Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Buick Enclave Reliability Report
The 2021 Buick Enclave rates good, but owners report early brake grinding and a power liftgate that opens on its own.
Recalls
2
Complaints
21
Complaint Rate
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
Rates good and above average for 2021 SUVs, with fewer complaints and recalls than 2020, but early brake grinding and a self-opening liftgate stand out.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (6)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 4 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.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (2018).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Buick Enclave?
Good, but not the best Enclave year. This one rates above average against other 2021 SUVs, yet it sits among the weaker of the nine scored Enclave model years. It does better than 2020, which rates worse and drew 48 complaints and 6 recalls. The 2022 rates about the same, with 12 complaints and 1 recall. The federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.
Brakes and the power liftgate lead the complaints, six each. Owners describe grinding or metal-on-metal noise when braking, starting between 300 and 1,000 miles and often staying. Some say the car feels slow to stop and needs more pedal pressure. One report describes a near-collision. The liftgate opens by itself while parked, locked, or switched off, and in some reports while driving. That can set off the alarm or let cargo fall out. Some liftgates later stop opening, with no manual release. Federal records show 2 air bag recalls.
Test drive for brake noise and work the liftgate several times. Ask for brake repair records and proof both air bag recalls were completed. A 2022 is worth comparing.
Compared to the 2022 Buick Enclave, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Buick Enclave for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (6 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Power liftgate opens on its own (6 complaints)
Compare 2021 Buick Enclave With
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 71/100
2021 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 70/100
2021 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 63/100
2021 Kia Telluride
Reliability: 63/100
2021 Hyundai Palisade
Reliability: 61/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (6)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Buick Enclave carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Buick Enclave Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Buick Enclave. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
Consequence
Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.
AIR BAGS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
Consequence
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.
Buying a used 2021 Buick Enclave? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Buick Enclave, and 2 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
2021 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 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Buick Enclave.
After the car has sat for a while, brake several times and listen for grinding or metal-on-metal noise.
Brake firmly on the test drive and note whether the car needs extra pedal pressure to slow down.
Lock the car, wait, and confirm the liftgate stays shut. Ask the seller whether it ever opens by itself.
Open and close the liftgate with the interior button, exterior switch, key fob, and foot sensor.
Lock and unlock every door with the fob and the door switch, ideally after rain or a car wash.
Look under the car for welded exhaust pipes, replaced flex pipes, or a loose tailpipe, and ask about catalytic converter replacements.
Drive above 45 mph and listen for a cracked-window type noise around the windshield.
Stop at an intersection and check that the engine restarts from auto stop-start without hesitating.
2021 Buick Enclave Common Problems by Component
21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsThe power liftgate opens on its own. It happens while the car is parked, locked, or switched off, and in some reports while driving. That can trip the alarm, leave cargo exposed, or let items fall onto the road. A service center blamed the switch in the rear hatch. In another case, a failed foot sensor came before the trouble. Some liftgates eventually stop opening at all, and owners find no manual release. A separate report describes door locks failing, mostly after rain.
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsGrinding or metal-on-metal noise during braking shows up very early, in some cases within the first 1,000 miles, and often persists. It can be worse after the car sits. Some drivers say the car feels slow to stop, like braking on snow, and needs more pedal pressure. One report describes a near-collision. Dealers reportedly told owners GM knew about the noise and blamed the brake material. Dealers were also told not to replace parts while engineers worked on a fix. Owners were told the car was safe to drive.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsRepeated exhaust failures lead this mixed group. Reported repairs include multiple catalytic converter replacements, repaired or replaced flex pipes, and welded exhaust pipes, and a tailpipe fell off while driving. Other complaints target the automatic stop-start system. It causes a hesitation when pulling out from a stop, and a dealer would not disable it. There is also a wind noise from the windshield area that sounds like a cracked window, starting around 45 mph.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate latch independently unlocked. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for an inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 39,700.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintCatalytic converter was defective in October 2022. Had to wait to get part in. Vehicle taken to dealer for repair in December 2022/ Told that the second catalytic converter needed to be repaired. I stated that I was not aware that cars had two catalytic converters. Parts were ordered and replaced. Engine light came back on-again October 15, 2024. Portable CO detector in car was beeping when engine around time engine light came on. Not covered by warranty or insurance. A new car with 55, 000 miles to date should not have these issues.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintPassenger seat belt doesn't always work. Has to click several times
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintAWD has vibration at highway speeds when engaged
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintWhen driving my car down the street today, it abruptly stopped in the middle of the street and and engine locked up. I could not shift gears. I could not put my car in neutral. I was literally stuck in the middle of the street with a vehicle that gave me no warning of malfunctioning. This is the 3rd transmission that I have had in this car. It is a 2021 Buick Enclave with just over 12,000 miles.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintThis car crosses the line before the lane keep assist does anything. The car nearly hit an oncoming car. I asked the Koons Tysons Buick Service rep about it and he said he has heard this from a number of people but noting has been done. It seems like a software patch is necessary to make this safe.
When Do 2021 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
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 2021 Buick Enclave reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Buick Enclave?
Does the 2021 Buick Enclave have brake problems?
Why does the 2021 Buick Enclave liftgate open by itself?
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Buick Enclave without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Buick Enclave
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Buick Enclave does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). 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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