You doubtless see the Buick Enclave wherever you go, from suburbs to workplace parks to cross-country journeys. This midsize SUV labels itself as a luxurious-adjacent midsize SUV, primarily with options that spotlight a finer contact with spacious inside design and total consolation in and out. Even with opponents just like the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, the Enclave has made a pleasant identify for itself as a reliable, near-luxury midsize SUV. However as is the case with every other make and mannequin, there are mannequin years you will need to control and others to keep away from altogether. Should you’re wanting so as to add a Buick to your storage, learn on to study extra about the most effective Buick Enclave mannequin years value shopping for.
We used shopper data from respected sources like
Automotive Complaints
and the Nationwide Freeway and Security Administration to determine which Buick Enclave mannequin years had been probably the most and least dependable.
Buick Enclave Historical past: A Trendy Three-Row SUV
The arrival of the Buick Enclave in 2007 marked the top of two mainstays within the Buick lineup, the Rendezvous and Rainier. This transition marked a notable shift towards a extra trendy and streamlined SUV possibility for drivers, particularly those that needed the Buick model with an SUV that appealed to broader pursuits.
Through the years, the Enclave has tailored trade norms in design, know-how, and efficiency, and there is a lot to take pleasure in with a lot of its fashions:
First Technology (2008–2017): The primary era launched a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 275 horsepower, although it was later upgraded to 288 hp. This era featured a six-speed computerized transmission and was out there in each front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Second Technology (2018–2024): The second era noticed a redesign that enhanced the Enclave’s luxurious attraction. It retained the three.6L liter V6 engine however now delivered a formidable 310 hp, paired with a nine-speed computerized transmission. Third Technology (2025): Launched for the 2025 mannequin 12 months, the third-gen Enclave boasts all-new styling and a extra environment friendly and highly effective turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A surprising 30-inch curved show kinds a part of the superior inside.
Buick Enclave Generations Overview
Technology
Mannequin Years
Engine
Horsepower
Seating Capability
First
2008-2017
3.6L V6
275 – 288 hp
As much as 8 occupants
Second
2018-2024
3.6L V6
310 hp
As much as 7 occupants
Third
2025-
2.5L Turbocharged I4
328 hp
As much as 7 occupants
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The Greatest Buick Enclave Mannequin Years
The Enclave has many notable examples of standout fashions value contemplating, even with its comparatively quick historical past. Listed below are three of the most effective mannequin years to think about as you scour your native dealerships for the correct deal – and if you wish to go for the least dangerous fashions with the fewest reported complaints. Whereas Buick reliability is just not the most effective within the trade lately, it is larger than different American manufacturers.
2012 Buick Enclave
The 2012 Buick Enclave is thought to be among the best Buick Enclave mannequin years on account of its low variety of complaints and remembers. 4 years into manufacturing, the Enclave had absolutely discovered its groove and addressed most of the early points that plagued the primary few mannequin years, which we’ll dive extra into later. Homeowners have reported strong construct high quality and a easy driving expertise with minimal important issues. Primarily based on reliability alone, that is the most effective 12 months for the Buick Enclave.
2017 Buick Enclave
The ultimate mannequin 12 months of the primary era despatched the Enclave into the sundown with good vibes throughout. By 2017, Buick had absolutely refined the Enclave, notable for its sturdy engine and transmission, with few performance-related points reported by house owners. Moreover, the 2017 Enclave obtained excessive buyer satisfaction rankings, significantly for its long-term reliability. Plus, the mannequin’s spacious inside, quiet cabin, and superior security options make it a dependable and fascinating alternative for these taking a look at used SUVs.
2021 Buick Enclave
Issues did not decelerate for Buick into the second era. The 2021 Enclave remains to be acknowledged for its reliability, superior know-how in and out, and total proprietor satisfaction. This 12 months options fewer reported issues, significantly in crucial areas just like the engine and electrical methods. Moreover, the 2021 Enclave additionally launched trendy security options, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a cushty, upscale inside. For these searching for a more recent used SUV, the 2021 mannequin stands out as one of many Enclave finest years for reliability and total worth.
Buick Enclave Mannequin Years To Keep away from
Every producer experiences issues sooner or later or one other, and the Enclave is not any completely different. Whereas the 2012, 2017, and 2021 Enclave fashions stay prime selections for drivers, these subsequent three Enclave mannequin years are likely to have larger numbers of complaints, frequent remembers, and recurring issues that may result in pricey repairs and frustration for house owners.
2008 Buick Enclave
Not each debut might be good. In keeping with each Automotive Complaints and the NHTSA, the 2008 Enclave has collected probably the most total complaints for any Enclave mannequin 12 months.
The 2008 Enclave has a large sufficient vary of issues to subject a warning. There’s transmission failure beneath 90k miles, new
energy steering models
costing over $1,300, and sufficient engine complaints to NHTSA to scare anybody away.
Transmission issues had been probably the most prevalent for the 2008 mannequin 12 months, adopted by steering and engine points. In some circumstances, transmissions needed to be fully changed. Moreover, energy steering points had been widespread, resulting in problem in dealing with and security considerations. The engine, significantly the timing chain, additionally had issues, leading to pricey repairs and diminished automobile lifespan. Given the excessive variety of complaints and points, the 2008 Enclave is finest prevented.
2010 Buick Enclave
First-generation woes continued with the 2010 Enclave. Homeowners often reported issues with the facility steering system, which might result in steering difficulties and potential security dangers. The transmission additionally remained weak, with many homeowners reporting failures and dear repairs. Most notably, the 2010 Enclave had notable electrical system points, together with defective wiring and malfunctioning elements, resulting in additional reliability considerations. Resulting from these persistent issues, the 2010 mannequin is among the many Buick Enclave years to keep away from.
2014 Buick Enclave
Whereas the 2012 Enclave was an enormous step ahead, Buick took two steps again with the 2014 Enclave. This iteration of the Enclave has drawn appreciable criticism for reliability points. One of the crucial important issues with the 2014 mannequin is extreme oil consumption, in addition to reported points with the engine stalling, which poses a security threat and diminishes the automobile’s total longevity. {The electrical} system within the 2014 Enclave has additionally been problematic, with complaints about defective elements main to varied malfunctions. Given these points, the 2014 Buick Enclave is finest prevented by these searching for a dependable used SUV.
Abstract: The Second Technology Is aware of Greatest
Buick remains to be perfecting the Enclave’s total expertise and reliability, however you would be remiss to miss any late-model second-generation Enclaves. The 2012, 2017, and 2021 Enclave fashions every supply a positive steadiness of reliability, consolation, and dependability to make sure good recollections preserve brewing regardless of the place you journey. Whereas the first-generation Enclave definitely paved the best way for a brand new period of Buick, our major advice is to keep away from the 2008 mannequin, which has way more complaints than every other.