2018 Buick Enclave recalls & problems
The 2018 Buick Enclave has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 66 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (20 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2018 Buick Enclave.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2018 Buick Enclave SUV AWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2018 Buick Enclave SUV FWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Enclave FWD
| City / highway | 18 / 26 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Enclave AWD
| City / highway | 17 / 25 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 20 | 21,950 mi |
| Power train Automatic transmission | 16 | 49,000 mi |
| Engine | 13 | 19,875 mi |
| Electrical system Alternator/generator/regulator | 10 | — |
| Unknown or other | 8 | 5,800 mi |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | — |
| Forward collision avoidance Automatic emergency braking | 5 | — |
| Structure Body | 2 | — |
| Suspension | 2 | — |
| Back over prevention Warnings | 2 | — |
| Steering | 2 | — |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Sep 9, 2026Fuel/propulsion system
I am the original owner of this Buick Enclave Avenir. I have had two near accident occurences when the car started foring the breaks while I was accellarating on the highway and was not behind another vehicle. The car behind me nearly rerended me. On 10/17/26, my purge valve was replaced for the third time, making this the fourth purge valve the car has had. After getting gas, the car will not start, which is an indicator the part has gone bad and needs to be replaced. In June of 2025 I took my car to Anderson Buick over concerns while accellerating. They confirmed my transmission needed to be replaced. Our family shop suggested waiting until the end of summer since I wouldnt be driving… - Sep 24, 2026Vehicle speed control
The vehicle is experiencing an intermittent but severe safety defect involving the StabiliTrak and Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) systems. While driving at operational speeds, the "Service StabiliTrak" warning light illuminates, immediately followed by the uncommanded, autonomous engagement of the electronic parking brake. When the defect occurs, the vehicle forcibly brakes itself and suffers a complete loss of throttle response, preventing acceleration. This creates a severe, immediate crash hazard, as the vehicle decelerates abruptly without warning to surrounding traffic, leaving the driver unable to accelerate out of harm's way.The vehicle was brought to an authorized General Motors… - Jun 1, 2026Unknown or other
2018 Enclave w/106k on the odometer and the catalytic convertor cracked. $2200 repair. - Jun 1, 2026Fuel/propulsion system
I am submitting this letter to formally report two ongoing issues with my 2018 Buick Enclave. First, I have experienced persistent problems with the emissions purge valve. My vehicle has repeatedly triggered diagnostic trouble code P0496, indicating a malfunction in the purge valve system. I am aware that this issue has been the subject of recall campaigns for other Buick Enclave models; however, my vehicle has not been included in any such recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This malfunction has resulted in persistent check engine warnings and noticeable performance concerns, raising questions about emissions compliance and the overall reliability of my vehicle. Given that other… - May 26, 2022 · 72,000 milesEngine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm)
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the alternator was replaced 4 times before the dealer diagnosed that the failure was due to oil leaking onto the alternator and the battery. The contact stated that the alternator had been replaced 6 times in total. Additionally, the contact stated while pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road, the vehicle shut off. The messages "Electronic Control Module Failure", "Battery Saver Active", "Battery Charging System" and "Steering Assist Is Reduced- Drive with Care" were displayed. The vehicle failed to… - May 12, 2026Power train
After two transmission flushes and being told by a Buick dealership's service technicians that nothing is wrong with the vechile's transmission, it has now failed completely at ~90k miles. - Feb 1, 2026Unknown or other
Catalic converter weld broke both sides now - Oct 20, 2025Engine
Exhaust leak from broken front exhaust pipe. This has been a known defect in this make/model however the year of my vehicle was not included in the extended repair window and should have been. The exhaust leak was identified by the dealership when the vehicle was taken in for other maintenance. I had to pay for the repair myself and would like to be reimbursed due to this being a manufacturer known defect with the exhaust pipe. The exhaust leak caused unusual noises, a loud roaring, and reduced gas mileage. This was also a danger for carbon monoxide exposure.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.