Last updated: 2026-07-17

Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Traverse: Reliability Compared

More ReliableBuick Enclave reliability comparison

Buick Enclave

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Chevrolet Traverse reliability comparison

Chevrolet Traverse

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Traverse? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Buick Enclave currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 70/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Chevrolet Traverse is in its third generation, which debuted in 2024. Being early in its generation cycle, the Traverse may encounter first-year issues typical of newer platforms, as manufacturers work out initial production kinks. Previously, the second-generation Traverse ran from 2018 to 2024, with a significant facelift in 2022 that likely improved upon earlier models. The Buick Enclave, on the other hand, is in its third generation as of 2025. Like the Traverse, it is early in its cycle, which can also mean potential early production challenges. The second-generation Enclave spanned from 2018 to 2024, with a 2022 refresh that addressed earlier reliability issues. Both models, having undergone significant updates recently, may reflect similar reliability patterns as they mature.

Verdict

The Buick Enclave is more reliable than the Chevrolet Traverse, scoring 76/100 vs 70/100.

In terms of reliability, the Buick Enclave outperforms the Chevrolet Traverse with an average reliability score of 75/100 compared to the Traverse's 69/100. The Enclave also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate at 2.6 per 10,000 units sold versus the Traverse's 7.2, and it has been subject to fewer recalls over nine years—10 compared to the Traverse's 19. While both models share common issues with the power train, electrical system, and service brakes, the Chevrolet Traverse's higher complaint rate and repair cost estimate of $656 annually make the Buick Enclave a more reliable choice for consumers seeking fewer maintenance concerns.

Key Differences

  1. 1Buick Enclave has 9 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Buick Enclave scores 6 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Buick Enclave has 4.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Buick Enclave
—
0Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Traverse: Which Is More Reliable?

Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Traverse at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricBuick EnclaveChevrolet Traverse
Reliability Score76/10070/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls1019
Complaints per 10k Sold2.67.2
Year Wins90

What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse?

The Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Traverse notably experiencing a higher volume of complaints overall. The Traverse's power train issues are significant, with 431 complaints, including 6 crash-linked incidents, indicating a prevalent reliability concern in this category. In contrast, the Enclave shows a more balanced distribution of problems, with the electrical system and power train being the most reported at 39 and 35 complaints respectively, but with substantially fewer total complaints and crash-linked incidents. Both vehicles have a similar number of service brake complaints, yet the Traverse's higher incidence of crash-linked issues in this area further highlights its vulnerability in critical safety components.

Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Traverse common problem areas comparison
ComponentBuick EnclaveChevrolet Traverse
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low2.2Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.4Very Low1.1Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.4Very Low0.7Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.3Very Low0.6Very Low
ENGINE0.3Very Low0.6Very Low
STEERING0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING—None0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE—None0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION—None0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS—None0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None—None
SEATS—None—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick Enclave or Chevrolet Traverse?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Chevrolet Traverse incurs an annual repair cost of $656 with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year and an 18% risk of major repairs. While the Buick Enclave's repair costs and frequency aren't specified, the Chevrolet Traverse offers a clear picture of its maintenance expenses. Over five years, the Traverse's repair costs total approximately $3,280. With a relatively low frequency of visits and a moderate risk of major repairs, the Traverse presents itself as a reliable option for cost-conscious buyers prioritizing predictable maintenance expenses over an unspecified alternative.

How Does Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Traverse Reliability Compare by Year?

Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Traverse year-by-year reliability scores
YearBuick EnclaveChevrolet TraverseEdge
202681/1000R / 0C76/1000R / 6CBuick Enclave
202577/1000R / 31C75/1000R / 132CBuick Enclave
202477/1000R / 7C73/1000R / 107CBuick Enclave
202379/1000R / 17C72/1002R / 62CBuick Enclave
202276/1001R / 12C73/1001R / 76CBuick Enclave
202175/1002R / 21C71/1003R / 72CBuick Enclave
202068/1006R / 48C62/1008R / 188CBuick Enclave
201975/1001R / 38C62/1003R / 358CBuick Enclave
201875/1000R / 60C62/1002R / 416CBuick Enclave

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Buick Enclave scored 81/100 and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Buick Enclave vs the Chevrolet Traverse?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Buick Enclave is the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 75/100 and only 10 total recalls, it offers peace of mind for those who want a vehicle with a proven track record. Additionally, it has significantly fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 2.6, suggesting a smoother ownership experience. However, if you're focused on managing running costs, the Chevrolet Traverse may appeal to you. While it has a slightly lower reliability score of 69/100 and more recalls at 19, it comes with an estimated annual repair cost of $656. This could be advantageous if you're looking to budget your expenses more predictably. Just be aware of a higher major repair risk at 18%, which might affect long-term ownership satisfaction.

Buick Enclave vs Chevrolet Traverse: Common Questions

Is the Buick Enclave more reliable than the Chevrolet Traverse?
Based on our data, the Buick Enclave is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 70/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Buick Enclave or the Chevrolet Traverse?
The Chevrolet Traverse has more recalls (19) compared to the Buick Enclave (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Buick Enclave or the Chevrolet Traverse?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Enclave has a lower complaint rate at 2.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 7.2 for the Chevrolet Traverse. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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