VehicleVerdict

2021 Buick Enclave problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 Buick Enclave is among the quieter years of the Enclave on NHTSA's books: 30 complaints (72% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (6), brakes (6), and other (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Enclave years?

Enclave NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted779 complaints2008: 779 complaints2009: 290 complaints2010: 358 complaints2011: 284 complaints2012: 174 complaints2013: 108 complaints2014: 345 complaints2015: 220 complaints2016: 152 complaints2017: 200 complaints2018: 92 complaints2019: 64 complaints2020: 70 complaints2021: 30 complaints2022: 20 complaints2023: 22 complaints2024: 11 complaints2025: 56 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Enclave NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Enclave years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Buick Enclave problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System620%
Brakes620%
Other413%
Body & Structure310%
Transmission27%
Engine27%
Latches & Locks27%
Seat Belts27%
Steering13%
Fuel System13%
Driver Assistance13%

Does the 2021 Buick Enclave have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V210000AirbagsMarch 31, 2022 · 89 units

Defect

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.

21V472000AirbagsJune 24, 2021 · 6 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 9, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 2, 2021

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 6, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 17, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 6, 2026

2021 Buick Enclave — common questions

Is the 2021 Buick Enclave reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Enclave year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Enclave problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (6 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Buick Enclave have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Buick Enclave. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2021 Buick Enclave?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.