MODEL
Buick Enclave Safety
NHTSA safety across every Buick Enclave model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Buick Enclave we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 80. 11 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Buick Enclave is a three-row midsize SUV pitched squarely at families who want near-luxury comfort without a premium-brand price tag. Competing against the likes of the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride, the Enclave has been a quiet staple of GM's lineup since its second generation arrived in 2018. It seats up to seven and leans heavily on a refined, upscale cabin experience as its core identity.
The 2022 Buick Enclave achieved an Exceptional 94 out of 100 on our Safety Index, marking its strongest safety performance across the 2019-2025 model years. This rating reflects its five-star frontal and five-star side crash-test results from NHTSA. Rollover risk was assessed at four stars, which is a typical outcome for larger SUVs in this category. Across the seven model years covered, the Enclave has been subject to 10 recalls, a moderate figure. Owner complaints total 186, including 11 alleged crashes and 10 alleged injuries. While these are unverified reports to NHTSA, they warrant attention. For consumers prioritizing safety in an Enclave, the 2022 model year stands as the optimal choice within its generation.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Buick Enclave as one of the more refined and comfortable entries in the three-row midsize SUV segment, praising its quiet cabin and upscale feel. They tend to note that it prioritizes a smooth, composed driving experience over outright performance, and most consider it a strong family hauler for buyers who value ambiance and space.
- The 2022 model year achieved the highest NHTSA Safety Index in our coverage window at 94 out of 100, earning an Exceptional band rating, making it the standout year for crash-test performance in this generation.
- Rollover protection is rated four out of five stars even in the best-performing years, which is typical for taller three-row SUVs but is a meaningful distinction from the five-star frontal and side scores shoppers may focus on first.
- Ten recalls have been issued across the 2019-2025 model years. Prospective buyers should run any specific vehicle through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether open recalls have been remedied before purchase.
- The 186 owner complaints on file include 11 alleged crashes and 10 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, but reviewing the complaint descriptions by model year on NHTSA's database can surface patterns worth discussing with a dealer or independent inspector.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Buick Enclave with 6 recalls.