Best And Worst Buick Enclave Years(2024)

Best And Worst Buick Enclave Years for car enthusiasts are commonly debated, with the 2021 model being praised for its modern features and the 2008 model criticized for its reliability issues.The Buick Enclave has evolved to meet changing consumer demands and technological advancements.

But not all model years are created equal – some have received rave reviews for their reliability and features, while others have fallen short of expectations. Understanding which model years to consider (or avoid) can make all the difference in your decision-making process whether you are looking for a spacious family vehicle or a sleek ride for daily commutes. 

The Buick Enclave has evolved over the years through its different generations, each offering unique features and improvements that cater to the needs of modern drivers. The first generation, introduced in 2008, set the foundation for the Enclave with its spacious interior and smooth ride quality.

Buick continued to innovate with the second generation, released in 2018, showcasing a more refined design and enhanced technology options.The Buick Enclave comes to a new level of sophistication and luxury with each new generation.

The latest third generation stands out with its sleek exterior styling and advanced driver assistance features that make every journey both safe and enjoyable. It is exciting to see how Buick has managed to blend timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology in each iteration of the Enclave, solidifying its position as a top choice for those seeking a premium crossover SUV experience.

Here is a table that displays the two generations of the Buick Enclave:

GenerationsYears
1st Generation2008-2017
2nd Generation2018-Present

Our rankings and categorizations consider many factors, including but not limited to:

  • Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
  • Annual maintenance costs
  • Safety ratings
  • Consumer Reports reliability scores
  • Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
  • NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
  • Edmunds owner ratings
  • JD Power owner ratings
  • Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
  • VehicleHistory owner ratings
  • Cars.com owner ratings

Now, based on our extensive analysis, we categorize the model years of the Buick Enclave into Best, Neutral, and Worst Years:

GenerationsBest YearsNeutral YearsWorst Years

     1st Generation
2009     
2010 
2017
2008   
2013       
2015
2011
2012
2014
2016

     2nd Generation
2018     
2022     
2023
2019        
2020
2021

The Neutral Years for the Buick Enclave refer to model years that are neither exceptional nor plagued with issues. They fall in the middle range in terms of performance and reliability. Factors such as NHTSA recalls have a negative impact on our assessments. More complaints and recalls lead to lower reliability ratings and consequently lower scores.

In 2008, the Buick Enclave burst onto the scene, shaking up the mid-size luxury SUV market with its chic style, luxurious interiors, and strong performance. It had its ups and downs through the years as other vehicles.

The Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2017

Buick Enclave 2009 Model

The first generation of the Buick Enclave, particularly the models from 2009 and 2010, introduced a new level of luxury and comfort to the midsize SUV market.These early Enclave models showcased Buick’s commitment to providing a top-notch driving experience with its smooth ride quality, spacious interior, and premium features.

The 2009 and 2010 Enclave also boasted impressive safety ratings, making them an ideal choice for families looking for both style and security on the road.The Buick Enclave continued to shine with updates that kept it modern and competitive in its class in 2017.

The exterior design received a fresh makeover without compromising its elegant appeal, while technological advancements such as improved infotainment systems made each journey more enjoyable. The 2017 Enclave retained its reputation for comfort and reliability, solidifying its position as a standout option for those seeking a premium SUV that delivers on all fronts.

The Neutral Years: 2008, 2013, 2015

During its first generation, the Buick Enclave experienced what can be termed as its Neutral Years in 2008, 2013, and 2015. They marked a period of stability and refinement for the model while these years didn’t bring significant changes or groundbreaking advancements for the Enclave.

Buick Enclave Model 2013

In 2008, the Buick Enclave emerged as a solid choice in the midsize luxury SUV segment with its spacious interior, smooth ride quality, and upscale design. The Enclave continued to hold its own with its comfortable seating for up to eight passengers and generous cargo space despite facing competition from other brands in subsequent years like 2013 and 2015.

Buick Enclave Reliability have been maintained although innovation may have taken a back seat during these years. The Neutral Years of the first-generation Buick Enclave serve as a testament to the model’s enduring appeal and timeless design.

The Enclave remained a popular choice among consumers seeking a refined SUV experience even without major updates or overhauls during these years. Buick ensured that the Enclave maintained its status as a reliable option in an ever-evolving automotive landscape with a focus on consistency and quality craftsmanship.

The Worst Years: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016

2011 saw  Buick Enclave facing major issues with its transmission, including jerky shifts and rough acceleration. This left many owners frustrated as they had to deal with costly repairs and replacements. Complaints about the overall reliability and build quality of the vehicle were rampant during this year.

Owners continued to report transmission problems as well as issues with the air conditioning system failing prematurely in 2012. The lack of response from Buick in addressing these recurring issues led to a decline in customer satisfaction for the Enclave model. Many felt let down by the brand’s reputation for luxury and reliability.

Reports of engine troubles emerged, with some owners experiencing stalling and loss of power while driving in 2014. This further added to the negative perception surrounding the Buick Enclave among consumers.

In 2016, concerns over electrical faults started cropping up, including problems with various sensors and modules malfunctioning unexpectedly. This posed safety risks for drivers and passengers alike, casting a shadow over the Enclave’s reputation once again.

The Buick Enclave had a successful debut in its second generation back in 2018, boasting a fresh look and upgraded features. It maintained its reputation for a lavish interior, strong performance, and top-notch safety features.Certain years outshined others when it came to reliability and customer satisfaction just like the first generation.

The Best Years: 2018, 2022, 2023

The second generation of the Buick Enclave has truly hit its stride with the 2018 model, boasting a sleek design and upscale features that set it apart from its competitors. The spacious interior, comfortable seating, and smooth ride make it a top choice for families looking for luxury and practicality in one.The 2018 Enclave offers a seamless driving experience that keeps everyone connected and protected  with advanced safety technology and an impressive infotainment system.

Buick Enclave 2018

Buick continues to innovate with updates to the Enclave that promise even more sophistication and performance in 2022 and 2023. Expect enhancements in exterior styling, interior comfort, and driving dynamics that will elevate the driving experience to new heights. The best years of the Enclave are yet to come as it cements its status as a standout choice in its class as Buick stays committed to pushing boundaries in luxury SUVs.

The Neutral Years: 2019, 2020

The 2019 and 2020 models of the Buick Enclave represented a period of stability for this popular midsize SUV.The Enclave continued to uphold its reputation for comfort, spaciousness, and smooth driving experience  while there were no major overhauls or groundbreaking innovations during these years.Buick stayed true to its core values with subtle updates to technology and safety features  with a focus on refinement and reliability, .

The Enclave in one notable aspect of the Neutral Years was its consistent performance across various road conditions. Drivers could rely on the Enclave’s capable engine and responsive handling whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.

The interior design also maintained its elegant simplicity, offering a welcoming environment for passengers during both short commutes and long journeys. These years may not have seen any dramatic changes, they solidified the Enclave’s position as a dependable choice in the competitive midsize SUV market.

The Worst Year: 2021

2021 was a challenging year for the Buick Enclave of the 2nd generation, with several issues cropping up that left many owners frustrated. The reports of glitches in the infotainment system and various sensors causing headaches for drivers was one of the most common complaints revolving around electrical problems.The significant issue that plagued Enclave owners in 2021 was transmission troubles, leading to concerns about safety and reliability on the road.

It is important to note that not all Buick Enclave owners experienced these problems in 2021. Some drivers praised the vehicle for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and stylish design. It is clear that Buick will need to address these issues moving forward to maintain their reputation for quality and dependability. 

The graph shows the average resale values of the Buick Enclave Car:

Buick Enclave Average Resale Values

Best And Worst Buick Enclave Years for consumers to consider include the 2014 model for its reliability and the 2008 model for potential transmission issues.The Buick Enclave has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years while some models have been praised for their reliability and performance, others have faced issues that owners have found frustrating. It is important for potential buyers to research each model year thoroughly and consider factors such as maintenance history and common problems before making a decision. 

Which Year Is The Buick Enclave The Most Reliable?

Research suggests that the 2016 Buick Enclave stands out one of the most reliable years for this model, with fewer reported issues and a solid track record in terms of performance and longevity.

What Year Is Bad For Buick Enclave?

Some consumers have raised concerned about 2014 model.Common issues include transmission issues, electrical problem, and premature engine wears.

Are Used Buick Enclaves Reliable?

A used buick enclave can offer years of reliable performance with proper maintainence and care,.

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