Buick Reliability & Common ProblemsRecalls, complaints & model-by-model NHTSA data
Is Buick reliable? We aggregated 1,568 NHTSA owner complaints and 59 recall campaigns across 5 models so you can compare models, spot problem years, and know what to check before buying used.
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Based on NHTSA complaint data, Buick has 1,568 owner complaints and 59 safety recalls across the 5 models tracked on VinSpectorAI. The most commonly reported issue area is Transmission (older models).
- Brand
- Buick
- Reliability tier
- Average
- Safety score (0–100)
- 71
- Total NHTSA complaints (tracked models)
- 1,568
- Total safety recalls (tracked models)
- 59
- Models analyzed
- 5
- Top reported issues
- Transmission (older models), Electrical, Air Conditioning
Live NHTSA data
Buick: which years to avoid and which to buy
Aggregated from official NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns across all tracked Buick models (2015–2026).
These model years had the most NHTSA complaints across all Buick models.
Fewest recorded complaints — generally the safest years to buy used.
Complaint trend (2015–2026)
Top complaint components
Analysis
Buick reliability analysis
AI AnalysisBuick's complaint data is dominated by airbag malfunctions, engine problems, and electrical faults, with the Enclave and Encore models accounting for the majority of issues. Recall activity is moderate, but the high number of injury reports (117) and one death suggest significant safety concerns. The brand's safety score of 58 reflects these patterns, though confidence is high due to substantial data volume.
Used-car buyers should prioritize inspecting the airbag system and checking for open recalls, especially on 2015-2017 Enclave and Encore models. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine and electrical components is recommended, and verifying that all safety-related recalls have been completed is essential.
Top reported issues
Based on 1,568 NHTSA complaints collected 2015–2026. Source: nhtsa.gov.
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Buick reliability — frequently asked questions
Is Buick a reliable car brand?
Buick has a Average reliability rating based on NHTSA data, with approximately 1,900 owner complaints and 35 recalls. Buick scores above the GM average in reliability, with complaint rates lower than Chevrolet and GMC. The Enclave and Encore have been consistent performers. Buick benefits from near-luxury positioning and more refined engineering than its GM stablemates.
What are common Buick problems?
Most reported issues for Buick: Transmission (older models), Electrical, Air Conditioning.
Should I buy a used Buick?
Buick offers good value in the near-luxury segment. The Encore GX and Envision are solid choices. The Enclave has one of the better complaint-rate records in the 3-row SUV segment.