Last updated: 2026-07-26
BMW vs Buick: Which Make Is More Reliable?
BMW
11 models tracked
Buick
7 models tracked
Comparing BMW and Buick on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Buick currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is BMW More Reliable Than Buick?
| Metric | BMW | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 11 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 65 | 6 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 308 | 129 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1037/yr | $543/yr |
BMW vs Buick: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Buick pulls well ahead of BMW on reliability. Across 11 BMW and 7 Buick models, Buick averages 77/100 to 66/100 — a 11-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Buick is cheaper to maintain at $543/year versus $1037/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2470 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Buick advantage.
Where BMW and Buick Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | BMW | Buick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 70/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 57/100Mixed | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 66/100Good | 90/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Buick scores 24 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
BMW vs Buick: Strengths and Weaknesses
BMW
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 11 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($1037/year avg)
- 71 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are BMW and Buick Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
BMW
Buick
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW or Buick?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $1037/year for BMW. That's a difference of $494/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
BMW Repair Cost Range
$773 – $1206/yr
Average: $1037/yr
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
BMW vs Buick Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | BMW | Buick | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 70/100 | 75/100 | Buick |
| SUVs(6 vs 5 models) | 63/100 | 77/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: BMW vs Buick
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | BMW | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%532 | 22%163 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%349 | 13%99 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%318 | 12%86 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%261 | 18%134 |
| ENGINE | 9%234 | 14%105 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%239 | 4%28 |
| STEERING | 4%98 | 4%33 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%94 | 2%18 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
BMW vs Buick Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, BMW owners reported 208 crash-related, 71 fire-related, and 182 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Buick owners reported 42 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 37 injury-related complaints. Buick has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
BMW
208
Crash reports
71
Fire reports
182
Injury reports
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Every BMW and Buick Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
BMW Models
Buick Models
BMW vs Buick Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
BMW's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | BMW | Buick | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66/100(9) | 81/100(4) | Buick |
| 2025 | 68/100(8) | 80/100(4) | Buick |
| 2024 | 67/100(10) | 76/100(4) | Buick |
| 2023 | 67/100(11) | 78/100(3) | Buick |
| 2022 | 68/100(11) | 76/100(4) | Buick |
| 2021 | 65/100(9) | 76/100(4) | Buick |
| 2020 | 64/100(8) | 74/100(5) | Buick |
| 2019 | 63/100(8) | 76/100(5) | Buick |
| 2018 | 63/100(6) | 76/100(5) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: BMW or Buick?
If reliability is a top priority, Buick deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Buick Encore leads both lineups with a score of 79/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Buick costs less to maintain — $543/year vs $1037/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2470 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
BMW vs Buick: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Buick?
Which is cheaper to maintain, BMW or Buick?
Which make has more recalls, BMW or Buick?
What are the most reliable models from BMW and Buick?
What are the least reliable models from BMW and Buick?
What are the most common problems with BMW and Buick vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, BMW or Buick?
How many BMW and Buick models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, BMW or Buick?
Are BMW and Buick getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, BMW or Buick?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, BMW or Buick?
Comparing BMW vs Buick? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.