The Lemon Index
2017
20192nd generation
30 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Toyota Highlander 522018 Honda Pilot 482018 Ford Explorer 67
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,500 and 27,000 miles (5,600–43,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 30 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Buick sent dealers 1028 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Preliminary information communicates if a slight shudder is felt during a shift at speeds…”?
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 30 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 3K to 27K miles (6K to 43K km) on the car (25 of all 30 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
2018 Buick Enclave. Consumer writes in regard to engine shuting down when vehicle stops.
2018 Buick Enclave owner · NHTSA complaint 11142010
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1028 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates if a slight shudder is felt during a shift at speeds…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Enclave SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Enclave SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$3,000 (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. 2018 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 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-enclave/?y=2018" 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/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Buick Enclave reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Buick Enclave reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew a bit over half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 60; 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 2018 Buick Enclave problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (50%), engine (23%) and transmission & drivetrain (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Enclave have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Buick Enclave get?
20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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.
At what mileage do 2018 Buick Enclave problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 3,500 and 27,000 miles (5,600–43,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 30 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2018 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2018 Buick Enclave have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Buick Enclave cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Buick Enclave have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick Enclave year is better than the 2018?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car). 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