Last updated: 2026-05-15
Buick vs KIA: Reliability Compared
Buick
1 models tracked
KIA
9 models tracked
Comparing Buick and KIA 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 75/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than KIA?
| Metric | Buick | KIA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 10 | 17 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 234 | 709 |
Buick vs KIA: The Verdict
The numbers favor Buick here, but KIA isn't far behind. We scored 10 models between the two makes: Buick at 75/100 and KIA at 72/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Buick and KIA Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | KIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 69/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 74/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Buick's advantage in recall impact (+14 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Buick vs KIA: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
KIA
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- 8 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 137 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Buick vs KIA Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | KIA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 6 models) | 75/100 | 71/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs KIA
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | KIA |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 13%24 | 19%1,098 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21%39 | 19%1,052 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%28 | 16%914 |
| POWER TRAIN | 19%35 | 14%816 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | — | 6%314 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%4 | 4%225 |
| STEERING | 3%6 | 4%222 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 18%34 | 3%162 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%4 | 3%179 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3%6 | 0%9 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs KIA 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. KIA owners reported 293 crash-related, 137 fire-related, and 295 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
KIA
293
Crash reports
137
Fire reports
295
Injury reports
Every Buick and KIA Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
KIA Models
Buick vs KIA 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 77/100, up from earlier years. KIA's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Buick | KIA | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 77/100(1) | 79/100(7) | KIA |
| 2024 | 77/100(1) | 75/100(7) | Buick |
| 2023 | 79/100(1) | 69/100(8) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(1) | 70/100(8) | Buick |
| 2021 | 75/100(1) | 73/100(7) | Buick |
| 2020 | 68/100(1) | 71/100(6) | KIA |
| 2019 | 75/100(1) | 72/100(5) | Buick |
| 2018 | 75/100(1) | 71/100(5) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Buick vs KIA: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and KIA. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Buick or KIA?
The data favors Buick, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the KIA Carnival leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
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 KIA: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than KIA?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or KIA?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and KIA?
What are the most common problems with Buick and KIA vehicles?
How many Buick and KIA models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or KIA?
Are Buick and KIA getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or KIA?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or KIA?
Comparing Buick vs KIA? 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.