Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick vs Lexus: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
7 models tracked
Lexus
7 models tracked
Comparing Buick and Lexus on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Lexus currently leads with an average score of 82/100 compared to 77/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Lexus?
| Metric | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 82/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 186 |
Buick vs Lexus: The Verdict
The numbers favor Lexus here, but Buick isn't far behind. We scored 14 models between the two makes: Buick at 77/100 and Lexus at 82/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Buick and Lexus Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 89/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Lexus's advantage in repair costs (+12 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Buick vs Lexus: 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
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
How Reliable Are Buick and Lexus Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Lexus
Buick vs Lexus Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Lexus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 77/100 | 81/100 | Lexus |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 83/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Lexus
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 15%87 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%99 | 18%102 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 6%35 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 5%26 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 7%42 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 17%100 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%8 | 9%50 |
| STEERING | 4%33 | 1%4 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%4 | 6%32 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 1%4 | 5%29 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Lexus 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. Lexus owners reported 60 crash-related, 6 fire-related, and 51 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
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Every Buick and Lexus Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Buick vs Lexus 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. Lexus's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Buick | Lexus | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 87/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 80/100(7) | Tie |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 81/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 81/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 79/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 80/100(5) | Lexus |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Lexus?
The data favors Lexus, 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 Lexus RX leads both lineups with a score of 86/100.
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 Lexus: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Lexus?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Lexus?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Lexus?
What are the least reliable models from Buick and Lexus?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Lexus vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Buick or Lexus?
How many Buick and Lexus models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Lexus?
Are Buick and Lexus getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Lexus?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Lexus?
Comparing Buick vs Lexus? 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.