Buick Enclave 5 Years to Avoid and 5 Years to Own

Released in 2007, the Buick Enclave isn’t old, but it’s had its good and bad years. Designed to replace Buick’s two existing SUVs, the first-generation Enclave lasted from 2007 to 2017. The second generation was released in 2018, which we’re still in as the Enclave was recently refreshed until 2022.

However, Buick has indicated the new 2025 generation is coming in late 2024 with a new design and technology for Buick’s Super Cruise. While the 2025 model sounds exciting, if you had to buy today, let’s take a look at the best and worst years of the Enclave model.

Avoid: 2008

Source: Public Domain / Wiki Commons

By far the worst model year for the Buick Enclave was 2008. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2008 Buick Enclave received more than 1,000 NHTSA complaints. These complaints made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration focused on many issues. The main focus was of course on engine problems, especially after 100,000 miles.

Whether it was a check engine light that stayed on or sluggish acceleration, the 2008 model had engine problems. There were also transmission faults, which could cost more than $3,500 to fix. Add in 98 individual complaints about handling issues, and it’s clear Buick had growing pains with the Enclave’s first run.

Avoid: 2009

Source: Public Domain / Wiki Commons

Although things improved year after year in 2009, the 2009 Enclave still had some issues with this model year. Power steering remained the main focus and the fix cost around $1,700 while out of warranty. It was almost a sure thing that 2009 Buick Enclaves would experience handling issues after the vehicle passed 80,000 miles.

Buick was able to make some adjustments to address the transmission issues, so the 2009 got some improvements. However, these improvements remain masked by check engine lights remaining on or the engine simply overheating. In addition to the engine, some 2009 buyers report problems with the AC and heating system not working properly.

Avoid: 2010

Source: Mic / Wiki Commons

The next worst model year for the Buick Enclave to avoid was easily 2010. With NHTSA’s second-highest complaint count at 443, 2010 qualifies as a model year to avoid. Once again, the Enclave suffered from numerous engine issues including a cracked engine block. In this regard, things can get very expensive as a cracked engine block can cost upwards of $10,000 to repair if it’s out of warranty.

Similarly, the 2010 model saw many complaints about handling issues. Consumers complained repeatedly in 2010 about the power steering malfunctioning while driving. If this were to happen, turning the wheel to make a turn could be very difficult or prevent others from turning. Last but not least, the timing chain on the engine could fail as it would wear out before starting. If this happens, expect to pay at least $3,000 for repairs.

Avoid: 2011

Source: Elise240SX / Wiki Commons

Continuing Buick’s streak of bad luck, the 2011 Buick Enclave was another breakout model year. Although NHTSA complaints dropped to 338, it was one of the highest numbers since the car was released. Most of these problems remained focused on engine and steering problems. Previously, timing chain failures costing more than $3,000 were also present in 2011 as was loss of engine power. If the engine loses power around 80,000 miles, it’s $1,500 to fix.

Moving on to steering problems, customers began to complain in 2011 about “squealing noises” when turning. Along with regular steering enhancements, it was clear that steering issues plagued these four years of the Buick Enclave.

Avoid: 2014

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The last model year to really get away with the Buick Enclave was the 2014 version. The good news is that NHTSA complaints continued to decrease with just 238, but engine problems remained an issue. Low engine power, timing chain failures, and check engine lights continued to plague Buick Enclave owners.

When you add the transmission problems and the AC/heater issues, it’s like Buick hasn’t done any repairs since 2009. The truth is that things were being considered for Enclave owners, but these ongoing issues hurt the Enclave’s reputation. Because of those issues, Enclave sales have only been between 3,200 and 4,000 since 2007.

Owned: 2017

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Starting in 2017, things started looking up for the Enclave as far as reliability goes. In total, only 51 NHTSA complaints were filed this year. Among the complaints, a few people managed to find several issues of body and paint problems, including one complaint around the brakes. The 2017 model was the first to introduce a Sport Touring version with a Satin Black grille and 20-inch chrome wheels.

The appearance of the car was good, but the safety standards were also high. According to FIXD, the 2017 Enclave scored 4.8 out of 5 stars. This was a higher number than the Enclave’s Ford Explorer rival, which only scored 4.6 out of 5. More importantly, FIXD showed a 2017 Enclave model spent about $417 a year on maintenance.

Owned: 2018

Source: Public Domain / Wiki Commons

Overall, 2018 was a solid model year but complaints were up slightly from 2017. In total, 61 NHTSA complaints were filed with brakes appearing as the top priority. However, with only 18 complaints, it’s hard to call the brakes a major issue so this feels more limited compared to the Enclave’s wider issues of the past few years.

The first generation of the second-generation Buick Enclaves, the issues with the 2018 model had more to do with growing pains than anything else. The model featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The updated power steering also helped eliminate many of the headaches that were a staple of Enclaves from the early 2000s. Buick also increased its towing capacity in 2018 to 5,000 pounds.

Owned: 2019

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With only 35 NHTSA complaints, the 2019 Buick Enclave represented one of the best opportunities to find a trouble-free Buick. What emerged with this model was that there was no single central issue. Engine problems and drivability issues occurred in 2019, but since no car model year is perfect, it’s not surprising that at least a few issues appeared in the 2019 model year.

According to FIXD.com, the 2019 model Enclave scored a near perfect 10 out of 10 in owner reliability. Average maintenance costs for 2019 averaged as low as $250 for 2019 Enclave owners. When you consider the car also earned a safety rating of 4.6 out of 5, it’s clear that Buick was starting to find its stride.

Owned: 2020

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Like 2019, the 2020 Buick Enclave had a great year for model and reliability and safety. Only 18 complaints were filed with NHTSA in 2020, with sunroof leaks being the only major complaint. All things being equal, one complaint to NHTSA is more of a bug than a serious problem that Buick should be concerned about.

For the most part, most of the automotive media considers the 2020 to be the best Buick Enclave model of all time. The top-of-the-line, new, would cost around $55,000, as Buick offered more interior luxury than Ford and Chevy. Even if it wasn’t a great model year across the board, there’s no question that 2020 was a solid bond if you could find a used one.

Owned: 2021

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Last but not least, anyone who can find a good 2021 Buick Enclave design should feel comfortable shopping. Since Buick has made a lot of changes over the past few years, it’s no surprise that the 2021 model was highly recommended. According to The power of JDThe 2021 Buick Enclave received an 82 out of 100 which was good enough for a good “Average” score.

Even better, JD Power rated the 2021 Buick Enclave’s resale value as “Good” with a score of 85 out of 100. With a base MSRP of nearly $40,000, it’s good to know that customers can keep more of that value possible with a model year of 2021. Even the dealer experience at Buick was rated “Outstanding” by JD Power with a score of 92 out of 100, a stark change from a decade ago.