Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick vs Infiniti: Reliability Compared
Buick
7 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Buick edges out Infiniti on reliability, with lower repair costs and a slightly lower complaint rate. Both brands stand good and are improving. The Infiniti QX60 does spread its problems more evenly across systems than the Buick lineup does.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Infiniti?
| Metric | Buick | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 13 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 182 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $639/yr |
Buick vs Infiniti: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Buick, and the gap is small. Buick is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact. Infiniti is stronger on how evenly problems spread across systems.
Owners file 0.7 complaints per 1,000 sold for Buick and 0.8 for Infiniti, so the rates are close. Buick has far more recalls in raw count, but it has seven tracked models to Infiniti's one, and the site still rates its recall impact as stronger. Estimated repairs run $543 a year on Buick and $639 on Infiniti.
Where Buick and Infiniti Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Buick | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 68/100Good |
| 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 | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Buick scores 6 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Infiniti: 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
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Infiniti?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. 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
Buick vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Infiniti | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 77/100 | 75/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Infiniti
| Component | Buick | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 20%27 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 23%32 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%107 | 18%24 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 13%18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 8%11 |
| STEERING | 4%31 | 1%2 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 1%2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | — |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%8 | 3%4 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0%2 | 3%4 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Buick vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every Buick and Infiniti Model Ranked
Buick Models
Infiniti Models
Buick vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Infiniti'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 | Infiniti | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 82/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 76/100(1) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 73/100(1) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 72/100(1) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 73/100(1) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 81/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 74/100(1) | Tie |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 72/100(1) | Buick |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Buick vs Infiniti?
If you want the lowest running costs and the most choice, lean Buick. The Encore is the model to target among its SUVs, and 2022 is the year the site picks. Check for turbocharger trouble, such as a check engine light or lost power. Owners also report front air bags that did not deploy in crashes, so confirm recall status before you buy. For a sedan, the 2020 Regal is the year to favor. Test it for a false "Shift to Park" message and slow restarts from the stop-start system.
If you want a midsize SUV and can accept higher repair costs, the QX60 is the only Infiniti to consider, and it rates above average among SUVs. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at the 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. On any test drive, watch for CVT shudder or hesitation, because that problem does not always respond to repair.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Infiniti?
Choose Buick unless you specifically want the QX60. The Encore is the strongest single model across both lineups, rating well above average among SUVs. Buick's estimated repair costs run $96 a year lower, which adds up to about $480 over five years. If you go Infiniti, pick a 2021 QX60 and look hard at the 2019 and 2023 before buying either.
Buick vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Infiniti?
Which has more recalls, Buick or Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to repair, Buick or Infiniti?
What is the most common problem with the Infiniti QX60?
What goes wrong most often on a used Buick Encore?
Comparing Buick vs Infiniti? 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 Infiniti 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.