Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick vs Chevrolet: Reliability Compared
Buick
7 models tracked
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Buick edges out Chevrolet on used-car reliability, with fewer complaints per car sold, fewer recalls and lower repair costs. Both brands rate good and both are improving. Chevrolet counters with a more even spread of problems and the single top-rated model.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Chevrolet?
| Metric | Buick | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 17 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 19 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 806 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $641/yr |
Buick vs Chevrolet: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Buick. Both brands rate good and both are trending better, so neither is a bad pick. Buick is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact. Owners file 0.7 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 1 for Chevrolet, and independent repair-cost data puts Buick at $543 a year against $641.
Chevrolet wins on how problems spread across systems. Its complaints lean on the power train, while Buick's pile up most in the electrical system. Chevrolet also has the two best-rated models in this comparison, but its lineup is more uneven, with two models rated mixed.
Where Buick and Chevrolet Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Buick | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Buick scores 8 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Chevrolet: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 15 of 17 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 140 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Buick and Chevrolet Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Chevrolet
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Chevrolet?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $641/year for Chevrolet. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/yr
Buick vs Chevrolet Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Chevrolet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 10 models) | 77/100 | 70/100 | Buick |
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 76/100 | Chevrolet |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Buick vs Chevrolet
| Component | Buick | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 24%2,913 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 18%2,193 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 14%1,789 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%107 | 10%1,214 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 8%1,048 |
| STEERING | 4%31 | 7%825 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%8 | 3%341 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%2 | 3%323 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | 2%270 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 2%259 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Buick vs Chevrolet Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Every Buick and Chevrolet Model Ranked
Buick Models
Chevrolet Models
Buick vs Chevrolet Reliability Trend by Year
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Buick | Chevrolet | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 81/100(11) | Tie |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 77/100(14) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 73/100(15) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 73/100(12) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 73/100(12) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 69/100(12) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 72/100(12) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 69/100(13) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 69/100(12) | Buick |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Buick vs Chevrolet: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Chevrolet. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Buick vs Chevrolet?
If you want an SUV with lower running costs, lean toward Buick. The Encore is its strongest model, and 2022 is the pick. Check for turbocharger failure, which shows up as a check engine light and reduced power. Owners also report front air bags that did not deploy in crashes. For a sedan, the 2020 Regal is the year to favor. Watch for a false "Shift to Park" message that can drain the battery.
If you want a truck, or the best-rated model on either side, look at Chevrolet. The Silverado EV and the Trax both rate excellent, and 2024 is the Silverado EV pick. On that truck, check the rear door sensors, mostly on the WT trim, and the front trunk latch. Skip the Blazer EV and the Bolt, which both rate mixed. Blazer EV owners report sudden power loss after a "Service high voltage system" warning. Buick tracks no trucks.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Chevrolet?
Choose Buick if you want the lower-risk, cheaper brand. Choose Chevrolet if you want a truck or the top-rated model. The strongest model across both lineups is the Chevrolet Silverado EV. On cost, Buick's average repair bill runs $98 a year less, which is about $490 over five years. Chevrolet's costs vary more by model, so check the specific model before you buy.
Buick vs Chevrolet: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Chevrolet?
Which brand has more recalls, Buick or Chevrolet?
Which is cheaper to repair, Buick or Chevrolet?
What are the most common problems on Buick and Chevrolet cars?
What is the most reliable Buick or Chevrolet model?
Comparing Buick vs Chevrolet? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Buick comparisons
How we score Buick and Chevrolet 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.