Last updated: 2026-07-17
Buick vs Genesis: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
1 models tracked
Genesis
3 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 76/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Genesis?
| Metric | Buick | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 76/100 | 61/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 10 | 11 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 234 | 102 |
Genesis Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Buick vs Genesis: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Buick pulls well ahead of Genesis on reliability. Across 1 Buick and 3 Genesis models, Buick averages 76/100 to 61/100 — a 15-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% | 69/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 50/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 91/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Buick scores 20 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Genesis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Genesis
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (61/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
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(1 vs 2 models) | 76/100 | 32/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 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 |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 19%35 | 21%52 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21%39 | 18%44 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%28 | 14%35 |
| ENGINE | 13%24 | 10%24 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 18%34 | 2%5 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%2 | 8%19 |
| STEERING | 3%6 | 3%8 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3%6 | 2%6 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%4 | 3%8 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 4%10 |
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 9 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 6 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Genesis owners reported 17 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 5 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.
Buick
9
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
6
Injury reports
Genesis
17
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
5
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 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 79/100, up from earlier years. Genesis's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Buick | Genesis | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(1) | 47/100(3) | Buick |
| 2025 | 77/100(1) | 70/100(2) | Buick |
| 2024 | 77/100(1) | 71/100(2) | Buick |
| 2023 | 79/100(1) | 64/100(2) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(1) | 61/100(2) | Buick |
| 2021 | 75/100(1) | 64/100(1) | Buick |
| 2020 | 68/100(1) | 64/100(1) | Buick |
| 2019 | 75/100(1) | 55/100(1) | Buick |
| 2018 | 75/100 | — | — |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
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 Enclave leads both lineups with a score of 76/100.
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 most common problems with Buick and Genesis vehicles?
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.
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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.