NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Buick Enclave Safety Ratings
The 2020 Buick Enclave scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 51 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Buick Enclave achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, positioning it within the Strong band. This assessment primarily reflects its solid crash-test performance. However, six recall campaigns and a corresponding defect record sub-score tempered the overall figure. This represents a reasonably strong safety profile for a used SUV.
The 2020 Buick Enclave received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, sourced entirely from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Buick Enclave ranks 70 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 51 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 70 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Buick Enclave?
The 2020 Buick Enclave presents a measurable safety story that differs from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index dropped four points to 80/100 from the 2019 model year's 84/100, both remaining in the Strong band but the gap is meaningful. The decline is traceable primarily to the defect record component, which scored 12.5 out of a possible 20 points, weighed down by six recall campaigns issued across tires, fuel delivery, the automatic transmission, and curtain airbag inflators. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is genuinely strong and is anchored by the 5-star overall and 5-star side NHTSA ratings. The avoidance tech score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this year, limiting the score ceiling. The curtain airbag inflator recall is the most safety-critical item in the 2020 campaign list, given its direct relevance to occupant protection in a crash. The 51 reported complaints, led by alleged engine and electrical issues, add further texture to a year where the recall volume and complaint activity together explain why the Index retreated from 2019 levels despite strong crash-test numbers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Buick Enclave perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Buick Enclave AWD achieves an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings, anchored by a 5-star performance in side impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. Its rollover risk is assessed at 15 percent, and the vehicle recorded a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14180
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Buick Enclave have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover the 2020 Enclave. Components flagged include tires (two separate campaigns), the automatic transmission, the fuel pump, and curtain airbag inflators. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy completion for all six campaigns by VIN at NHTSA.gov before purchasing.
TIRES21V115000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. 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 recall is N212329050.
Reported 2021-02-25
TIRES20V684000
Risk: Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 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 1-800-4
Reported 2020-11-05
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V639000
Risk: Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 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 recall is N202314760.
Reported 2020-10-15
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR20V446000
Risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Reported 2020-07-30
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS19V643000
Risk: A crack in the frame rail may reduce crash performance, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N192268310.
Reported 2019-09-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Buick Enclave?
Fifty-one unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the engine (14 reports), unknown or other issues (10), the electrical system (9), and the powertrain (8). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Buick Enclave?
The 2020 Enclave has been subject to six recall campaigns, a factor any prospective buyer must consider. It is critical to verify that all necessary repairs have been performed, especially those addressing the curtain airbag inflator and fuel pump. Open recalls remain with the vehicle, underscoring the importance of checking its specific VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool prior to purchase.
- The 2020 model year Safety Index of 80/100 is four points lower than the 2019 Enclave's 84/100, a year-over-year decline driven by a higher recall volume and a defect record sub-score of only 12.5 out of 20.
- Two separate tire recall campaigns were issued for the 2020 Enclave, one in November 2020 and one in February 2021, making tire-related remedy verification a specific priority for used-market buyers.
- The curtain airbag inflator recall, issued in July 2020, directly involves a crash-protection component and should be confirmed as remedied on any specific vehicle before purchase.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as optional, not standard, for this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 and means individual vehicles may or may not carry these features.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Buick Enclave places
The 2020 Buick Enclave qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Buick Enclave safety questions
Was the 2020 Buick Enclave crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Buick Enclave, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 2020 Buick Enclave crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 15%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Enclave have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Buick Enclave. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Buick Enclave?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Buick Enclave. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Enclave years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14180), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Enclave 2020.
- 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 70 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.