The Lemon Index
201220141st generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: electrical
Fewest complaints of its generation (1st generation).
20 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–19 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2013 Toyota Highlander 622013 Honda Pilot 822013 Ford Explorer 195
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
Only 17 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V782000 (airbags), 21V246000 (airbags) and 14V266000 (seat belts) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Is the stability-control light off on a test drive?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Buick sent dealers 1689 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Electrical concerns”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 20 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 32K miles (20K to 53K km) on the car (17 of all 20 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Shorts in the electrical system, turn signals, reverse lights, parking lights, tailights burn out. Radio and communications panel shorts
2013 Buick Enclave owner · NHTSA complaint 10925714
More owner reports
Radio will have a loud and scary pop when put reverse. The radio/navigation screen will go black and then return. This has happened twice in the last four months.
NHTSA complaint 10874427
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1689 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Electrical concerns
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
- Engine shudder upon stopping
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 4
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
Show all 4 recalls
- Airbags · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedOutboard front seat belt anchor cable failure2020–2024
- ClosedSeat belt anchor cable failure2019–2020
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Enclave SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Enclave SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,150–$3,350 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every Buick Enclave year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2013 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-enclave/?y=2013" title="Buick Enclave reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="606" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-enclave/2013/">Lemon Index</a> (2013 Buick Enclave reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2013 Buick Enclave reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a quarter as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 27; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick Enclave year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2022.
What are the most common 2013 Buick Enclave problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (35%), stability control (15%) and transmission & drivetrain (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Buick Enclave have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Buick Enclave get?
18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Buick Enclave safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2013 Buick Enclave have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Buick Enclave cost in fuel a year?
About $3,150 to $3,350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Buick Enclave have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Buick Enclave year than the 2013?
Not nearby: the 2013 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Buick Enclave years within 3 model years of it. Across every year, 2022 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works