YearToAvoid

2020 Buick Enclave Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 19 Engine-area complaints for the 2020 Buick Enclave, 32% of its 59 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 26,590 miles. No related recall is listed for this engine issue on the 2020 model year, though owners note recalls on other Enclave years.

Engine complaints
19
32% of 59
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
26,590 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the front exhaust pipe mounting bracket separating from the pipe, creating a hole and exhaust leak.
  • Several describe exhaust welds breaking loose, producing a loud noise and a strong exhaust smell inside the vehicle.
  • Some report exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide entering the cabin through the AC vents after the bracket failure.
  • Owners note the check engine light coming on along with jerking or vibrating when shifting into gear.
  • One owner reported the engine shutting down completely while driving, with no ability to restart quickly.
  • Multiple owners point out that similar exhaust bracket issues have been covered by recalls or special coverage on 2019 and 2021 Enclave model years but not on the 2020.

When 2020 Buick Enclave engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 22, 2020, latest Sep 23, 2026.

2020 Buick Enclave engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Jun 2020Sep 2024Feb 2025Aug 2025Oct 2025Mar 2026May 2026Sep 2026
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2026 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Buick Enclave

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Enclave model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201082 (30%)
  2. 201146 (22%)
  3. 201226 (20%)
  4. 201315 (22%)
  5. 201418 (6%)
  6. 201516 (9%)
  7. 20169 (6%)
  8. 201710 (6%)
  9. 201815 (23%)
  10. 201913 (31%)
  11. 202019 (32%)
  12. 20212 (8%)
  13. 20223 (23%)
  14. 20232 (10%)
  15. 20242 (29%)
  16. 20254 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

Are engine problems common on the 2020 Buick Enclave?
Engine-area complaints make up 32% of all complaints filed for the 2020 Enclave, with 19 out of 59 total complaints falling in this area.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Buick Enclave engine or exhaust issue?
NHTSA lists no related recall for the 2020 Enclave in this data. Owners report that similar exhaust bracket issues have received special coverage on 2019 and 2021 Enclave model years.
At what mileage do 2020 Enclave engine problems typically occur?
The median mileage at failure for Engine-area complaints on the 2020 Enclave is 26,590 miles.
What is the main engine complaint on the 2020 Buick Enclave?
The most repeated pattern involves the front exhaust pipe mounting bracket separating from the pipe, causing a hole, exhaust leak, and sometimes fumes entering the cabin.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.