2018 Buick Enclave Problems
Compared with other Buick Enclave years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
13/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Buick Enclave year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 27 of its 66 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Electronic parking brake engages or fails to release (14 complaints, median 21,500 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 66filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 24,400miles, 33 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Buick Enclave (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2018 Enclave most often describe braking concerns, especially the electronic parking brake engaging on its own or refusing to release, along with transmission shudder and shift problems. Complaints arrive at low mileage as well as past 90,000 miles, and many describe the behavior as intermittent, with dealers sometimes unable to reproduce it or attributing it to programming.
- Brakes
Electronic parking brake engages or fails to release
- 14 complaints (21%)
- median 21,500 mi at 2.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the electronic parking brake applying by itself while the vehicle is parked or moving, sometimes at low speed or on a slope, and sometimes refusing to release so the vehicle cannot move until it is shut off and restarted. Some report the rear brake dragging and getting hot, or warning lights and messages for the parking brake; complaints also mention a chafed parking brake wire that led to ABS module work. Dealers are described as performing a calibration or reprogramming, or telling owners the vehicle behaved as designed. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 35,000 miles, often on cold starts, in parking lots, or on slopes at low speed.
What to check: Drive at low speed and on a slope and note whether the parking brake releases cleanly each time; ask whether the parking brake calibration or ABS module programming has been done, and have the rear brake wiring inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Random activation of parking brake while the car is in drive. Most often occurs when on a slope and a low speed. Multiple incidents have occurred since purchase it has continued to get worse. The vehicle has been in for service many times with no resolution. I opened a case with GM on 9/12/2019 but they have not returned my calls or emails since 10/3/19. …”
NHTSA complaint #11286665, filed 2019-12, 28,000 miles“On 1/06/2020, while driving, the brakes locked up on my 2018 Buick Enclave.(mileage about 23,000) the vehicle has an electronic parking brake ,which was off. Suddenly, the parking break light came on and service lights were illuminated. Fortunately, I was able to navigate to the side of the road, call GM and the car was towed to a local dealer. Several weeks earlier, upon starting, the parking brake light would not go off and the car would not move. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297857, filed 2020-01, 23,000 miles - Brakes
Reduced power or no braking with brake assist message
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and getting little response, sometimes with a grinding noise and a brake assist or service brake system message, occasionally in reverse out of a garage on a cold start. Related complaints mention the ABS computer losing its programming or an ABS sensor problem, with the ABS light staying on. Dealers are described as replacing parts based on a repair bulletin, reprogramming the ABS module, or not finding a fault. Reported from a few hundred miles to about 52,000 miles, several after cold starts or during low-speed maneuvers.
What to check: Ask for the service history on brake and ABS repairs, and check that no brake or ABS warning lights appear during a test drive that includes a cold start and a reverse maneuver.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on very slick roads on a highway, I attempted to brake the vehicle in preparation to making a left hand turn. I could not stop the vehicle. The wheels kept pushing me forward. I could feel the ABS pulsing but the vehicle would not stop. Luckily, no one was ahead of me or I would have hit the vehicle. It felt like the car was overriding my attempts to stop it. I wasn't just sliding on slick roads; the vehicle was actively pushing me forward.”
NHTSA complaint #11383039, filed 2020-12, 20,900 miles“On only the third day after purchasing a Buick Enclave avenir 2018 I had a safety issue involving the brakes. When applying the brakes a grinding noise with an inability to properly brake and a red service brake assist message appeared on my dash. This has happened from a cold start as well as after being in motion at least 20 minutes city driving. My car has since been in the dealer on 4 occasions replaced three parts and is still currently at the dealers. …”
NHTSA complaint #11072267, filed 2018-02, 211 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, harsh shifting, or failure
- 12 complaints (18%)
- median 110,000 mi at 8.1 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe shaking or shuddering under light acceleration, sputtering from a stop, harsh or delayed shifts, and in some cases being unable to shift into drive or reverse or losing propulsion altogether. Some complaints mention fluid flushes, torque converter replacement, or a full transmission replacement, and several note the dealer could not reproduce the concern at first. Mostly reported between about 20,000 and 110,000 miles, often noticed during acceleration from stops or steady-speed driving.
What to check: Test drive at steady light-throttle speeds and from several stops, feeling for vibration or shudder, and ask whether transmission fluid services or any transmission repairs have been documented.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car starting sputtering on take off from stops, extremely dangerous if you’re trying to get out in traffic and keep up quickly from a stop. Then when I took it to get looked at it the mechanic said it needs a new transmission. Now my family is stuck because that’s our only vehicle big enough for our growing family. They’re was a check engine light that keeps coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #11608383, filed 2024-08“For 6 months I have had a shutter in the front part of my car. When I accelerate the car violently shakes. The car was under bumper Bumper warranty when this problem started. I have taken it to my dealer on multiple occasions and they and their engineers cannot determine what is causing the problem. They have had several other enclaves come in with the same issues. They replaced my transmission among other things and nothing fixes it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11456220, filed 2022-03 - Engine
Auto stop hesitation or stall from a stop
- 8 complaints (12%)
- median 10,000 mi at 1.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2024
Owners describe the engine shutting down or hesitating when pulling away from a stop, with the tachometer dropping, a delay before power arrives, or the vehicle needing a restart with the start/stop button. Some link this to the automatic stop feature and report service transmission or service parking brake messages after the restart; others describe a similar hesitation as a running-rough condition after refueling. Reported from a few hundred miles to about 60,000 miles, typically when leaving a stop sign, light, or parking lot.
What to check: During a test drive, make several complete stops and note whether the restart from auto stop is prompt and whether any warning messages appear; ask whether related diagnostic codes have been checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Shortly after getting gas, the car will rev to 2-3rpm when lightly accelerating, and seem to run rough . Then, after coming to a stop at a traffic light, the car will auto stop and then shift into neutral. I can not shift back into drive without pushing the start/stop button to restart the car. It does not happen every time I get gas, but all 3 times it has happened have been after getting gas. …”
NHTSA complaint #11308413, filed 2020-02, 20,000 miles“The start stop feature caused a life threatening hesitation upon acceleration from a full stop at an intersection. Enclave does not offer any override for this option. There must be a firmware update provided by GM to allow it to be disabled!!! This is going to kill somebody!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11150026, filed 2018-11, 500 miles - Fuel system
Purge valve or EVAP leak with check engine light
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 72,819 mi at 2.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe a check engine light traced to the EVAP purge solenoid or valve not sealing, with diagnostic code P0496, and in some cases difficulty starting after refueling or a fuel odor. Complaints mention repeated purge valve replacements and dealers confirming the leak during diagnosis. Reported across a wide mileage range, including vehicles past 100,000 miles and others at much lower mileage, often noticed after refueling.
What to check: Check for a stored check engine light and ask whether the purge valve or EVAP system has been serviced; note any fuel smell around the vehicle after refueling.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am the original owner of this Buick Enclave Avenir. I have had two near accident occurences when the car started foring the breaks while I was accellarating on the highway and was not behind another vehicle. The car behind me nearly rerended me. On 10/17/26, my purge valve was replaced for the third time, making this the fourth purge valve the car has had. After getting gas, the car will not start, which is an indicator the part has gone bad and needs to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11771938, filed 2026-10“I am submitting this letter to formally report two ongoing issues with my 2018 Buick Enclave. First, I have experienced persistent problems with the emissions purge valve. My vehicle has repeatedly triggered diagnostic trouble code P0496, indicating a malfunction in the purge valve system. I am aware that this issue has been the subject of recall campaigns for other Buick Enclave models; however, my vehicle has not been included in any such recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. …”
NHTSA complaint #11742783, filed 2026-06
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with these systems is worthwhile: ask for records of brake, ABS, transmission, and purge valve work, and test the parking brake, cold-start braking, and steady-speed shifting during the drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 66 consumer complaints for the 2018 Buick Enclave. 33 of the complaints include a mileage, and 70% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 24,400 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,028 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Buick Enclave model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 13 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes21 32%
- Engine13 20%
- Electrical system10 15%
- Other or unknown8 12%
- Fuel system5 7.6%
- Air bags2 3.0%
- Engine cooling2 3.0%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Steering (2), Body and structure (2), Suspension (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Electronic stability control (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The brake issue raised its ugly head again. The vehicle has operated fine since the original incident even with the front-end damage. Yesterday, one week after the original incident it occurred again. Cold start leaving a restaurant turned out of parking lot on to side street. Traffic was stopped at a light and I pulled into the left turn lane. Going very slow, haven't even traveled 200 feet. Put pressure on brake pedal to stop and no response, the car keeps rolling forward as I applied extreme brake pressure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11259038, filed 2019-09, 35,850 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Second time in less than a month on a 2018 Buick Enclave that air conditioning unit/evaporator in vehicle is not working and vehicle is blowing hot air only. This occurs whether vehicle is in motion or stationary. This happens when vehicle is first powered on or over an extended drive (45 mins). Does not oscillate with change in speed. Does not oscillate with length of drive. Hot air blows the entire time and noise comes from dash that sounds like hydraulic door hinge.”
NHTSA complaint #11364327, filed 2020-10, 27,000 milesEngine: “While at a stop sign at a busy intersection, pressed brake and tachometer went to off instead of auto-stop. Engine still on but pressing gas didn't do anything.. Transmission light went on. Had to push the start/stop button a few times before engine turned off and on again.”
NHTSA complaint #11330713, filed 2020-06, 24,400 milesElectrical system: “I was stopped at an intersection at a traffic light & when the light turned green, I turned left & I'm uncertain if my emergency brakes kicked on or if my car simply stalled out, but my car suddenly would not move. My purse, in the passenger seat flew forward & hit the floor of the vehicle. The car behind me at the light nearly rear ended me, but fortunately did not. We brought the vehicle to jim ellis Buick to be serviced, but they said it appeared fine & was confused. I definitely was not in any danger of hitting anything when turning at the intersection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11132424, filed 2018-10, 1,600 milesMileage when problems were reported
70% of the 33 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 11,000 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Buick Enclave. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enclave · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.0% risk |
| Enclave · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Buick Enclave version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enclave AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Enclave FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Buick Enclave in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,028 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Buick Enclave
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 38 | 8,650 | 0 | — | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 7 | 44,000 | 0 | 4–5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 22 | 13,500 | 0 | 4–5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 14 | 29,000 | 1 | 4–5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 26 | 62,188 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2020 | 61 | 5,550 | 6 | 5 | 21 | 56 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 44 | 15,500 | 1 | 5 | 21 | 9 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 66 | 24,400 | 0 | 5 | 21 | 13 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 179 | 38,953 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 35 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 141 | 45,000 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 171 | 64,046 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 292 | 60,592 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 75 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 70 | 53,500 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 132 | 78,000 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 213 | 55,606 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 275 | 72,500 | 6 | — | 19 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 220 | 73,648 | 8 | — | 19 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 536 | 80,850 | 6 | — | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
All Buick Enclave model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Enclave?
Owners of this 2018 Enclave most often describe braking concerns, especially the electronic parking brake engaging on its own or refusing to release, along with transmission shudder and shift problems. The issues reported most often: Electronic parking brake engages or fails to release; Reduced power or no braking with brake assist message; Transmission shudder, harsh shifting, or failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Buick Enclave have?
NHTSA recorded 66 consumer complaints for the 2018 Buick Enclave as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Buick Enclave is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 21 complaints (32% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 16.
Has the 2018 Buick Enclave been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Buick Enclave do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Buick Enclave 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Buick Enclave get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Buick Enclave (Enclave FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Buick Enclave reported?
Among the 33 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 24,400 miles and the middle half falls between 11,000 and 60,000 miles; 70% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.