NHTSA has 70 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Buick Enclave[1]. The power train and engine groups are the largest, with 14 complaints each[2][3].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups, biggest first. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
- Power train. 14 complaints[2]. Owners describe the vehicle losing power on the highway, a driveshaft coming loose, and a transmission that stopped working or refused to shift normally.
- Engine. 14 complaints[3]. In the stories we read, owners describe warning messages followed by a sudden drop in power, and some say the engine shut off while driving.
- Electrical system. 12 complaints[7].
- Electronic stability control. 12 complaints[8]. Owners describe the stability and traction warnings lighting up, other dash systems going dark, and the vehicle slowing sharply until the engine was switched off and restarted.
- Steering. 12 complaints[9]. Owners describe the wheel suddenly becoming hard to turn, and some mention a failing power steering pump.
- Air bags. 10 complaints[10].
- Unknown or other. 8 complaints[11].
- Exterior lighting. 6 complaints[12].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2013 Enclave is necessarily included.
- Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (21V782), October 2021. About 555 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Air Bags › Critical Fasteners (21V246), April 2021. About 108 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
- Seat Belts (14V266), May 2014. About 1,339,355 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[15]
- Air Bags › Side/Window (14V118), March 2014. About 1,176,407 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[16]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2013 Buick Enclave with electric motor[19] | 288 hp |
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 536 | 6 |
| 2009 | 220 | 8 |
| 2010 | 275 | 6 |
| 2011 | 213 | 6 |
| 2012 | 132 | 6 |
| 2013 | 70 | 4 |
| 2014 | 292 | 7 |
| 2015 | 171 | 5 |
| 2016 | 141 | 4 |
| 2017 | 179 | 3 |
| 2018 | 66 | 0 |
| 2019 | 44 | 1 |
| 2020 | 60 | 6 |
| 2021 | 26 | 2 |
| 2022 | 14 | 1 |
| 2023 | 21 | 0 |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 |
| 2025 | 38 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 | 1 |
NHTSA's counts for the Enclave show 70 complaints and 4 recalls for 2013[4]. Among the 20 model years listed, 10 have fewer complaints than 2013 and 9 have more[4]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2008 (536)[4]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2013 Enclave?
The 2013 Enclave has 70 complaints on file[1], spread across several groups instead of one clear weak spot. The power train and engine groups lead with 14 each[2][3]. Owners in the stories we read often tie warning lights, reduced power and stability messages together. These reports are unverified and are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide to what to check. Compare the recall list on this page and ask a seller for service records before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Enclave?
- The largest complaint groups are the power train and the engine, with 14 complaints each[2][3]. Electrical, stability control and steering follow with 12 each[7][8][9].
- Does the 2013 Buick Enclave have any recalls?
- Yes. The by-year fact lists 4 recalls for 2013[4]. See the Recalls section on this page for the full list.
- What gas mileage does the 2013 Buick Enclave get?
- See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
- Is the 2013 Buick Enclave reliable?
- NHTSA has 70 owner complaints on file[1]. They are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so use them as a checklist and not as a score.
- Is 2013 a good year for the Buick Enclave?
- The by-year comparison on this page shows how 2013 stacks up against other years[4].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Buick Enclave
Compare all model years of the Buick Enclave
Similar cars from 2013: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 70 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Buick Enclave (3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Buick Enclave model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Enclave FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,624). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V782, filed October 7, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V246, filed April 8, 2021: Air Bags › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V266, filed May 20, 2014: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V118, filed March 17, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Enclave AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2013 Buick Enclave with electric motor: rated 288 hp. www.epa.gov