Buick Enclave Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

Since its debut in 2007, the Buick Enclave has grown in popularity, with General Motors selling over 600,000 units.

This midsize SUV hasn’t, however, always lived up to the high expectations set by the company.

In order to aid prospective customers in making a wise choice, this article examines the top and bottom model years of the Buick Enclave.

Buick Enclave Best and Worst Years

The 2016–2019, 2021–2023 models are usually regarded as the greatest years for the Buick Enclave, according to the search results. These years have earned excellent reviews for dependability and safety, and there have been very few difficulties reported. Due to its capacity to transport baggage, smooth ride, and excellent durability, the Buick Enclave’s 2018 model year is frequently mentioned as its greatest year.
The Buick Enclave model years from 2008 to 2011 have had the most faults and complaints.
To make sure you are obtaining a dependable and well-equipped Buick Enclave, it is crucial to conduct research on the precise model year and trim level you are interested in.

The Buick Enclave’s Best Year

The greatest year of this well-liked SUV is up for grabs, and the leading contender is the 2023 Buick Enclave. It has several upgrades and refinements that make it a favorite of both drivers and critics.

The performance of the 2023 Enclave is one of the most important elements that affects its success.

A 3.6L V6 engine with 310 horsepower is fitted to it. This engine provides drivers with confidence and power on the road when teamed with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Enclave’s roomy and opulent interior is another advantage.

This SUV is comfortable, with options like heated and ventilated leather seats, wood accents, and an optional panoramic sunroof. It has seating for up to seven passengers. The Enclave offers plenty of storage capacity in addition to providing comfort for the passengers and meeting cargo needs.

The 2023 Buick Enclave doesn’t fall short when it comes to technology.

It has a number of basic and optional amenities, including as a high-definition rearview camera, an available in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, and the newest infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Enclave also comes equipped with amazing safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and front collision alert to make sure everyone on board has a safe ride.

Finally, the 2023 Buick Enclave fulfills all requirements for a premium SUV. It’s no surprise that this year’s Buick Enclave stands out as the best iteration yet thanks to its outstanding performance, comfy and roomy interior, cutting-edge technology, and safety features.

Next Best Year

With its impressive balancing act of comfort, performance, and overall value, the 2020 Buick Enclave left a lasting impression. The 2020 model year arrived with an excellent selection of standard equipment in addition to a comfortable cabin and a smooth ride.

The 3.6-liter V6 engine in the 2020 Enclave also produced 310 horsepower, assuring the car had the strength to handle a variety of driving scenarios with ease. Its nine-speed automated transmission provided smooth gear changes and helped the Enclave achieve outstanding fuel economy.

The 2020 Enclave was built with a number of driver assistance features, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, as safety was still a top focus for Buick. These elements boosted the owners’ confidence and promoted a safer driving environment.

The Enclave was a spacious vehicle with accommodation for up to seven passengers, making it ideal for lengthy journeys. The use of premium materials throughout the cabin added to the impression of luxury and improved the driving experience.

The 2020 Buick Enclave’s infotainment system came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Drivers and passengers were able to stay connected while traveling because to the user-friendly UI and several connectivity options.

The great 2018 makeover overshadowed the 2020 Buick Enclave, but it still shines as a formidable challenger in its market because to its comfort, power, and cutting-edge amenities.

Other favorable years

The popular and dependable 2023 Buick Enclave is just one of several years that have distinguished themselves for performance and quality.

A few more excellent years for the Buick Enclave are listed below:

2016: The 2016 Enclave increased the technology and convenience of the vehicle with the addition of a new OnStar system with 4G LTE connectivity. Additionally, it received plaudits for its cozy cabin, smooth ride, and high safety ratings.

2018: A few upgrades were made to the 2018 model, including the standard inclusion of a rearview camera system and higher-quality interior materials. Drivers praised the vehicle’s smooth ride, appealing look, and practical amenities like the hands-free power liftgate.

2020: A few new standard safety features were added for this model year, along with a small redesign. The Enclave has got praise for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and generous cargo space.

While not as recent as 2023, these years nevertheless represent a significant savings for Buick Enclave buyers seeking a dependable midsize SUV with strong performance and a roomy, feature-rich cabin.

The Buick Enclave’s Worst Year Ever

The Buick Enclave model from 2008 is highlighted as being the least desirable year for the car.

This model has had the most complaints in comparison to other years, with transmission issues being a top worry for owners.

Both CarComplaints.com and MotorBiscuit.com confirm that the 2008 Enclave experienced serious maintenance problems, with gearbox failure and power steering failure being the most frequent ones. The average lifespan of a transmission is about 90,000 miles, and replacing the transmission fully is frequently the most cost-effective fix.

The reliability rating for the Enclave is 3.0 out of 5.0, which places it 24th out of 26 midsize SUVs. Average annual repair expenditures range between $700 and 900 dollars, which indicates average ownership costs.

The Enclave is more likely to need continuing maintenance because of the somewhat higher than average frequency and severity of problems for this car.

Although the 2008 model did have a few problems, this does not necessarily suggest that the entire series of Buick Enclaves is defective.

At all.

There will undoubtedly be certain years with more issues than others, just as with any vehicle. Consumers who are knowledgeable about potential issues might choose wisely when they are buying for an automobile.

Other negative years

2009 Buick Enclave: The transmission on this year’s model had problems. There have been some instances of early transmission failure that required extensive repairs or perhaps transmission replacements for the owners. Even though this issue only affected a small number of automobiles, it should be mentioned for prospective customers.

2011 Buick Enclave: The steering system on this model had issues. There have been instances of power steering pump leaks and failures, which made steering challenging. Despite the fact that this problem wasn’t common, those who were impacted saw a considerable difference in the performance of their cars.

2013 Buick Enclave: This year, there were a few issues with the Enclave’s air conditioning systems. The most frequent issue was refrigerant leakage, which resulted in a lack of cool air and a musty odor within the vehicle. It’s not a big deal, but some owners might find it unpleasant nonetheless.

It is important to remember that not all vehicles from those particular years had the aforementioned problems. The majority of happy Enclave owners have been pleased with their vehicles, so it’s reasonable to see these problems as the exception rather than the rule.

When contemplating an Enclave from these years, prospective buyers can make a more knowledgeable choice by paying greater attention to each car’s history and maintenance records.

Check for Common Issues in Used Buick Enclave

It’s crucial to be aware of the most frequent problems experienced by owners when looking for a used Buick Enclave. For instance, one of the Enclave’s common issues is the extended timing chain. This part controls the engine’s rotation and makes sure that the valves open and close at the appropriate times. It is wrapped around the camshaft and crankshaft.

Performance problems might readily arise from a stretched chain.

The failure of the power steering pump is another problem to watch out for. A failed pump can make turning challenging and make steering the car more difficult.

A whining sound may accompany this type of issue, making it simpler to spot. It’s also important to look for steering rack leaks because they could make the problem worse.

Additionally, there is a history of issues with the climate control and air conditioning systems in Buick Enclaves. This may include insufficient cool or warm airflow, weak airflow, and unpleasant vent odors. During a test drive, it’s crucial to thoroughly test the heating and air conditioning systems.

Finally, a defective wave plate in the transmission is a problem that certain Enclave owners experience. In extreme circumstances, this may lead to complete transmission failure, slipping gears, or trouble shifting gears. The presence of this issue is frequently indicated by a rapid rise in engine RPMs without a corresponding rise in speed. During the test drive, it’s important to pay attention to the gear changes and listen for any odd noises.

How Safe is Buick Enclave?

The IIHS and NHTSA are two organizations that have given the Buick Enclave high marks for safety. The car contains a number of safety features that can help avoid accidents and safeguard occupants in the case of one. It is significant to remember that safety ratings are predicated on particular model years and may change depending on the kind of crash test used.

Reliability of Buick Enclave

Based on the search results, the Buick Enclave’s reliability seems to be inconsistent. Despite some publications’ claims to the contrary, the car has a history of dependability problems, with the 2008 model year being the most problematic. According to J.D. Power, the 2023 model has a predicted dependability score of 81 out of 100. Having power is good. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to look into the reliability ratings of particular model years. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes every 7,500 miles, can also increase a vehicle’s longevity.

Tips to Maintain Your Buick Enclave

Based on the search results, here are some recommendations for maintaining your Buick Enclave:

• Follow the Buick Enclave’s suggested maintenance schedule, which calls for frequent oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections.
• Every 7,500 miles or once a year, or at other suggested intervals, the oil should be changed.
• To guarantee even wear, rotate your tires every 7,500 miles.
• Regularly check the fluid levels in the engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and the accelerator pedal.
• Every 7,500 miles, lubricate the doors.
• After 7,500 kilometers, get a general safety inspection.
• Every 30,000 miles, change the air filter.
• Every 15,000 miles, the cabin air filter should be changed.
• Brake fluid must be changed every 45,000 miles.
• To keep your Buick Enclave in good shape and to avoid expensive repairs, adhere to the suggested maintenance program.

You can make sure that your Buick Enclave operates well and lasts for many years by paying attention to the advice in this article. The secret to avoiding expensive repairs and maintaining the condition of your car is routine maintenance. In order to avoid further damage, it’s crucial to adhere to the suggested maintenance program for your particular model year.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful. 

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title. The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. 

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back. 

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

 You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. 

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls. 

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. 

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon. 

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon. 

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

FAQ on Buick Enclave Best and Worst Years

What was the Buick Enclave’s best year?

Although the Buick Enclave is at its best in 2018, you might also want to explore the 2017 model since it is still regarded as dependable and is less expensive (the model before moving upscale). In addition, all models released after 2018 have received excellent reviews for their dependability, longevity, and value.

How long do Buick Enclaves last?

The Enclave normally has a lifespan of 200,000 to 250,000 kilometers, which is comparable to other high-end SUVs on the market. However, if you treat your Buick well, it should last much longer.

What Buick models are the most dependable?

The Buick Encore, which is ranked 2 out of 13 Most Reliable Luxury Subcompact SUVs, is the Buick model that is the most dependable and places highest in its vehicle category. The Buick Encore is followed by the Buick LaCrosse and Enclave.

What is a Buick Enclave from a bad year?

Avoid the following years when buying a Buick Enclave: 2008. All Enclaves frequently experience transmission issues, but the 2008 model receives the most complaints. Most transmission issues have been reported by owners after 91,000 miles. When accelerating or shifting gears, the car frequently shakes, makes clunky noises, or does both.

Why purchase a Buick Enclave?

More cargo can be stored in the Enclave than almost any other midsize SUV on the market. The third row offers 23.6 cubic feet of room behind it, and when those seats are folded down, the cargo area increases to 57.7 cubic feet. A maximum volume of 97.4 cubic feet becomes available when both rear rows are folded.