NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Buick Enclave Safety Ratings
The 2021 Buick Enclave scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 24 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Buick Enclave achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, positioning it in the Strong band. This represents a five-point increase over the 2020 model's 80/100. The improvement stems from a significantly cleaner defect record score coupled with robust crash protection performance, making this model a well-supported choice for safety-conscious consumers.
The 2021 Buick Enclave SUV AWD received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Buick Enclave ranks 54 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 24 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 54 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Buick Enclave?
The 2021 Buick Enclave stands out within its own lineage for a measurable safety improvement: the NHTSA Safety Index rose five points to 85/100 compared with the 2020 model's 80/100, both within the Strong band but the 2021 sitting meaningfully higher. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 anchors that gain, backed by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and a perfect 5-star side result. The avoidance-tech score of 6 out of 10 reflects a structural limitation: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this year, meaning not every 2021 Enclave on the road carries those systems. Electronic stability control is standard across the board. The defect-record sub-score of 18 out of 20 is the clearest year-specific signal here, earned despite two active recall campaigns, both centered on air bag components. Those campaigns cover the frontal impact sensor and the curtain bag harness connector, meaning the core restraint architecture carries open safety actions that require verification on any individual vehicle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Buick Enclave perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Buick Enclave AWD earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection was particularly strong, rated at 5 stars. Frontal impact and rollover protection each received 4 stars. The rollover risk was measured at 15 percent, with the dynamic tip-test showing no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15342
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Buick Enclave have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, issued mid-2021, targets the frontal air bag sensor on certain 2021 Traverse and Enclave vehicles serviced by dealers. The second, issued early 2022, addresses the curtain air bag harness connector on 2020-2022 Traverse and 2021-2022 Enclave vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for either campaign.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN22V210000
Risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.
Reported 2022-03-31
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:FRONTAL IMPACT21V472000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.
Reported 2021-06-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA has logged 24 unverified owner allegations for the 2021 Enclave. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System and Service Brakes, each cited in 6 reports. Structure accounts for 3 additional allegations. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are reported in these unverified filings.
24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Buick Enclave?
The 2021 Enclave has two open recall campaigns specific to air bag components. For a vehicle of this age, changing hands, it is imperative that prospective owners verify the completion of these remedies. Buyers should ensure the seller or a certified dealer confirms both campaigns have been resolved before purchase.
- The 2021 Enclave's Safety Index of 85/100 represents a five-point year-over-year gain from the 2020 model's 80/100, the largest single-year improvement visible in adjacent model data.
- Both active recall campaigns on this specific model year target air bag systems: one covers the frontal impact sensor on 2021 units, and a second covers the curtain bag harness connector on 2021-2022 units.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment on this model year, so individual vehicles may not carry these systems depending on original trim and package selection.
- Twenty-four unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA, with Electrical System and Service Brakes each drawing six reports, the two highest complaint concentrations for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Buick Enclave places
The 2021 Buick Enclave qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Buick Enclave safety questions
Was the 2021 Buick Enclave crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Buick Enclave, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2021 Buick Enclave crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Buick Enclave have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Buick Enclave. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Buick Enclave?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 24 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Buick Enclave. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Enclave years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15342), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Enclave 2021.
- 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 54 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.