2021 Buick Enclave: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
A quiet, comfortable family hauler with a confident V6; the 2021 Enclave posts modest complaint counts, with only scattered brake and electrical reports. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Buick Enclave ranged from $40,300 to $54,100 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
A quiet, comfortable family hauler with a confident V6; the 2021 Enclave posts modest complaint counts, with only scattered brake and electrical reports.
Sources (6)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/buick-enclave-2020/consumer-reviews/
- consumerguide.comhttps://consumerguide.com/buick/2020-enclave/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/enclave
Known issues
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Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power
occasional · 16 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns
occasional · 13 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding
occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · brake
-
Electrical faults including backup-camera failures, battery and alternator issues, and occasional unexpected shutdowns
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Isolated reports of the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattering
isolated · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=enclave…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet, smooth and composed ride thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning sound insulation
- Spacious, upscale-looking cabin with very comfortable front seats
- Standard 3.6L V6 provides confident, refined acceleration
- Flexible three-row seating that fits adults when the second row slides forward
Cons
- Third-row bottom cushion lacks thigh support, trailing rivals like the VW Atlas
- Above-average insurance and repair costs weaken its overall value
- Some interior plastics feel low-rent, especially on the pricier Avenir trims
- Occasional nine-speed transmission hard-shift and oil-consumption complaints
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred | $40,300 | $45,100 | — | — |
| Essence | $42,300 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium | $48,400 | discontinued | — | — |
| Avenir | $54,100 | $58,200 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-buick-enclave-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/buick-enclave-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($40,300). Higher trims started higher (up to $54,100), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 36% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/buick-enclave/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/enclave
- insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/buick-insurance/buick-enclave-car-insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Buick Enclave have?
Documented issue patterns include: Nine-speed automatic transmission can shift harshly, hesitate, or fail to shift out of park, with some owners reporting a loss of power; Exhaust system problems such as flex-pipe and exhaust-manifold leaks, in some cases raising carbon-monoxide concerns; Brake complaints including unexpected electronic parking brake engagement, brake-booster failure and premature grinding; Electrical faults including backup-camera failures, battery and alternator issues, and occasional unexpected shutdowns. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave reliable?
A quiet, comfortable family hauler with a confident V6; the 2021 Enclave posts modest complaint counts, with only scattered brake and electrical reports.
How much did the 2021 Buick Enclave cost new?
Between $40,300 and $54,100 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Buick Enclave expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.