Last updated: 2026-10-10

Buick Enclave

Buick Enclave Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 76/100

Skip the 2020 model year. Owners report engines shutting off without warning and cracked front exhaust pipe brackets, and the year carries six federal recalls. Buy a 2023 instead, which has no recalls and far fewer owner complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 68/100
Buy
2023 79/100
Model average
76/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Buick Enclave Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Buick Enclave average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202068/100Good648Engine (9)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Buick Enclave

Engines shut off without warning at stops or while driving, sometimes cutting all power, hazard lights included. Front exhaust pipe brackets break or welds crack, leaving a hole and a strong exhaust smell, and one dealer quoted $1000 to fix it. Some transmissions slammed into park while pulling away.

6 recalls48 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (9), Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (6), Engine And Engine Cooling (2), Steering (2)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Buick Enclave Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

39 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2025, 2021

2020: The engine shuts off without warning at stops or while driving, sometimes cutting all power, including the hazard lights.

POWER TRAIN

35 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: The transmission stops working.

SERVICE BRAKES

34 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2025, 2021

2018: The electronic parking brake sets itself while driving or stopped at lights.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

28 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2025, 2019

2020: The front exhaust pipe cracks at its welds or rusts through, causing exhaust noise and a P0420 catalyst code.

ENGINE

24 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2019

2020: The front exhaust pipe mounting bracket breaks away or its welds crack, leaving a hole in the pipe.

SEAT BELTS

6 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2020, 2019

2023: Retractors that refuse to release and a snapped belt cable both leave seating positions with no usable restraint.

Best Buick Enclave Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Buick Enclave

Next to 2020, the 2023 model year has no recalls and 17 owner complaints against 48. Its top complaints are headlights and seat belts, not engine shutoffs or transmission failures. It has also been on the road long enough to judge. Test the headlights at night and check that the infotainment screen works.

Score: 79/100 (Good)0 recalls17 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Buick Enclave has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Buick Enclave Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Buick Enclave years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2020 model year. It ranks among the lowest for the model and sits well below the Enclave's own average. It has six recalls and many complaints about engine shutoffs, broken exhaust brackets and rough transmission behavior.
Why is the 2020 Buick Enclave a bad year?
Owners report engines that shut off without warning, sometimes cutting all power. Others describe front exhaust pipe brackets that break and let exhaust smell into the cabin. Dealers often cannot reproduce the electrical faults, so repeat visits are common.
Which Buick Enclave years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints, which include the transmission, top the lists for 2018 and 2019. The 2020 year has the most alarming reports, including a transmission that slammed into park while pulling away and a surge into a garage door after shifting into drive.
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave a year to avoid?
No, the site analysis does not flag it. The 2021 is among the lowest rated with 2020, but it has fewer complaints, mostly electrical and brake related, and two recalls. Check the electronic parking brake before you buy.
Is the 2026 Buick Enclave the safest used choice?
Not yet. The 2026 shows no owner complaints, but that mostly reflects how little time it has been on the road. The 2023 is the better-proven choice, with a full record and no recalls.

How we score every Buick Enclave model year

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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