Buick Enclave Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Buick Enclave years to avoid are 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2025, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 80, 87, 100, and 93. The best years are 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024, with complaint index scores of 20, 7, 0, and 13.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2014Avoid 2025Best 2019Best 2021Best 2022Best 2024
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,737
- Recall campaigns
- 23
- Crashes reported
- 73
- Fires reported
- 9
- Top problem area
- Airbags
Enclave Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Buick Enclave problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 80 | 273 | 5 | 1 | 6 | Steering | 18.5 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 87 | 212 | 14 | 3 | 6 | Engine | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Caution | 73 | 132 | 9 | 0 | 6 | Engine | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Good | 47 | 69 | 3 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 100 | 292 | 9 | 3 | 7 | Airbags | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 60 | 171 | 7 | 0 | 5 | Airbags | 18.5 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 53 | 141 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Airbags | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 67 | 179 | 6 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 17.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 33 | 64 | 5 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Best | 20 | 42 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 40 | 59 | 3 | 0 | 6 | Engine | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 7 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Brakes | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 0 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 27 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 13 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 93 | 37 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 22 | — |
Enclave years to avoid: what went wrong
2014 Buick Enclave Index 100 · 292 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2014 Enclave has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 292 complaints and 7 recalls. Airbags dominate the complaint pattern, making up 70% of all complaints with a median failure mileage of 87,750 miles. Electrical system issues follow at 10%. Three recalls target airbag inflator defects across this model year. NHTSA recorded 9 crashes, 3 fires, and 17 injuries associated with the 2014 model year.
2014 airbags problems →2014 electrical system problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →
2025 Buick Enclave Index 93 · 37 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2025 Enclave has a complaint index of 93 from just 37 complaints, the second-highest index of any year despite low overall volume. Brakes lead the problem areas at 38% of complaints with a median failure mileage of only 3,000 miles. Electrical system and collision avoidance/camera issues each account for 24% of complaints, with electrical failures reported at a median of just 800 miles. No recalls have been issued yet, but NHTSA already lists 3 crashes and 6 injuries.
2011 Buick Enclave Index 87 · 212 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2011 Enclave shows a complaint index of 87 with 212 complaints and 6 recalls. Engine problems lead at 22% of complaints, failing near a median of 69,500 miles, followed closely by steering issues at 19% (median 60,441 miles) and airbag and transmission complaints each at 18%. NHTSA recorded 14 crashes, 3 fires, and 18 injuries for this model year, the highest injury count among Enclave years. Recalls address airbag inflators and side curtain airbag weld attachment.
2011 engine problems →2011 steering problems →2011 airbags problems →
2010 Buick Enclave Index 80 · 273 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2010 Enclave carries a complaint index of 80 with 273 complaints and 6 recalls. Steering issues dominate, accounting for 46% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 68,000 miles. Engine problems make up another 30% of complaints, failing at a median of 90,800 miles. Owners also reported transmission and electrical issues. Recalls cover airbag inflators, side curtain airbag attachment, and power liftgate software. NHTSA logged 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries for this year.
2010 steering problems →2010 engine problems →2010 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Buick Enclave problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Airbags648 (37%)
- Engine282 (16%)
- Steering236 (14%)
- Electrical System204 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain184 (11%)
- Other148 (9%)
- Brakes142 (8%)
- Structure & Body111 (6%)
- Fuel System63 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires55 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Buick Enclave years should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint and recall data point to 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2025 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 80, 87, 100, and 93 respectively — the four highest among all 16 model years covered.
- What is the worst Buick Enclave model year?
- The 2014 Enclave has the highest complaint index at 100, driven mainly by airbag complaints, which make up 70% of its 292 total complaints.
- What are the best Buick Enclave years to buy?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024 are the best years, with complaint index scores of 20, 7, 0, and 13 respectively — the lowest among all Enclave model years.
- Does the Buick Enclave have airbag recalls?
- Yes. Airbags are the top overall problem area across all Enclave years, accounting for 648 of 1,737 total complaints (37%), and multiple recalls covering driver airbag inflators and side curtain airbag attachment affect 2010, 2011, and 2014 models.
- Is the 2025 Buick Enclave reliable?
- The 2025 Enclave has a complaint index of 93, one of the highest among all Enclave years, with brake, electrical, and collision-avoidance issues reported at low mileage, some as early as 800 miles.