Best & Worst Years of Buick Enclave – Graphs & Owner Surveys

The Best Years of the Buick Enclave

The best years of the Buick Enclave were determined first by our two reliability measures: FIXD Reliability Score and Owner Reliability Score. Then we looked at safety ratings, fuel economy, DTCs, and recall information to finish our recommendations. 

2019-2021 Buick Enclave

The 2019-2021 Buick Enclave is the best option due to its high reliability scores, low annual maintenance costs, and low number of recalls. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and nine-speed transmission give this Buick outstanding performance and good fuel economy, perfectly accenting its luxurious features. 

2019 and 2021 boast a perfect 10/10 on their FIXD Reliability Score, while 2020 is just one point lower at 9/10. All three have a 10 out of 10 Owner Reliability Score. 

Safety ratings are great on these Enclaves, averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars. This rating is a smidge higher than the average across all vehicles in this year range which is 4.5. 

The annual cost of repairs and maintenance are only $250 for the 2019 Buick Enclave, $375 for 2020, and $417 for 2021. These costs are well below the average of $640. More good news is that 2020 and 2021 only reported an average of 25,000, while 2019 had 58,333. At an affordable $23,935-$32,526 KBB value, this is a great option if you’re shopping for a used car. 

The most common DTC for 2019 is P0496, which is “EVAP Flow During Non-Purge Condition,” and is most commonly solved by a faulty EVAP Purge Volume Control Valve and could cost $150-$200 to repair.  P0442 is 2019’s 2nd most common code, which could be a loose gas cap. It could also be an EVAP Purge Volume Control Valve (again) or a Charcoal Canister ($200-$600). Lastly, P0455 means “System Gross Leak Evaporative System Malfunction” and is most commonly associated with a loose gas cap. 

The 2020 Enclave’s most common codes are P0700, P0455 (loose gas cap), and P0420. P0700 means “Transmission Control System Malfunction” and could be a severe transmission problem. It could be as simple as topping off transmission fluid ($50-$200) but could be over $750 if you have to replace the TCM. P0420 means “Catalyst system efficiency below threshold (Bank 1)” and commonly requires a catalytic converter replacement ($1,538-$2,041). 

2021 shares P0700 and P0420 with 2020, but its most common diagnostic trouble code is P0073, “Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input.” This might require a replacement of the sensor that reads the temperature in your car, and according to repairpal.com, it could cost between $96 and $114.

2019 Buick Enclave only has one recall for missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator. 2020 has the most recalls, with six, and 2021 has only two recalls and eleven complaints. 

2017 Buick Enclave

The 2017 Buick Enclave wrapped up the first generation by introducing a Sport Touring edition complete with a Satin Black Ice grille and 20-inch chrome wheels with Satin Black Ice accents. It has low annual maintenance and repair and great safety scores. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is 9/10, tied for the second highest of all Enclaves with 2020 and 2014. Owner Reliability Score is 10/10. 

Safety ratings are at their highest point, 4.8 out of 5 stars. This is higher than the Ford Explorer, which scored 4.6 out of 5 in 2017.  

Owners reported only spending $417 a year on annual maintenance and repair, making it over $200 cheaper to own than the average Buick Enclave, which is $640. The average mileage is 81,250, and the market value is $15,490. 

The most common DTC in the 2017 Enclave is P0496, which means “EVAP Flow During a Non-Purge Condition.” Replacing the EVAP Purge Volume Control Valve is the most common fix and can cost between $150 and $200. The next most common code is P0442, an evaporative emission control system leak. If it’s just the gas cap, you’re looking at $20-$60 for a new one, or it might just be loose ($0). 

The 2017 Enclave has three recalls and 29 complaints. These recalls are airbag-related. 

2013-2014 Buick Enclave

2013-2014 Buick Enclave is another great option for shopping for a family-sized SUV. 2013 brought about a mid-generation refresh and added multiple safety features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert. 2014 also added lane departure assist and forward collision alert. 

These model years got 8-9/10 for their FIXD Reliability Score. The Owner Reliability Score equals the FIXD in the 2013 model at 8/10, but the 2014 model drops to 7/10 while the FIXD Reliability Score goes up to 9/10. This instance is the only one where the Owner Reliability Score is less than the FIXD Reliability Score. 

Safety scores for this third row jump to their highest score at 4.8 out of 5 stars and stay there for 5 years. This rating beats out the Honda Pilot, which scores only 4.4 out of 5 for both of the same years. 

While we recommend the 2013-2014 Buick Enclave, it does have its flaws. One downside is the high repair and maintenance costs. 2013 owners said they pay $1,188 on average per year for repairs and maintenance, while 2014 owners say the number is $1,000. This is higher than the average of $640. 

The first and second most common DTCs for the 2013 and 2014 Enclave are P0496, “EVAP Flow During a Non-Purge Condition,” and P0442, evaporative emissions control system leak. 2013 also has P0455, which means “System Gross Leak Evaporative System Malfunction.” P0455 is most commonly a loose gas cap. The third most common code for 2014 is P0171, meaning Bank1 has too much air or insufficient fuel. This code is usually associated with a vacuum leak and could cost $100-$200. In the worst-case scenario, it would need a new fuel pump and cost between $1,300-$1,700.

The 2013 Buick Enclave has three recalls, one investigation, and sixty complaints. The 2014 Enclave recalls increased to seven, with one investigation and 91 complaints. Recalls are repaired free of charge by an authorized dealer. 

2015-2016 Buick Enclave

Continuing to be offered in four trims with a 3.6-liter engine and optional front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, the 2015-2016 models are another great choice for those buying a Buick Enclave. They again have low repair costs and high safety ratings, making it a good SUV to consider while used car shopping. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is 7/10 for 2015 and 2016, meaning more check engine lights (CELs) are triggered through those years. However, the Owner Reliability Score is a perfect 10/10, meaning the issues aren’t enough to sway the drivers. 

This Enclave scores another superb 4.8 out of 5-star safety score. The high safety score will help you save money while shopping for used car insurance and give you peace of mind while transporting your family. 

The most common engine codes for 2015 and 2016 are a repeat of 2013 and 2014. The first is code P0496, which is the EVAP Purge Volume Control Valve and may run you between $150 and $200 to repair. P0442 is next, an evaporative emissions control leak. Taking third place in 2015 is P0174. Bank 2 needs more air or more fuel. A possible repair is a new oxygen sensor ($200-$300). 2016’s third most common is P0171, Bank 1 has too much air or not enough fuel. 

Recalls for the 2015 Enclave are relatively low at five, with only 68 complaints. The 2016 Enclave has even fewer, with four recalls and 29 complaints. 

The Worst Years of the Buick Enclave

Now, let’s look at the years of the Buick Enclave to avoid. Again we looked at reliability scores, safety ratings, fuel economy, and maintenance costs before listing the Enclave from worst to best. We will also review the safety recalls and DTCs for these model years. 

2009-2010 Buick Enclave

Starting our list of worst Buick Enclaves is 2009-2010. These have low reliability scores and a high number of safety recalls. The year after its debut, the Enclave’s 3.6-liter V6 engine was improved, increasing horsepower in the large SUV. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is at its lowest in these models scoring 2/10. The Owner Reliability Score is still a respectable 7-9/10, meaning owners are unaware of their vehicles’ lack of dependability. 

Safety ratings are 4.67/5, above average for all vehicles we have NHTSA data for in these years. However, all Buick Enclaves have great safety ratings, and you are better off avoiding these years and going with an option on the best side of the list.

Repair costs for the 2009 Enclave are reasonable at $500, which is $140 below average. 2010 is abysmal; at $1,188, it ties the highest annual repair costs for all Buick Enclaves. The average mileage is also high at 141,667 (2009) and 135,000 (2010). 

Common problems with these years are Catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 1 (DTC P0420) and Catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 2 (DTC P0430). Fixing both requires replacing the catalytic converter, costing between $1,538 and $2,041. Another common code for 2009 is random multiple misfires detected (P0300), meaning you’ll need new ignition coils and costing another $51-$173. 2010 adds more problems with DTC P0008, Engine Position System Performance Bank 1. This code requires a new timing chain and adds $1,046-$1,615 of repairs.

We also recommend avoiding these years of the Buick Enclave due to the high number of recalls and complaints. The 2009 Enclave has eight recalls, two investigations, and 216 complaints. The 2010 Buick Enclave has six recalls, one investigation, and 263 complaints. 

2008 Buick Enclave

You should avoid the introductory year of the Buick Enclave due to its low reliability, low value, and high number of consumer complaints. When it began production, it offered an affordable option to high-end luxury SUVs, but today it would be better to shop for a newer version of the Enclave. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is 2/10, meaning 2008 Enclaves trigger many diagnostic trouble codes. Owners are once again unaware that they are holding on to an unreliable vehicle, giving it an 8/10 Owner Reliability Score. 

If you own a 2008 Enclave, you’ll be happy to know that safety ratings are above average at 4.67 out of 5 stars. According to NHTSA.gov, it only scored 4 out of 5 on its rollover crash tests. 

Repair costs are reasonable for a 15-year-old vehicle at $667 a year. This amount is only $27 higher than average, but another reason to avoid the car is that 100% of owners reported a repair of over $500 in the last year. 

The most common trouble code for the 2008 Enclave is Transmission Control System Malfunction (DTC P0700), which usually indicates a bad transmission. P0700 requires a replacement and could cost $2,528-$3,045. Another ordinary check engine light reads EVAP Flow During a Non-Purge Condition (DTC P0496) and most commonly requires a $150-$200 replacement of the EVAP Purge Volume Control Valve.

The 2008 Buick Enclave has six recalls, one investigation, and a whopping 526 complaints. While recalls are repaired free of charge by an authorized dealer, the insane number of complaints seems like a headache worth avoiding. 

2018 Buick Enclave

The 2018 Buick Enclave is a perfect example of the first year of a new generation taking a deep dive in the reliability department. The Enclave was completely redesigned for the second generation and gained an increased fuel economy from the year before. However, there are more issues than benefits this year. You should avoid this Enclave. 

The FIXD Reliability Score steeply dropped this year, going to 2/10 after scoring 9/10 in 2017. The Owner Reliability Score is still a perfect 10/10, creating the most significant difference in Owner vs. FIXD Reliability Scores. Owner loyalty or lack of awareness about the issues with this SUV, might cause this disparity.

Safety ratings are back to 4.6 out of 5 stars after 2017 had 4.8 out of 5. While this is still highly acceptable for a family SUV, the five years before 2018 have higher safety ratings, and you can get your hands on one for a much better price. 

Repair costs for this Enclave are one of its strong points, with owners stating they only spent $250 annually on repairs and maintenance. This annual cost is the best possible result, but the 2019 Buick is a better purchase with the same yearly ownership costs. 

The most common DTC for the 2018 Enclave is EVAP Flow During a Non-Purge Condition (P0496). The fix for P0496 is replacing the faulty EVAP Purge Volume Control Valve ($150-$200). 

Next, a medium evaporative emission control system leak (DTC P0442) could be caused by multiple issues. These potential issues are Gas Cap ($0 to tighten or $20-$60 for a new cap), Evap Purge Volume Control Valve ($150-$200), Charcoal Canister Vent Control Valve ($150-$200), Replacement Evap Line ($50-$100), and Charcoal Canister ($200-$600). 

Lastly, an Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction (DTC P0446) is the third most common trigger for a CEL. The most common fix for P0446 is replacing or tightening your gas cap, which might run from $0 (if it just needs to be tightened) to $60 to buy a new one. However, combined with other codes mean, you need either an EVAP Line ($20-$100), EVAP Vent Control Valve ($150-$200), or a Purge Volume Control Valve ($150-$200). 

Another strong point of the 2018 Buick Enclave is that no recalls are currently issued, and there are only 38 complaints. 

2011-2012 Buick Enclave

The 2011-2012 Buick Enclave offered minor changes from the previous year and therefore suffers from the same downsides. The low reliability scores and safety ratings make it an Enclave we recommend avoiding. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is almost average in these model years, at 4/10. The Owner Reliability Score is also lower than in other years, at 6 and 7 out of 10, meaning owners are more aware of the dip in reliability. 

Safety ratings for the 2011-2012 Buick Enclave are an average of 4.6 stars out of 5, which is a good safety rating overall. However, better options with the same or better safety scores are on the other side of this list. 

Repair costs of the 2011 Buick Enclave are high at $1,083, while the 2012 Enclave is a little less than average at $583. 80% and 70% of owners said they paid over $500 for a single repair. The 2011 Enclave spent 3.2 days in the shop getting repaired, double the average number of days. 

The most common trouble codes for the 2011 Enclave are catalyst system efficiency below threshold, both bank 1 and 2 (DTCs P0420 and P0430). These two codes combined almost guarantee a catalytic converter replacement, costing $1,538-$2,041. The third most common code for 2011 is P0008, or “Engine Position System Performance Bank 1.” P0008 requires a timing chain replacement and adds $1,046-$1,615 of repairs. 

The 2012 Buick Enclave’s most common DTC is P0017, which also generally requires a timing chain replacement and costs $1,046-$1,615. The next two most common codes are Bank 1 and 2 have too much air or insufficient fuel (DTCs P0171 and P0174). These codes might indicate a vacuum leak ($100-$200), a dirty MAF that needs cleaning or replacing ($100-$300), requiring a new fuel pump ($1,300-$1,700), an exhaust repair ($100-$200), an oxygen sensor ($200-$300), or a fuel pressure regulator ($200-$400). 

The 2011 Buick Enclave has six safety recalls, one investigation, and 204 complaints. The 2012 Enclave also has six recalls and one investigation but only has 116 complaints.  

FAQs

What years of the Buick Enclave have engine and/or transmission problems?

While most years of the Buick Enclave don’t have uncommon engine or transmission issues, there are some potential problems in specific years. 

Our data shows Enclaves from 2008-2012 have many more diagnostic trouble codes that could lead to replacing the catalytic converter, ignition coils, or a new timing chain. 

The 2008 Buick Enclave has 137 complaints about the powertrain alone, and its most common DTC is Transmission Control System Malfunction (P0700), which indicates a bad transmission. 

While there aren’t problems with the transmission itself, a few recalls relating to missing or loose bolts could cause transmission leaks. For example, the 2019 Buick Enclave’s sole recall concerns missing bolts in the start/stop accumulator, which can lead to a transmission leak or even cause a fire. The same recall is in the 2021 model. Driving a car with low transmission fluid for an extended period of time can cause a major transmission problem. 

What is considered high mileage for a Buick Enclave?

According to odometer readings from our data, anything above 108,000 miles could be considered high mileage for a Buick Enclave. However, the overall average is only 99,499. This is a good example of why the odometer reading isn’t the only factor in determining a vehicle’s high mileage. 

The average mileage is so close to what we consider high mileage because our highest reported mileage was 158,333 in 2008 and 2013, while all Enclaves 2014 and older have over 100K. 2015 and newer Enclaves have low documented miles, particularly in 2018, 2020, and 2021, with an average of 25,000. 

Mileage alone doesn’t affect reliability, and we recommend an inspection to detect any issues before purchasing a used vehicle. A well-maintained car with more miles might be more reliable than a car with low miles that has skipped a few oil changes and been driven like a getaway vehicle.

What other vehicles should I consider? 

If you’re considering purchasing a Buick Enclave, two other used vehicles worth exploring are the Acura MDX and Ford Explorer. The Acura MDX offers a luxurious and spacious cabin, excellent safety features, and a smooth ride. The Ford Explorer is a great choice for adventurous families with its optional off-road features. 

The Chevrolet Traverse also provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior and ample cargo space. Lastly, the Honda Pilot provides reliability and value as another viable option in the third-row SUV category. 

What owners of the Buick Enclave like to use their car for:

Buick Enclave owners use it as a family vehicle (58%), followed by lots of driving (20%), and luxurious driving (11%); some owners reported using it to haul/tow something (5%). The three least common uses are as an office on wheels (4%), sport/fast driving (1%), and outdoor/off-road (1%).

Frequent Use Categories:	How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars)
Family Vehicle	*****
Lots of Driving (travel/long commute)	**
Hauling/Towing	*
Office on Wheels	*
Sport/Fast Driving	*
Luxurious Driving	**
Outdoor/Off-Road	*

A Note About Data and Information Sources

This article has many details about Buick Enclave reliability; here’s what we used for our assumptions and recommendations.

• FIXD Reliability Score & Data: Engine reliability information is captured via the FIXD App. 

The FIXD Reliability Score is calculated using the number of DTCs per year, weighted by mileage. This is then turned into a scale of 1-10 for easy graphing. 

This is an objective score.

• Owner Reliability Score & Data: This data is the result of surveying Buick Enclave owners who use FIXD. 

The Owner Reliability Score comes straight from owners of the Buick Enclave.  

This is a subjective score.

To determine the Owner Reliability Score we ask each car owner:

How reliable would you say your Buick Enclave is?

a. Just point A to point B driving

b. A Daily Commuter

c. Good for a 100 mile road trip

d. Good for a 500 mile road trip

e. I could take a cross-country road trip, no problem

From here we translate their answers into the Owner Reliability Score:

a. = 2

b. = 4

c. = 6

d. = 8

e. = 10

Keep in mind, owners may think their car is more or less reliable than it actually is. 

One potential problem is that people often buy the same make or model they are used to when they go car shopping, just a newer year.

Ford, for instance, has a number of consumer loyalty awards for the Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, and Ford Expedition.

Car owners may be so loyal to the make or model they currently own that they would have trouble accurately comparing their cars’ reliability to others. 

It’s for this reason that we ask car owners a question that is relative to mileage rather than relative to other cars. 

Still, be mindful of the accuracy of these Owner Reliability Scores, people’s perceptions and unconscious blindspots can skew data. 

We suggest looking at both the FIXD Reliability Score and the Owner Reliability Score for this reason.

• KBB Value: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Buick Enclave with typical mileage for that respective model year.
• Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov
• Annual Maintenance/Repair: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Buick Enclave owners
• Safety Rating: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph.

References

1. Buick Enclave model-specific information, edmunds.com (various dates). Retrieved June 11, 2023 from https://www.edmunds.com/
2. Model-specific recall information as per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
3. Buick Enclave model-specific information, caranddriver.com (various dates) Retrieved June 11, 2023 from https://www.caranddriver.com/
4. Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Replacement Cost, repairpal.com. Retrieved June 13, 2023 from https://repairpal.com/estimator/ambient-air-temperature-sensor-replacement-cost#:~:text=The%20average%20cost%20for%20an,priced%20between%20%2438%20and%20%2441