Last updated: 2026-05-13
2021 Buick Enclave Reliability Report
The 2021 Buick Enclave scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 21 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
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?
At 75/100, the 2021 Buick Enclave lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (2018).
Owners log 21 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Recurring issues with the 2021 Buick Enclave's tailgate and door locking systems (6 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (6 complaints)
Compare 2021 Buick Enclave With
2021 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 71/100
2021 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 63/100
2021 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 70/100
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: 17.5
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
Every 2021 Buick Enclave has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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.
Test tailgate for random opening when parked and driving
Check door locks for intermittent failure, especially after rain
Listen for brake grinding noises during test drive
Inspect exhaust system for signs of repairs or replacements
Test auto stop-start feature for hesitation during acceleration
Check for unusual noises from windshield or windows at highway speeds
2021 Buick Enclave Common Problems by Component
21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the 2021 Buick Enclave's tailgate and door locking systems. Complaints frequently mention the tailgate opening randomly, both while parked and in motion, with some owners unable to manually close it. This often occurs around 38,000 to 62,000 miles. Additionally, the door locks intermittently fail, particularly after rain. Safety implications include potential theft, exposure of trunk contents, and the hazard of the tailgate opening while driving. Multiple owners have been unable to resolve these issues through dealership visits, with some noting the manufacturer has not provided assistance.
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsOwners report persistent brake grinding noises in the 2021 Buick Enclave, often described as metal-on-metal sounds, starting as early as 300 to 1000 miles. Complaints frequently mention the need to apply increased pressure to the brakes to achieve effective stopping, with some owners noting a sensation of reduced traction. These issues are documented across a range of mileages, with several owners indicating that dealerships acknowledge the problem as known to General Motors. Although no accidents are reported, the symptoms suggest potential safety implications due to the perceived difficulty in slowing the vehicle. This information may be relevant for used car buyers considering this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Buick Enclave frequently report issues with the vehicle's exhaust system, including multiple replacements of the catalytic converter and flex pipes, as well as repeated welding on exhaust pipes. Some owners describe the back tail pipe detaching while driving. Another common complaint involves the auto stop-start feature, which causes hesitation during acceleration from a stop, potentially leading to unsafe driving situations. Additionally, owners note an unusual noise coming from the windshield or window area at speeds above 45 mph, resembling a cracked window sound, although no window movement is detected. These issues are reported without specific mileage indications, and potential buyers may want to consider these recurring problems.
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
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Buick Enclave Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Buick Enclave year is 2026 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (79/100) and 2025 (77/100).
Buick Enclave Years to Avoid
The worst Buick Enclave year is 2020 with a score of 68/100, primarily due to engine (9) issues.
Buick Enclave Reliability Score Trend
Buick Enclave reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.
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?
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Enclave have?
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Buick Enclave without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Buick Enclave.
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