The Lemon Index
202020222nd generation
14 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Toyota Highlander 862021 Honda Pilot 1582021 Ford Explorer 112
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 22V210000 (airbags) and 21V472000 (airbags) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- 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.
- Do the lane-keeping warnings work without false alerts?
- Buick sent dealers 658 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Preliminary information communicates that a dealer may encounter a vehicle that is making…”?
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 14 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 →
In owners' words
when applying the brakes it sounds lile metal on metal
2021 Buick Enclave owner · NHTSA complaint 11419828
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 658 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates that a dealer may encounter a vehicle that is making…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Airbags · recall issued 2022
The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
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. 2021 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 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-enclave/?y=2021" 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/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 Buick Enclave reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a third as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 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 2021 Buick Enclave problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (43%), engine (14%) and lane assist (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Enclave have?
2 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 2021 Buick Enclave get?
20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 Buick Enclave have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 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 2021 Buick Enclave have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Buick Enclave year is better than the 2021?
Nearby, the 2022 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car).
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