MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Buick Enclave Safety Ratings

The 2023 Buick Enclave scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 18 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
18Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2023 Buick Enclave registers a Safety Index of 87/100, positioning it within our Strong safety band. Its NHTSA crash-test performance is genuinely impressive; moreover, the absence of any recalls on file is a notable positive for the model year. The Safety Index does show a dip from the 2022 model, but this change is primarily attributable to evolving scoring criteria for avoidance technology, not to any structural degradation in the vehicle's safety profile.

The 2023 Buick Enclave received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, based on NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Buick Enclave ranks 63 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2023 Buick Enclave safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index87 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk15.1%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints18 (unverified allegations)
Class rank63 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Buick Enclave?

A seven-point drop in the Safety Index, from 94/100 for the 2022 model to 87/100 for the 2023 Buick Enclave, reflects a significant shift in its safety profile. While the 2023 Enclave secured a 5-star overall NHTSA result and a strong crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, its avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 substantially impacted the overall rating. This low score is a consequence of NHTSA and MotorCaliber's methodology, which penalizes the inconsistent availability of crash-avoidance systems like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The fact that these are listed as both Standard and Optional suggests a lack of universal fitment across all trim levels. The rollover sub-category, at 4 stars with a 15 percent risk figure, also did not achieve top marks, although the dynamic tip test indicated no tip. The defect record, however, remains strong with a sub-score of 18.5 out of 20, supported by zero recall campaigns and a low number of 18 unverified complaints. No fatalities have been alleged for the 2023 model year.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Buick Enclave perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Buick Enclave achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its performance in both frontal and side crash tests was exemplary, with the agency awarding 5 stars in each category. The Enclave's rollover resistance, however, presents a relative area of concern, earning 4 out of 5 stars. This is accompanied by a 15 percent calculated rollover risk, though the dynamic tip-test did not result in a tip.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17122

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record18.5/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: Standard & OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Buick Enclave have any recalls?

The 2023 Buick Enclave has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. For a used-market vehicle, a clean recall record at this stage is a straightforward positive worth noting.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Buick Enclave at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Buick Enclave?

NHTSA has received 18 unverified owner complaints for the 2023 Buick Enclave. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Exterior Lighting (5 reports) and Service Brakes (3 reports), followed by Seat Belts and Electrical System concerns. Two alleged crashes and two alleged injuries appear in the unverified filings.

18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsExterior Lighting 5Unknown Or Other 3Service Brakes 3Seat Belts 2Electrical System 2Engine 2

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Buick Enclave?

While no recalls are currently on file for the 2023 Buick Enclave, shoppers considering this model must independently verify recall remedy status by VIN. This absence of early-life safety campaigns is a positive indicator; however, ongoing vigilance is prudent for any used vehicle acquisition.

  • The 2023 Buick Enclave holds a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating with perfect scores in both frontal and side categories, making crash protection the strongest pillar of its 87/100 Safety Index.
  • The seven-point Index decline from the 2022 model year's 94/100 Exceptional rating is driven primarily by the avoidance-tech sub-score of 2/10, tied to inconsistent trim-level availability of forward collision warning and lane departure warning rather than a crash-test regression.
  • Zero NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this model year, and the defect-record sub-score of 18.5 out of 20 reflects that clean standing directly in the Safety Index calculation.
  • Eighteen unverified owner complaints include five alleged Exterior Lighting issues and three alleged Service Brake concerns, the two most frequently reported component categories for this model year according to NHTSA filings.

RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Buick Enclave places

The 2023 Buick Enclave qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2023 Buick Enclave safety questions

Was the 2023 Buick Enclave crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Buick Enclave, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2023 Buick Enclave crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2023 Buick Enclave earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2023 Buick Enclave have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Buick Enclave as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Buick Enclave?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Buick Enclave. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Enclave years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Safest SUV rivals, 2023 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2023 Tesla Model X Later Release100/100not rated0
2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Buick Envision96/1005 of 51
2023 Lexus Rz 450e96/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17122), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Enclave 2023.
  • 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 63 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
  • 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.