NHTSA has 66 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Buick Enclave[1]. Brakes top the list with 21 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups owners name most, biggest first.
- Brakes. 21 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe a pedal that does not seem to grip, grinding sounds, dash warnings about brake assist, and a parking brake that switches on while the car is moving.
- Power Train. 16 complaints[5]. Owners describe the car rolling when they did not expect it, poor acceleration, a shudder when speeding up, and shifting trouble after a stop.
- Engine. 15 complaints[6]. Owners describe the engine shutting off at a stop and then being slow to respond when it is time to go, along with rough running and warning lights.
- Electrical System. 10 complaints[7]. Owners describe the whole car shutting down at a stop, parking brake faults, and mirrors folding in on their own.
- Unknown Or Other. 8 complaints[8]. These reports do not fit a clear group.
- Fuel/Propulsion System. 5 complaints[9].
- Forward Collision Avoidance. 5 complaints[10].
- Structure. 2 complaints[11].
These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one part.
Recalls
NHTSA's records show 0 recalls for the 2018 Enclave[12].
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
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2018 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 66 complaints and 0 recalls for 2018[12]. Among the 20 model years listed, 9 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 10 have more[12]. The fewest complaints are for 2027 (0) and the most are for 2008 (536)[12]. 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 2018 Enclave?
The 2018 Buick Enclave has 66 complaints on file with NHTSA[1]. Brakes, power train and engine make up the biggest groups[2][5][6]. Some reports mention a crash, and the total fact lists how many[1]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide and not a score. Check the recalls section on this page and have a trusted mechanic look over any used one.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Enclave?
- Brakes lead with 21 complaints, followed by the power train and engine groups[2][5][6].
- Does the 2018 Buick Enclave have recalls?
- The recalls section on this page lists them, and the by-year count is in the year table[12].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Buick Enclave?
- See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
- Is the 2018 Buick Enclave reliable?
- Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA[1]. The problem groups above show where those reports cluster, and the safety section covers crash tests.
- How does 2018 compare with other Enclave years?
- The by-year comparison section on this page shows each year side by side[12].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Buick Enclave
Compare all model years of the Buick Enclave
Similar cars from 2018: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 66 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Buick Enclave (5 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Enclave FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Buick Enclave model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Enclave AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENCLAVE 4DR SUV AWD: length 204 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 4,614 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENCLAVE 4DR SUV FWD: length 204 in, width 79 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 4,361 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov