NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Buick Enclave Safety Ratings
The 2019 Buick Enclave scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 39 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Buick Enclave achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance in federal crash testing, combined with a single recall that did not carry a do-not-drive order, underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100. This places the Enclave in our Strong safety band. Buyers should note that while its core crash protection is robust, advanced safety features such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning were offered as options, not standard equipment, for this model year.
The 2019 Buick Enclave SUV FWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five out of five stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Buick Enclave ranks 31 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 39 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 31 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Buick Enclave?
The 2019 Buick Enclave FWD earns an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is underpinned by a robust five-star overall NHTSA rating. Notably, the Enclave achieved a perfect five-star score in side-impact crash testing. However, its four-star ratings for frontal impact and rollover resistance brought the crash protection sub-score to 61 out of a possible 70 points. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is 6 out of 10. This reflects that critical safety features, specifically forward collision warning and lane departure warning, were offered as optional equipment for the 2019 model year. Consequently, the presence of these technologies varies across individual vehicles depending on their original configuration. Regarding its defect record, the Enclave registered a sub-score of 16.5 out of 20. This is primarily influenced by a single recall campaign. This recall, concerning the automatic transmission, was not exclusive to the Enclave, extending across multiple GM models and model years. Additionally, NHTSA records show 39 unverified owner complaints. These complaints, predominantly citing powertrain and engine issues, align thematically with the transmission recall, though they remain unsubstantiated allegations. The 2019 Enclave thus offers a solid crash-test foundation with a focused defect record that merits confirmation of resolution.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Buick Enclave perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Buick Enclave's strongest crash-test result came in side-impact protection, earning a full five out of five stars. The vehicle's overall rating from NHTSA is also five stars. Both frontal protection and rollover resistance are rated at four out of five stars; the rollover risk is measured at 17 percent, with dynamic tip testing returning a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13095
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Buick Enclave have any recalls?
The 2019 Buick Enclave carries one NHTSA recall campaign. It involves the powertrain, specifically the automatic transmission, and was issued by General Motors covering certain 2018-2019 and related model-year vehicles across multiple nameplates. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign. Used buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca
Reported 2020-10-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA has logged 39 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Buick Enclave. Alleged concerns center on the powertrain (14 reports), engine (12), and electrical system (10). Owners have also reported alleged issues with brakes and steering. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Buick Enclave?
The 2019 Buick Enclave was subject to a recall concerning its automatic transmission. Prospective owners should verify that this critical recall has been addressed by checking the vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA database. Furthermore, key active safety features, specifically forward collision warning and lane departure warning, were optional for the 2019 model year. Buyers must confirm these systems are present on any individual Enclave they are considering.
- The 2019 Buick Enclave earned a five-star NHTSA overall rating, with a perfect five stars in side-impact testing and four stars each for frontal and rollover protection, producing a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70.
- This model year carries one recall covering the automatic transmission, issued by General Motors and shared across several GM vehicles from 2018 to 2020 - used buyers must confirm by VIN that the remedy has been completed.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on the 2019 Enclave, not standard equipment, which limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and means safety-tech content varies by individual vehicle configuration.
- NHTSA has recorded 39 unverified consumer complaints for this model year, with powertrain (14 alleged reports) and engine (12 alleged reports) as the leading categories - these are unverified allegations and do not constitute confirmed defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Buick Enclave places
The 2019 Buick Enclave qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Buick Enclave safety questions
Was the 2019 Buick Enclave crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Buick Enclave, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Buick Enclave crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Buick Enclave earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Buick Enclave have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Buick Enclave. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Buick Enclave?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Buick Enclave. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Enclave years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13095), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Enclave 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 31 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.