2018 Buick Enclave Safety Report

The 2018 Buick Enclave presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts strong crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, its complaint data reveals significant concerns, particularly with the powertrain and braking systems. With 56 total complaints, including 4 crashes and 1 injury, the vehicle has not been subject to any recalls, which is unusual given the nature and frequency of some reported issues. The most common complaints revolve around the service brakes (13 complaints) and power train (8 complaints), with several reports detailing critical failures that could lead to dangerous situations. Specific patterns include sudden transmission failures, where the vehicle loses power or becomes unable to shift, often described as a 'catastrophic transmission failure' or 'GM shutter' related to the torque converter. There are also multiple reports of the electronic parking brake engaging unexpectedly or failing to disengage, and issues with the auto-stop feature causing the engine and electrical system to shut down while in drive, leading to a loss of power steering. These powertrain and braking malfunctions are severe, with some owners reporting near-misses or being stranded in traffic. Other notable issues include flickering headlights, which can impair visibility and distract other drivers, and problems with the EVAP purge solenoid. Despite the excellent crash test ratings, the lack of recalls for these recurring and potentially dangerous mechanical and electrical failures, especially concerning the powertrain and brakes, is a significant concern. The 1 injury reported is directly linked to an airbag deployment in a crash, indicating the passive safety systems performed as expected in that instance, but the active safety and reliability of critical components are questionable based on owner complaints.

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Buick Enclave has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring and severe powertrain and braking issues reported by owners; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components is highly recommended.