2018 Buick Enclave problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2018 Buick Enclave sits mid-pack among Enclave years: 92 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 108, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (21), engine (15), and transmission (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
92
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2018 compare to other Enclave years?
What are the most common 2018 Buick Enclave problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 21 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 15 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 15 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 11% | — flat |
| Other | 8 | 9% | — flat |
| Driver Assistance | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“COLD START, AC UNIT ON, ENGINE AT HIGH IDLE SPEED. PUT CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE. STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR KEPT ROLLING. PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND APPLIED EXTREME PRESSURE, CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. PANICKED THAT I WOULD HIT A WALL, I DROPPED THE CAR FROM REVERSE TO…”
“The car shuts off at random when coming out of autostop, the car will disable power steering when coming out of autostop to make turns making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. Coming out of autostop is typically when you are trying to go or make a turn. This has been an ongoing issue that…”
“-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to…”
“-A few weeks prior to accident, while driving down a 65mph highway in TX, vehicle side mirrors were folding inward. Continued to fold inward after hit button to open them multiple times. Even did this after pulled off highway and stopped/started vehicle and exiting vehicle and locking to try to…”
“I DROVE OVER SOME METAL COVERING OF A POT HOLE OR OTHER TYPE OF HOLE ON LEXINGTON AVENUE AND ABOUT 100TH STREET IN NYC TODAY. WHEN I DROVE OVER THE METAL COVERING THE CAR STOPPED. THIS IS THE AVENIR MODEL WHICH HAS AUTO STOP. THANKFULLY, THE CAR BEHIND ME STOPPED AND DIDN'T HIT ME. I WILL TAKE THE…”
2018 Buick Enclave — common questions
Is the 2018 Buick Enclave reliable?
It is close to typical for the Enclave: 92 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2018 Enclave problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), engine (15 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).
Does the 2018 Buick Enclave have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Buick Enclave.
Which Buick Enclave years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Enclave years to avoid are 2008, 2010, 2014, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2012. The cleanest record among Enclave years belongs to 2026.
How safe is the 2018 Buick Enclave?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Buick Enclave earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.