Last updated: 2026-10-10
BMW vs Buick: Which Make Is More Reliable?
BMW
11 models tracked
Buick
7 models tracked
Buick beats BMW on reliability by a large gap, with far fewer recalls and lower repair costs. Both rate good and are improving. Buick also draws lighter crash, fire and injury complaints, so it is the safer used buy.
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
A large gap separates these two, and it favors Buick. Federal recall records show 40 recalls for Buick against 717 for BMW. Crash, fire and injury complaints are also lighter on the Buick side, and independent repair-cost data puts Buick at $543 a year against $1037 for BMW.
BMW is not weak. Its standing is good, and its complaints per 1,000 sold are lower than Buick's. The two brands also spread problems across systems about evenly, with electrical trouble on top for both. The gap comes down to recall load, severity and the cost of keeping the car running.
Where BMW and Buick Differ Most
| 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)
- 73 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
| Component | BMW | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%544 | 22%163 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%377 | 14%107 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%272 | 18%134 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%309 | 12%86 |
| ENGINE | 9%234 | 14%105 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%236 | 4%28 |
| STEERING | 3%93 | 4%31 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%105 | 1%4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3%87 | 2%18 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
BMW vs Buick Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
BMW
225
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
202
Injury reports
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Every BMW and Buick Model Ranked
BMW Models
Buick Models
BMW vs Buick Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy BMW vs Buick?
If you want the lowest cost of ownership, lean Buick. Target the Encore, with 2022 the site's pick, or the Regal, with 2020 the year to favor. On the Encore, ask about turbocharger failure, and note that owners report front air bags that did not deploy in crashes. On the Regal, test for the false "Shift to Park" message and slow stop-start restarts.
If you want a BMW and can absorb higher repair bills, the I4 electric sedan is the one to chase, and 2024 is the pick. The 2-Series, X1 and 3-Series also rate good. Skip the IX unless the price is very low. It rates mixed, with complaints of the dash going black and drive power cutting out while moving. The X5 also rates mixed. Whichever car you pick, check its recall history before you pay.
The Bottom Line: BMW or Buick?
Most used-car shoppers should buy the Buick. The Encore is the strongest single pick across both lineups, and a 2022 is the one to look for. Buick also costs about $494 less a year to repair, or roughly $2,470 over five years. Choose BMW only if you want one specifically, and start with the I4 or another good-rated model.
BMW vs Buick: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Buick?
Which brand has more recalls, BMW or Buick?
Which is cheaper to repair, BMW or Buick?
What goes wrong most often on BMW and Buick?
Which BMW and Buick models should I avoid?
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 score BMW and Buick models
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.