MODEL
Buick Enclave
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.
From a pure safety standpoint, the Buick Enclave earns a respectable place in its segment. Its best NHTSA Safety Index across our 2019-2025 coverage window reaches 94 out of 100 in the 2022 model year, a score that lands in the Exceptional band and represents the high-water mark for this generation. Crash-test performance in that peak year shows a five-star frontal rating and a five-star side rating, with rollover coming in at four stars, a result that is common for tall, heavier SUVs in this class and worth acknowledging rather than dismissing. Across the full 2019-2025 span, the Enclave has accumulated 10 recalls, a number that sits on the moderate side for a vehicle covering seven model years. Shoppers should research which specific years carry the most recall activity before purchase. Owner complaint volume totals 186 across the covered period, with 11 alleged crashes and 10 alleged injuries reported among those filings. These are unverified allegations as submitted to NHTSA, but the complaint data is worth reviewing in detail. The honest bottom line: the 2022 model year stands out as the safety sweet spot of this generation. If safety performance is a priority alongside the Enclave's well-known comfort credentials, targeting that year or researching how surrounding years compare on NHTSA's own database is a smart first step.
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.