2021 Buick Enclave Problems
Compared with other Buick Enclave years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× 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.
- 11 of its 26 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Brakes (7 complaints).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 26filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 62,188miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in 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 2021 Buick Enclave (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2021 Buick Enclave. The part named most often is brakes, with 7 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and other or unknown (4). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,188 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 658 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 32 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 148 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 13 Buick Enclave model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 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.
- Brakes7 27%
- Electrical system6 23%
- Other or unknown4 15%
- Seat belts3 12%
- Body and structure3 12%
- Engine2 7.7%
- Fuel system1 3.9%
Also reported: Lane departure (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
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 to slow the vehicle and come to a stop. The problem occurs quite often.”
NHTSA complaint #11426025, filed 2021-07Electrical system: “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 falling from my vehicle unto the highway and/or other cars, the only way for me to close the tailgate from the driver's seat is to place the transmission in Park and push the tailgate button. Other than that, I must stop and get out and physically close it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11734364, filed 2026-04Other or unknown: “I just bought a new 2021 Buick Enclave and there is a noise coming from the windshield or the window. Sounds like my window is cracked. However, when I try to let up the window, the window doesn't move and sound is still there. The noise is there from about 45 mpg and up.”
NHTSA complaint #11398571, filed 2021-03Seat belts: “Passenger side seatbelt latch gets stuck so when trying to buckle it doesn’t go in, you have to try multiple times. Get a notification on dashboard every once in a while saying seatbelt or airbag issue contact dealer. Warning light (air bag and seatbelt system) lights up. My safety is put at risk as I am pregnant and not sure whether the seatbelt will buckle or not while I’m in the passenger seat. I have not taken this In to be looked at yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11743361, filed 2026-06Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 39,700 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 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 2021 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: 4–5 stars overall. 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 2021 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
- 22V210000Mar 31, 2022Air bags › Side/window › CurtainCovers: Buick Enclave 2021–2022, Chevrolet Traverse 2020–2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags…
- 21V472000Jun 24, 2021Air bags › Sensor › Frontal impactCovers: Buick Enclave 2021, Chevrolet Traverse 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
Recall details for the 2021 Buick Enclave → · Check a 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. 658 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.
- 11036392Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11034769Jun 23, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
- 11032764May 11, 2026Other or unknown. Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue
- 11032763May 11, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030532Mar 21, 2026Other or unknown. Improvements to OnStar functionality.
- 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.
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Buick Enclave have?
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints for the 2021 Buick Enclave as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Buick Enclave is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 7 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2021 Buick Enclave been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Buick Enclave do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 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 2021 Buick Enclave get?
The EPA rates the 2021 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 2021 Buick Enclave reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,188 miles and the middle half falls between 39,700 and 90,000 miles; 33% 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.