Last updated: 2026-08-24
Buick vs Genesis: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
7 models tracked
Genesis
6 models tracked
Comparing Buick and Genesis 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 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Genesis?
| Metric | Buick | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 67/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 97 |
Buick vs Genesis: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Buick pulls well ahead of Genesis on reliability. Across 7 Buick and 6 Genesis models, Buick averages 77/100 to 67/100 — a 10-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Buick and Genesis Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Genesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 58/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 75/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Buick scores 15 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Genesis: 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
Genesis
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
How Reliable Are Buick and Genesis Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Genesis
Buick vs Genesis Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Genesis | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 65/100 | Buick |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 68/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Genesis
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 26%122 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 15%72 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%99 | 14%64 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 8%38 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 4%18 |
| STEERING | 4%33 | 5%25 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 3%12 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%8 | 5%23 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | 1%6 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 3%13 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Genesis Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Buick owners reported 42 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 37 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Genesis owners reported 32 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 18 injury-related complaints. Genesis 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.
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Genesis
32
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
18
Injury reports
Every Buick and Genesis Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Buick vs Genesis Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Genesis's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Buick | Genesis | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 73/100(3) | Buick |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 69/100(5) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 70/100(5) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 66/100(4) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 64/100(3) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 67/100(2) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 67/100(2) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 61/100(2) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 55/100(1) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Buick vs Genesis: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Genesis. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Buick or Genesis?
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.
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.
Buick vs Genesis: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Genesis?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Genesis?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Genesis?
What are the least reliable models from Buick and Genesis?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Genesis vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Buick or Genesis?
How many Buick and Genesis models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Genesis?
Are Buick and Genesis getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Genesis?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Genesis?
Comparing Buick vs Genesis? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make 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
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.