Which year to buy
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.6× usual, mostly steering and power train Extended coverage
184 serious complaints of 212, the most about steering (41) and power train (38); per car on the road, 1.6× this model's usual year. 6 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 buick enclave. While driving 10 mph and making a right turn, the steering seized without warning. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering pump and rack and pinion needed to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Mar 2016
“2011 buick enclave rolls unabated on hills while in gear - drive or reverse. Very hard to control. Requires very quick move from brake to accelerator and "2-foot" driving which is dangerous and wears brakes and transmission. There is no "hill hold" feature and drivetrain provides no resistance. Tr”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Dec 2011
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Some 2008-2011 model year (MY) Buick Enclave, 2009-2011 MY Chevrolet Traverse, 2007-2011 MY GMC Acadia, and 2007-2010 MY Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles may develop a power steering pump wear condition that can cause an intermittent drop of power steering hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss… (GCUS-9-222, Sep 2015)
- Extended coverage On some 2008 model year (MY) Saturn Outlook; 2008-2009 MY Buick Allure, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac G8, Pontiac Montana SV6, Pontiac Torrent, and Saturn VUE; 2008-2010 MY Hummer H3 and Pontiac G6; 2008-2011 MY Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and Chevrolet Impala; 2008, 2011-2012 MY… (GCUS-9-939, Sep 2015)
- Extended coverage On some various model year vehicles, the throttle-position sensor may cause the engine to run rough, cause the malfunction-indicator lamp and/or an engine reduced power message to illuminate, and reduce the engine's power. 14582A - Special Coverage (2012 model year Buick Enclave, Lacrosse, Regal;… (GCUS-9-1009, Oct 2015)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles may develop a power steering pump wear condition that can cause an intermittent drop of power steering hydraulic pressure that will cause reduced or loss of steering assist. 14329 - special coverage. (14329, Sep 2014)
- Extended coverage Certain 2008 2013 buick enclave, 2008-2013 gmc acadia, 2008-2010 saturn outlook, and 2009-2013 chevrolet traverse vehicles were recalled to address corrosion and/or loose crimps in the driver and passenger-seat mounted side-impact airbag (siab) wiring-harness connectors, which could cause an… (15536, Aug 2015)
- Repair program Vehicles may have leaks from the water pump shaft seal. Dealers are to check the engine coolant level and, if necessary, add the proper mixture of coolant directly to the radiator and the coolant recovery tank. (G-163500, Apr 2013)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
212 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 18–19 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features
Every Enclave year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl · Drive: AWD, FWD
2011 Enclave trims
| 2CXL | CX | CXL |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Buick reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Buick aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 21–22 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 2 | Service brakes (1) | — |
| 2025 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 38 | Service brakes (12) | Yes |
| 2024 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 0 | 7 | Engine (2) | Yes |
| 2023 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 0 | 21 | Exterior lighting (6) | Yes |
| 2022 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 1 | 13 | Service brakes (3) | Yes |
| 2021 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 26 | Service brakes (7) | Yes |
| 2020 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 59 | Engine (16) | Yes |
| 2019 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 42 | Power train (16) | Yes |
| 2018 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–21 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 65 | Service brakes (20) | Yes |
| 2017 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 17–18 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 179 | Air bags (145) | No |
| 2016 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 17–18 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 141 | Air bags (110) | No |
| 2015 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 171 | Air bags (105) | No |
| 2014 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 292 | Air bags (205) | No |
| 2013 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 70 | Power train (14) | No |
| 2012 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 132 | Engine (24) | No |
| 2011 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–19 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 212 | Steering (41) | No |
| 2010 | 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–19 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 275 | Steering (126) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Enclave 2018–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | BUICK ENCLAVE SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 2 |
| 2026 | BUICK ENCLAVE SUV N/A FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 38 |
| 2025 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 38 |
| 2024 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 7 |
| 2024 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 7 |
| 2023 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 21 |
| 2023 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 4 | Standard & Optional | Standard & Optional | 0 | 21 |
| 2022 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 13 |
| 2022 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 13 |
| 2021 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 26 |
| 2021 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 26 |
| 2020 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 59 |
| 2020 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 59 |
| 2019 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 42 |
| 2019 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 42 |
| 2018 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 65 |
| 2018 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 65 |
| 2017 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 179 |
| 2017 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 179 |
| 2016 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 141 |
| 2016 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 141 |
| 2015 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 171 |
| 2015 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 171 |
| 2014 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 292 |
| 2014 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 292 |
| 2013 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 70 |
| 2013 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 70 |
| 2012 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 132 |
| 2012 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 132 |
| 2011 | Buick Enclave SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 212 |
| 2011 | Buick Enclave SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 212 |
| 2010 | Buick Enclave 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 275 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Enclave AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2026 | Enclave FWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 22 |
| 2025 | Enclave AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2025 | Enclave FWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2024 | Enclave AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2024 | Enclave FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2023 | Enclave AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2023 | Enclave FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2022 | Enclave AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2022 | Enclave FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2021 | Enclave AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2021 | Enclave FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2020 | Enclave AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2020 | Enclave FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2019 | Enclave AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2019 | Enclave FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2018 | Enclave AWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 20 |
| 2018 | Enclave FWD | Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 21 |
| 2017 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 17 |
| 2017 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2016 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 17 |
| 2016 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2015 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2015 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2014 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2014 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2013 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2013 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2012 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2012 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2011 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2011 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
| 2010 | Enclave AWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 18 |
| 2010 | Enclave FWD | Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L | 19 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.