Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
7 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Buick and Tesla 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 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Buick | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Buick vs Tesla: The Verdict
This isn't a close contest. Buick outperforms Tesla on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Buick averages 77/100 (7 models) and Tesla averages 52/100 (5 models).
Where Buick and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Buick has a 33-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Buick vs Tesla: 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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Buick and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Tesla
Buick vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 2 models) | 77/100 | 56/100 | Buick |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 48/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | — | 25%2,734 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%11 | 14%1,504 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%99 | 13%1,412 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 12%1,331 |
| STEERING | 4%33 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 8%898 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%11 | 6%708 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 4%426 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 2%238 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 0%9 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Tesla 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. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 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
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Buick and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Buick vs Tesla 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. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Interestingly, both Buick and Tesla show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Buick | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 59/100(2) | Buick |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 64/100(5) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 56/100(5) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 47/100(4) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 54/100(4) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 43/100(4) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 47/100(4) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 50/100(3) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 48/100(3) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Tesla?
The numbers make a strong case for Buick — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
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 Tesla: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from Buick and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Buick or Tesla?
How many Buick and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Tesla?
Are Buick and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Tesla?
Comparing Buick vs Tesla? 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.