Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Buick Enclave Reliability Report
The 2020 Buick Enclave has a good reliability standing, but stalling and cracked exhaust brackets set it behind the 2019 and 2021 models.
Recalls
6
Complaints
48
Complaint Rate
12.5per 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
The weakest of nine scored Enclave years, with stalling reports, cracking exhaust pipe brackets and six recalls.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (9)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- POWER TRAIN (6)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (2018).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 2nd generation Enclave (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2018: Second generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is year 3 of the Second generation (2018).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2020 Buick Enclave?
Good, but the weakest of the nine scored Enclave years. Against other 2020 SUVs it sits close to average. The 2019 and 2021 model years both rate better, with fewer complaints and fewer recalls than this one. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.
The most serious complaints involve stalling. Owners report the engine shutting off at stops or while driving, sometimes cutting all power, including the hazard lights. Charging warnings start around 28,500 to 38,000 miles, and dealers often can't reproduce the faults. The front exhaust pipe bracket also breaks or its welds crack, usually between 31,500 and 52,580 miles. That brings rattling, a loud exhaust and a strong smell. One owner reports fumes through the vents with no warning light. Some transmissions slam into park or jerk at low speed. Federal records list six recalls, covering tires, power train, fuel system, air bags and structure.
Ask for service records showing exhaust pipe or electrical repairs, and run the VIN to confirm every recall was completed. A 2019 or 2021 may be the safer pick.
Compared to the 2021 Buick Enclave, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2019 Buick Enclave for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Engine shuts off without warning at stops or while driving, sometimes cutting... (9 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Front exhaust pipe mounting bracket breaks away or its welds crack, leaving a... (9 complaints)
Compare 2020 Buick Enclave With
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 62/100
2020 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 60/100
2020 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 71/100
2020 Hyundai Palisade
Reliability: 59/100
2020 Kia Telluride
Reliability: 55/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (9)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2020 Buick Enclave has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
12.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Buick Enclave Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Buick Enclave. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Consequence
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. 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 N212329050.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Consequence
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 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 N202319030.
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 2020 Buick Enclave? Check its history first
Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Buick Enclave, and 6 recalls were 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
2020 Buick Enclave NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Buick Enclave.
Put the car on a lift and check the front exhaust pipe bracket and welds for cracks, holes or rust.
With the engine running, listen for rattling or ticking under the hood and smell for exhaust in the cabin.
Shift between park, reverse and drive several times and make sure each shift engages without a jolt or a stuck lever.
Sit at idle with your foot on the brake, then pull away, and watch for stalls, power loss or a sudden shift into park.
Close the power liftgate and confirm it latches fully and that the open-door warning clears.
Shift into reverse and confirm the backup camera image shows up instead of a black screen.
Make full-lock turns in a parking lot and watch for steering lockup or Service ESC messages.
Buckle the driver's seat belt several times and confirm it latches on the first try.
2020 Buick Enclave Common Problems by Component
48 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
9 complaintsThe front exhaust pipe mounting bracket breaks away or its welds crack, leaving a hole in the pipe. Symptoms include rattling, a loud exhaust note and a strong exhaust smell. Owners worry about fumes entering the cabin, and one reports them coming through the air vents for months with no warning light. The fix usually means replacing the front pipe or flex pipe, and one dealer quoted $1000. A separate complaint describes repeated low-oil alerts within a month of an oil change, which a mechanic traced to a fault in the engine and transmission assembly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsSafety-relatedThe engine shuts off without warning at stops or while driving, sometimes cutting all power, including the hazard lights. Some cars show low-voltage and charging system warnings, one at about 38,000 miles. Others won't shift into park and stay switched on until the battery is disconnected. In one crash report, the liftgate failed to latch and cargo fell out onto the road. Owners also report a black backup camera screen, a horn that honks on its own, hazards flashing randomly and false tire-pressure alerts. Dealers often can't reproduce these faults.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsThe front exhaust pipe cracks at its welds or rusts through, causing exhaust noise and a P0420 catalyst code. One owner reports this at about 31,500 miles, with repair quotes over $400. Other reports describe water pouring from the headliner onto the driver and sunroof glass shattering outward with a loud bang while driving, with no earlier damage. The backup camera can also go black and show a warning symbol. Rear sunshade clips break repeatedly.
POWER TRAIN (6 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsSafety-relatedThe transmission can slam into park while pulling away from a light, nearly causing a rear-end collision. On some nearly new cars, it shifted hard and jerked within the first few miles, the check engine light came on, and the car eventually stopped shifting and would not restart. Owners also describe transmissions locking in park or drive and needing a tow, and jerking at low speed. One crash with injuries happened when the vehicle surged forward into a garage door after being shifted into drive. Another owner reports burning 1 to 2 quarts of oil between changes.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsThe flex pipe bracket cracks, causing a ticking sound under the hood and an exhaust smell in the cabin. In one case this damaged the catalytic converter at 52,580 miles, and both parts needed replacing. Another report describes the car jerking and vibrating after being shifted into drive, with the check engine light and other warnings coming on. A shop later found a clogged catalytic converter and failed brake and transmission control modules.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsThe wheel locks up during turns, and power assist cuts out right after. Warning messages appear at the same time, including "Service ESC" and "Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care", along with the stability control lights. Dealers find error codes but can't reproduce the fault. The detailed report describes repeated visits and a brake control module reprogramming that did not stop the problem. Losing assist mid-turn is a loss-of-control risk.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsThe brakes grind during both normal and hard stops. One report describes a noise that suggested the anti-lock system was not working properly, making the car harder to stop. That problem started right after the car was bought used without a warranty. Other complaints in this group are brief and mention only grinding.
FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe car can lose speed suddenly at highway speed. In one case it dropped from about 75 mph to 20 mph while a "can not shift" message appeared, at about 7,100 miles. A fuel tank sensor was replaced, but the failure came back. Another report describes a check engine light, hard starting and fluctuating gauges after refueling. Replacing evaporative emission parts, including the purge solenoid, did not fix it.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsThe driver's seat belt buckle won't latch unless the tongue is pushed in several times. In at least one car it got worse until the belt could not be fastened at all. That leaves the driver unbelted. The two reports describe the same driver-side buckle problem.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintComponent/System Failed: Tire Sidewall (Continental CrossContact LX20 EcoPlus+, Size: 255/55R20 107H). I am reporting a potential safety defect regarding my Continental tires. While my specific mold number (S-421232) is not currently listed in NHTSA Campaign 20T018000, the tires were manufactured in the same week (DOT 0420) and show symptoms consistent with the overcuring defect described in that recall. I have observed unusual marks and [mention what you see: e.g., "cracking," "distortions," or "bubbling"] on the sidewall. These marks appeared without any impact or road hazard. Given that this specific model and production week are already associated with sudden sidewall breakage and carcass failure, I am concerned that the existing recall scope is too narrow and that my tires pose a similar risk of sudden air loss or crash.
When Do 2020 Buick Enclave Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Buick Enclave Years
Best Buick Enclave Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreBuick Enclave Years to Avoid
2020
(Current Model)
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 2020 Buick Enclave reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Enclave?
Does the 2020 Buick Enclave have exhaust problems?
Can the 2020 Buick Enclave stall while driving?
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Enclave have?
Don’t buy a 2020 Buick Enclave without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Buick Enclave
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Buick Enclave does best on how many systems draw complaints (84/100) and worst on complaint severity (62/100). 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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