worse.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintWaited for train to pass and gate to raise at railroad crossing, then started to cross tracks. The car went halfway across the tracks, then the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking activated, stopping us on the tracks. Tried again to move forward, but the collision alert and auto braking immediately activated for a second time, bringing us to a stop again. Finally was able to very slowly make my way through the crossing. I was on the tracks for 30-60 seconds. No train was approaching and it was only my wife and me in the car, but if I'd had six passengers with me and another train had approached, I am not sure I would have been able to get everyone out of the car in time. Note that there were no obstacles in front of the vehicle, but the sun was at a low angle from the front of the car and the sunlight was dappled through the treetops on the other side of the crossing (there's a left-hand curve after the crossing), creating a "moving" glare through the windshield.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving downhill, he shifted to a lower gear and was depressing on the brake pedal however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact also stated that the RPM was very high. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he continued driving but had to stop 5 times to allow the vehicle to cool down. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer. The mechanic found no failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Contact was on top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The fast idle has the engine revved to high so that when foot was off the brake on a 5-8% slope the car accelerates to 6500RPM with in 250 feet taking the car to 30MPH in low gear. Consumer had to push on the brakes constantly, all the way down the mountain which caused the brakes to severely overheat. Park ranger measured the temperature of the brakes at 375 degrees F it was after consumer had stopped to allow them to cool 3 times in about 4 miles. The car will idle at 950RPM stopped and will lurch forward when foot was off the brake. Driving on the highway speeds its fine but not on switchback mountain roads.
Best & Worst Buick Enclave Years
Best Buick Enclave Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreBuick Enclave Years to Avoid
Buick Enclave Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Buick Enclave Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Buick Enclave reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Buick Enclave?
Does the 2019 Buick Enclave have stalling problems?
Has the 2019 Buick Enclave been recalled?
Is the 2019 Buick Enclave better than the 2018 or 2020?
Don’t buy a 2019 Buick Enclave without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Buick Enclave
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Buick Enclave does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on complaint severity (68/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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