Which years should I avoid on the Ford Expedition and Buick Enclave?

For the Expedition, NHTSA data points to avoiding 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024. For the Enclave, avoid 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2014.

Which model has more complaints overall?

The Expedition has 3,962 total complaints versus the Enclave's 2,495, but the Expedition also covers more model years (21 vs 18) and averages 189 complaints per year versus 139 for the Enclave. Neither figure is adjusted for how many of each were sold.

How do the two compare on recalls?

The Expedition has 59 recall campaigns across its run compared to 28 for the Enclave. The Expedition's worst recall year is 2020 with 18 recalls, while the Enclave's worst is 2009 with 8.

Which is more fuel efficient?

The Buick Enclave averages 19.4 mpg combined across its years versus 16.6 mpg combined for the Ford Expedition. Recent Enclave model years also post lower annual fuel costs, such as $2,950 for 2025.

What are the top complaint areas for each?

Expedition owners most often report Transmission & Powertrain issues (30% of complaints) followed by Engine (27%). Enclave owners most often report Airbags issues (31%) followed by Steering (18%).

Ford Expedition vs Buick Enclave: Which Years to Avoid

The Ford Expedition logs 3,962 complaints across 21 model years (189 per year average) with 59 recall campaigns; years to avoid are 2017-2021 and 2024. The Buick Enclave logs 2,495 complaints across 18 model years (139 per year average) with 28 recalls; avoid 2008-2011 and 2014. Totals aren't sales-normalized.

Head to head

Ford Expedition

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 3,962
Per model year: 189
Recall campaigns: 59
Years to avoid: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 16.6
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Buick Enclave

Model years: 2008–2025 (18)
NHTSA complaints: 2,495
Per model year: 139
Recall campaigns: 28
Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014
Best years: 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Top problem area: Airbags
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 19.4
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Expedition				Enclave
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Caution	315	0	14	—	—	—	—
2006	Caution	299	2	14	—	—	—	—
2007	Good	215	2	15	—	—	—	—
2008	Caution	146	3	14	Avoid	536	6	18.5
2009	Good	28	1	16	Avoid	220	8	18.5
2010	Best	58	0	15	Avoid	275	6	18.5
2011	Best	71	0	15	Avoid	212	6	18.5
2012	Good	118	3	15.5	Caution	132	6	18.5
2013	Best	92	0	15.5	Good	69	4	18.5
2014	Best	72	0	15.5	Avoid	292	7	18.5
2015	Good	164	3	17	Caution	171	5	18.5
2016	Caution	216	3	17	Good	141	4	17.5
2017	Avoid	357	4	17	Caution	179	3	17.5
2018	Avoid	375	14	19	Good	64	0	20.5
2019	Avoid	503	11	19	Best	42	1	20.5
2020	Avoid	414	18	19	Good	59	6	20.5
2021	Avoid	232	12	19	Best	25	2	20.5
2022	Caution	113	12	18	Best	13	1	20.5
2023	Good	64	8	18	Best	21	0	20.5
2024	Avoid	76	7	18	Best	7	0	20.5
2025	Good	34	5	18.5	Caution	37	0	22

Complaint Index by year

Ford Expedition

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Buick Enclave

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid on the Ford Expedition and Buick Enclave?: For the Expedition, NHTSA data points to avoiding 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024. For the Enclave, avoid 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2014.
Which model has more complaints overall?: The Expedition has 3,962 total complaints versus the Enclave's 2,495, but the Expedition also covers more model years (21 vs 18) and averages 189 complaints per year versus 139 for the Enclave. Neither figure is adjusted for how many of each were sold.
How do the two compare on recalls?: The Expedition has 59 recall campaigns across its run compared to 28 for the Enclave. The Expedition's worst recall year is 2020 with 18 recalls, while the Enclave's worst is 2009 with 8.
Which is more fuel efficient?: The Buick Enclave averages 19.4 mpg combined across its years versus 16.6 mpg combined for the Ford Expedition. Recent Enclave model years also post lower annual fuel costs, such as $2,950 for 2025.
What are the top complaint areas for each?: Expedition owners most often report Transmission & Powertrain issues (30% of complaints) followed by Engine (27%). Enclave owners most often report Airbags issues (31%) followed by Steering (18%).