2021 Buick Enclave: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Buick Enclave? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 21 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Buick Enclave has 21 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Enclave
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 21
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
Most Common 2021 Buick Enclave Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Brake System, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Buick Enclave?
The 2021 Buick Enclave looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Buick Enclave
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical components, including infotainment and lighting systems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical components, including infotainment and lighting systems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Buick Enclave, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 21 consumer complaints for the 2021 Buick Enclave, issues are concentrated in the electrical and brake systems, each accounting for 6 complaints. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low sample size limits confidence. Two recalls were issued for this model year.
- Electrical faults and brake system issues each represent the highest number of complaints (6 each).
- Uncategorized issues account for 4 complaints, followed by door lock and structural problems (2 each).
- No crash-related complaints were reported for the 2021 model year.
- Electrical faults, including potential failures in wiring or electronic modules.
- Brake system problems, such as premature wear or malfunction.
- Uncategorized issues that may reflect general quality concerns.
All 2021 Buick Enclave Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Enclave. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Enclave. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
About six months ago the tailgate foot sensor failed and has not worked. Since then, the tailgate began randomly opening on its own, mostly when the car is parked and shut off, but as of today(4-28-2026) it started occurring while I'm driving. In addition to the hazard of items …
The trunk latching system malfunction even when it is set to OFF. When the vehicle is off or running it will open automatically then will not shut unless you turn the car on then shut the car off put on lock then unlock the car. While driving short distances the lift gate will o…
Problem: The back hatch or trunk door pops open randomly on its own, many times a day. In a parking lot once. It hasn't happened while I've been driving. Safety issue because if it were to open while in public and a person wasn't in the vehicle, then anyone could enter the ve…
The catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times. The flex pipes has been repaired and replaced 4 times and the exhaust pipes has been welded on 5 times. The back tail pipe fail off while driving and had to be welded. The exhaust on this vehicle has given me many problems.
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate latch independently unlocked. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the deale…
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the door locks intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the doors had failed to lock and unlock as needed. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred after it had rained. The contac…
Power Liftgate was functioning erratically and now it won't open at all. Currently there is no way to manually open the liftgate or access the rear of the vehicle without climbing through the vehicle to get to the trunk area. Electrical switches on inside, exterior of vehicle no…
Catalytic converter was defective in October 2022. Had to wait to get part in. Vehicle taken to dealer for repair in December 2022/ Told that the second catalytic converter needed to be repaired. I stated that I was not aware that cars had two catalytic converters. Parts were or…
The rear switch on our tailgate has failed and it allows the tailgate to open/close randomly on its own while the vehicle is locked even. I contacted Buick about the problem and they said didn’t care, but this can happen while the vehicle is moving down the road as well as when p…
Passenger seat belt doesn't always work. Has to click several times
AWD has vibration at highway speeds when engaged
When driving my car down the street today, it abruptly stopped in the middle of the street and and engine locked up. I could not shift gears. I could not put my car in neutral. I was literally stuck in the middle of the street with a vehicle that gave me no warning of malfunction…
This car crosses the line before the lane keep assist does anything. The car nearly hit an oncoming car. I asked the Koons Tysons Buick Service rep about it and he said he has heard this from a number of people but noting has been done. It seems like a software patch is necessary…
Brakes started grinding at 1000 miles. I will filed a complaint with the dealership and hope they record it. Now I have approximately 2100 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brake pad and rotor on the right front are grinding every time I apply the brakes…
No accident. I bought this brand new car on May 29, 2021, and have been experiencing brake issues. When I apply the brakes, there is a weird noise, grinding type and it feels like there is less traction (like when slowing down on snow). I have to apply more pressure to my brakes …
Brakes started grinding at 300 miles. I have filed a complaint with dealership who did record it and advised that it was a known issue that GM is working to resolve. I now have approximately 2000 miles on the car and it continues to sound and feel like my brakes are grinding e…
This vehicle has an auto stop start feature that the dealer refuses to override. The problem is that if you are stopped to make a left turn, the engine stops. When you need to go when there is a break in traffic, there is a hesitation to get going just when you need instant powe…
when applying the brakes it sounds lile metal on metal
I have a 2021 Buick Enclave Premium purchased 01.03.2021from Alden Buick-GMC been having problems with my brakes when I apply my brakes I have a brake noise grinding growling noise coming from the brakes. Took vehicle to dealership today 06.01.2021. Was told cause is Composition …
WHEN I DRIVE MY BUICK ENCLAVE AFTER IT SITS FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME, IF I APPLY THE BRAKES, I HAVE A LOUD GRINDING TYPE SOUND AND I NOTICE THE NOISE CONTINUES AS I DO MY SHOPPING AND IT DOES NOT ALWAYS GO AWAY. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE BUICK DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THAT GENER…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Buick Enclave.
2021 Buick Enclave Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Buick Enclave. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Buick Enclave Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 21 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Buick Enclave looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Buick Enclave?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #2: Brake System (6 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Buick Enclave?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Buick Enclave?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Buick Enclave, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 21 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Buick Enclave have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Buick Enclave. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Buick Enclave?▾
The 2021 Buick Enclave looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Enclave reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Buick Enclave based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.