Buick Enclave: best & worst years

No Buick Enclave model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every year (2008–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Buick Enclave year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts; Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported; Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation Full report ↗

Buick Enclave problems by year

2024 Buick Enclave Recommended

A refined, quiet three-row crossover with a strong standard V6; the 2024 Enclave carries low complaint volume and the mature nine-speed, though running and repair costs run a bit above the midsize-SUV average.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
  • Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
  • Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding

2023 Buick Enclave Recommended

The 2023 Enclave delivers a hushed cabin, smooth V6 power and few reported problems; ownership costs sit slightly above class average but reliability is solid for the generation.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
  • Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
  • Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding

2022 Buick Enclave Recommended

The refreshed 2022 Enclave pairs updated styling and tech with the proven 3.6L V6 and nine-speed automatic; complaint volume is low, making it one of the stronger model years.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
  • Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
  • Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding

2021 Buick Enclave Recommended

A quiet, comfortable family hauler with a confident V6; the 2021 Enclave posts modest complaint counts, with only scattered brake and electrical reports.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
  • Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
  • Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding

2020 Buick Enclave Recommended

Reviewers rate the 2020 Enclave's quietness and reliability as its strengths and value as its weakness; watch for occasional exhaust-leak and transmission reports.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
  • Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
  • Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding

2019 Buick Enclave Recommended

The 2019 Enclave offers a smooth ride and upscale cabin with generally solid reliability; a handful of transmission and brake complaints are the main blemishes.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
  • Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
  • Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding

2018 Buick Enclave Caution

The first year of the second-generation Enclave is quiet and roomy but carries the generation’s heaviest transmission and electronic-parking-brake complaint volume; a well-maintained later year is the safer pick.

  • Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
  • Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
  • Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding

2017 Buick Enclave Caution

The last first-generation Enclave is comfortable and well-equipped, but the platform’s history of power-steering and transmission trouble plus above-average repair costs warrant a thorough inspection.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2016 Buick Enclave Caution

A roomy, quiet cruiser, but the 2016 Enclave shares the generation’s power-steering-pump and transmission weak points; budget for higher-than-average repairs.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2015 Buick Enclave Caution

The 2015 Enclave is plush and family-friendly, yet steering and transmission failures are recurring themes; have any used example inspected before buying.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2014 Buick Enclave Caution

Comfortable and upscale, the 2014 Enclave is subject to the Takata airbag-inflator recall and the generation’s steering and transmission issues; confirm the recall was completed.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2013 Buick Enclave Caution

The 2013 refresh brought a direct-injection 3.6L V6 and a nicer interior, improving the Enclave, though power-steering and transmission concerns persist.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2012 Buick Enclave Caution

Often cited as one of the better first-gen years with high owner satisfaction, the 2012 Enclave still carries the power-steering-pump and transmission risk typical of the platform.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2011 Buick Enclave Caution

The 2011 Enclave is quiet and comfortable but power-steering and engine timing-chain complaints are common; a careful inspection is essential.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2010 Buick Enclave Caution

An early first-generation Enclave with comfortable seating, but elevated transmission, steering and engine complaints make condition and service history critical.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2009 Buick Enclave Caution

The 2009 Enclave offers a premium ride for the money, yet carries the early-build transmission, timing-chain and sunroof-leak problems; buy only with strong maintenance records.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

2008 Buick Enclave Caution

The launch-year Enclave drew the highest complaint volume of any year, with transmission, timing-chain, steering and sunroof-leak issues; approach with caution and a pre-purchase inspection.

  • Takata airbag-inflator recall affects these years, and owners have widely reported long delays getting replacement parts
  • Six-speed automatic transmission can slip or fail outright, with costly repairs frequently reported
  • Power-steering pump failures and loss of steering assist are commonly reported across the first generation

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Buick models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.