2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

Buick Enclave

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The redesigned Enclave is a strong entry for General Motors in the luxury SUV segment. It has the core features that shoppers look for in a luxury SUV, but the Enclave is hurt by its low mpg and the added cost to get key advanced safety systems that CR believes should come standard on all vehicles. This Buick has a hushed cabin with enough room for up to seven passengers to stretch out.
2018
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

Buick Enclave

Reliability

We expect the 2022 Enclave will be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2019, 2020 and 2021 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots
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Worse Better
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18*
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Buick Enclave owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Started within the first 5000 miles. Shifting was balky and shifted hard."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"Auto stop when at an intersection should be removed! Unnecessary and useless. Maybe save $5 a year in gas if that. If you accelerate rapidly when at Auto stop, car will clunk badly. Also when accelerate rapidly while driving normally, you can feel the transmission abruptly switching gears."

Anonymous, IN (2018 Buick Enclave Essence 3.6-L V6)

"occasionally seems to have trouble sliding into next gear"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Buick Enclave Essence 3.6-L V6)

"early 2018 enclaves has a problem with the transmission. This was taken care of by changing out the transmission fluid. No problems since."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

"The problem was rough shifting in the lower gears primarily when the transmission fluid was hot (>185°F). The fluid was changed (not sure if anything else was done) and that resolved the issue. The technician speculated it was premature breakdown of the transmission fluid."

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

"They reprogrammed the computer and fixed it."

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Unsure 3.6-L V6)

"Major rough shifting at start"

Anonymous, MI (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

"transmission had contaminated oil which had to be replaced also a wire harness had to be replaced while out of town.. problem caused the car to shutter after coming to a complete stop then accelerating a head."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)
Slipping transmission

"The case of the transmission cracked and leaked causing performance problems. After several service visits this was identified and repaired. The vehicle still did not drive correctly and as time went the vehicle that the dealer thought drove fine again began rough shifting and slipping. A solenoid valve was malfunctioning in the transmission. It has taken everal very long service periods to get these issues fixed. If I owned the car I would sell it."

Mark B., FL (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)
Transmission computer

"Same problem previously shared"

Anonymous, TX (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"Auto gear shifting was very rough between 12 and 30 mph. Transmission flush and software adjmt resolved the issue."

Anonymous, MN (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"They reprogrammed it and fixed the rough shifting."

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Unsure 3.6-L V6)

"Vehicle did not accelerate properly, surging at lower speeds."

Anonymous, MI (2018 Buick Enclave Essence 3.6-L V6)

"Evidently a common problem of stuttering. Computer needed resetting"

Anonymous, WI (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)
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Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"We like the room it has for trips with our dogs and when we go shopping. I the car is quiet so we are able to talk to each other. It has a comfortable seats and a smooth ride"

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"When washing the car, we discovered a crack in the A pillar of the passenger door. Yes, a crack in the metal. We were assured this was the cosmetic skin and not structural. It was repaired under warranty."

Mark B., FL (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"Brought car in to have paint protection applied and while in the dealer's possession it looked like car doors hit the driver side door on my car. They repainted the door so it looks like new"

Archie N., FL (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)
Sunroof

"Lots of rattles"

Anonymous, MI (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)
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Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"It took 4 trips to the dealership before they changed the thing!"

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Essence 3.6-L V6)
Automatic climate control

"The Temperature Air Output does not match the Temperature setting."

Joseph B., CA (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)
Heater system

"In winter months if you set heat at 70 degrees or lower,it blows cold air out."

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"It doesn't blow sufficient warm air on your feet in the winter. You almost get a draft. Dealer said that's the way it's designed. DUMB ANSWER!!"

Anonymous, MI (2018 Buick Enclave Essence 3.6-L V6)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Sunroof latch on blackout shades has a rattle in boat front and rear cover latches."

Anonymous, OK (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"loud thumping coming from rear seat area of my Buick avinar after hitting bumps in the road.... dealer pulled apart back seat and storage area, but could not fix the thumping noise.."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)
Wind noise

"as the vehicle is aging it has more wind and road noise and the dealership cannot resolve"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Squeaking

"Brakes began to squeal while backing up and sometimes moving forward. After servicing brakes squeal came back and all brakes were replaced free of charge."

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"Had to take it to the dealer 3 separate times to get it fixed. On the 3rd trip, I went to a different dealer who acknowledged the problem and replaced the rear rotors which fixed the problem. And it was under the original warranty, so it was no charge for me."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

"Brakes squeak terribly. Dealer installed new front pads under warranty but the back brakes still squeak. Back brakes are not covered under a technical bulletin like the front."

Kevin D., MI (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Torque converter

"Torque converter went out during the first 3,000 miles on a trip to California. Dealership could not get one from the factory.....so it was in the shop for 3 weeks until they could get one."

Anonymous, MI (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"Faulty torque converter caused the car to slip when accelerating. Apparently the new 9 speed transmission is somewhat of a problem."

Alan K., MI (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"intermittant problems with navigation and other electronics that GM cannot fix"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Problem is sporadic. Pairing works fine, then it doesn't. Usually have to redo through the iphone"

Anonymous, WI (2018 Buick Enclave Essence 3.6-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Had to get new sensor installed in driver’s side seat. Covered under warranty."

Kevin D., MI (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

"Multiple times for corrections and still faulty. Dangerous and unreliable"

Anonymous, NE (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"Engine began to knock and ping while pulling out of driveway. Check engine light came on and engine was running rough. Took to dealership and they replaced 3 fuel injectors."

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"They never could run down the problem and they took the whole dash out. We still have problems with the new dash but they said theres nothing they can do!"

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Enclave Essence 3.6-L V6)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"A year ago, suspension caused car to ride badly"

Anonymous, TX (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"The emission canister was faulty during the first 3,000 miles and had to be replaced. The dealership had never seen one this bad in any new vehicle. Took a week to get one to replace the faulty one."

Anonymous, MI (2018 Buick Enclave Avenir 3.6-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"The door rubber seals are coming off"

Anonymous, MI (2018 Buick Enclave Premium 3.6-L V6)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

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