2021 Buick Enclave Safety Report
2021 Buick Enclave Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Buick Enclave
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Buick Enclave. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (19) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Buick Enclave with 6 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Buick Enclave before buying across this generation. |
Buick Enclave Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Buick Enclave years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 11 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Buick Enclave | 41 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Buick Enclave | 17 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Buick Enclave | 37 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Buick Enclave | 6 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Buick Enclave | 56 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Buick Enclave Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Buick Enclave, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Buick onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Buick onlyElectrical System,Structure
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Structure issues Buick onlyElectrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Buick onlyLatches/Locks/Linkages
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Buick onlyElectrical System,Latches/Locks/Linkages
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Buick onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Buick Enclave
Reliability Score
The 2021 Buick Enclave receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Buick Enclave
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Buick Enclave
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Buick Enclave:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes Brakes have started grinding at low mileage, indicating potential wear or manufacturing defect. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Liftgate The power liftgate has malfunctioned, preventing it from opening or closing properly. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Tailgate Latch The tailgate latch has unlocked independently, posing a safety risk. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Door Locks Door locks have intermittently failed to operate, potentially leading to unauthorized access. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Buick Enclave:
Issues with service brakes have been reported.
Power liftgate malfunctions have been reported.
Tailgate latch issues have been reported.
Door locks have intermittently failed to operate.
Recall Details for the 2021 Buick Enclave
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Buick Enclave by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 from deploying in a crash.
Consequence: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Buick Enclave
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Buick Enclave with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 vehicle and theft could occur. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. A service center confirmed that it's the s...
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 dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for an inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure bu...
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 contact related the failure to the Manufacturer's Communication Number: 10211091. The dealer was notified of the failure and p...
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 nor the keyfob will open the liftgate. Previously the liftgate opened on its own at unintended times and now it has simpl...
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 ordered and replaced. Engine light came back on-again October 15, 2024. Portable CO detector in car was beeping when eng...
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 parked. It’s not necessarily a typical safety issue that are normally recalled for, but it does pose significant safety i...
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 malfunctioning. This is the 3rd transmission that I have had in this car. It is a 2021 Buick Enclave with just over 12,000 miles.
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 to make this safe.
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. On July 23 2021 an own coming 18 wheeler did not see me and made a left turn in front of me at the traffic light . I s...
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.
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 every time I apply the brakes. Occasionally, when I apply the brakes and they are making the grinding feeling - it feel...
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 power. Also at stop lights or signs you tend to keep tapping the brake to keep it running resulting in a dangerous situation...
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 of brake material, dealers informed by GM not to replace any parts or attempt any repairs at this time. Was informed veh...
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 GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY (GM) WERE TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THE NOISE. ALSO, I WAS TOLD THAT I CA...
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Buick Enclave
Has the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE have?
The 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE has 19 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
The 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE involve service brakes (6 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), electrical system,structure (2 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, latches/locks/linkages, electrical system,latches/locks/linkages.
How many crash reports does the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE.
Should I buy a 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE is generally recommended. It has 19 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE (2 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 5. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
Be cautious of brake noise and power liftgate malfunctions. Consider the reported issues with tailgate latches and door locks. The 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE has 19 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
The 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 19 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes and Power Liftgate.
What are the known issues with the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE?
Known issues with the 2021 BUICK ENCLAVE include: Service Brakes, Power Liftgate, Tailgate Latch, Door Locks. These are based on patterns found across 19 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Buick Enclave?
Yes, there are recalls related to airbags, which affect certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles.
What are the common issues with the 2021 Buick Enclave?
Common issues include brake noise at low mileage, power liftgate malfunctions, tailgate latch unlocking, and door locks failing to operate.
Is the auto stop-start feature a problem?
Some owners have reported issues with the auto stop-start feature, particularly when making left turns.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of brake noise and power liftgate malfunctions. Consider the reported issues with tailgate latches and door locks.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Buick Enclave
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Buick Enclave. The data includes 19 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Buick Enclave an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13