NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Buick Enclave Safety Ratings
The 2026 Buick Enclave scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Buick Enclave achieves an Exceptional rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100. This score reflects robust crash protection, a perfect rating for its avoidance technology, and a minimal defect record. For the 2026 model year, the Enclave is positioned as one of the safest vehicles in its class based on these metrics.
The 2026 Buick Enclave received a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100 and a 5/5 NHTSA side-impact star rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Buick Enclave ranks 35 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 35 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Buick Enclave?
The 2026 Buick Enclave marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's safety measurement. Its index climbed nine points over the 2025 model year, moving from 84/100 in the Strong band to 93/100 in the Exceptional band. That jump is driven by a near-perfect crash-protection subscore of 63.8 out of 70, a full 10/10 on avoidance technology, and a defect-record subscore of 19 out of 20. The avoidance-tech sweep is notable: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this year's Enclave, leaving no credit on the table in that category. The one recall on record is a documentation-related multi-brand action rather than a structural or propulsion safety defect, which helps explain the high defect-record subscore. The single owner complaint, alleging powertrain and fuel-system concerns, is too limited in volume to draw conclusions. What distinguishes this specific model year is the combination of a confirmed 5/5 side-impact rating, a 4/5 rollover score with a No Tip result, and the index surge, all against a backdrop of very limited complaint and recall activity for a brand-new vehicle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Buick Enclave perform in crash tests?
Side-impact protection for the 2026 Buick Enclave is excellent, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. The rollover rating is also strong at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic assessment. However, the lack of an overall safety rating or a frontal crash-test rating means the full safety profile of the 2026 Enclave remains incomplete.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21817
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Buick Enclave have any recalls?
The 2026 Buick Enclave carries one recall campaign. It is a multi-brand General Motors action covering documentation issues, specifically an owner, service, or other manual concern, grouped with several other 2025-2026 GM models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign. Shoppers should verify remedy status for their specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA has received one unverified consumer complaint for the 2026 Buick Enclave. The alleged concerns touch the Power Train, Engine, and Fuel/Propulsion System. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in that report. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Buick Enclave?
NHTSA records indicate a single open recall for the Model X, a documentation recall. While it does not involve structural or propulsion systems, prospective owners should confirm its remedy status through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The Safety Index rose nine points from the 2025 model year, from 84/100 to 93/100, one of the larger single-year gains tracked for this nameplate.
- NHTSA has not yet assigned overall or frontal crash-test star ratings to the 2026 Enclave, so safety assessment in those dimensions relies on the subscore model rather than direct star data.
- The sole recall is a multi-brand GM documentation action covering owner and service manuals, not a structural, powertrain, or fire-related defect.
- All three avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech subscore.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Buick Enclave places
The 2026 Buick Enclave qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Buick Enclave safety questions
Was the 2026 Buick Enclave crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Buick Enclave, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Buick Enclave crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Buick Enclave earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Buick Enclave have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Buick Enclave. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Buick Enclave?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21817), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Enclave 2026.
- 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 35 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.