2020 Buick Enclave VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2020 Buick Enclave has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Buick Enclave. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (9), Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (7).

Enclave reliability snapshot

68/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (good)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Buick Enclave before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

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Most-reported 2020 Buick Enclave issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Engine9
Electrical System9
Unknown Or Other7
Power Train6
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Steering2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Buick Enclave

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Inspect exhaust system for weld failures and leaks
Test for unexpected engine shutdowns while driving
Check for transmission jerking or locking issues
Verify seat belt latching properly
Test infotainment system for black screen or camera issues
Inspect for water leaks from sunroof or ceiling
Check for brake grinding noise during operation

What owners reported

2020 Buick Enclave owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Buick Enclave. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints9

ENGINE

Owners of the 2020 Buick Enclave frequently report issues related to the exhaust system, particularly involving the separation of the mounting bracket from the front exhaust pipe, which often results in holes in the exhaust. These issues lead to symptoms such as rattling noises, strong exhaust smells, and potential entry of exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, into the passenger cabin. Several complaints indicate that these problems are similar to those in other model years, yet are not covered under the same recalls or service bulletins. Additionally, one owner reports significant engine-related problems, including oil leaks and a need for engine replacement, accompanied by symptoms like low-oil notifications and sudden acceleration. The safety implications of these issues include the risk of exhaust fumes entering the cabin, which could pose a health hazard to occupants.

Owner complaints9

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2020 Buick Enclave, particularly involving unexpected engine shutdowns while driving, which some describe as a serious safety hazard. Symptoms include the vehicle going into emergency park mode, complete power loss, and difficulties with the transmission shifting into park. These problems often occur around 28,500 to 116,834 miles. One incident involved a crash due to the rear liftgate failing to latch, causing cargo to exit the vehicle. Additionally, some owners experience infotainment and OnStar connectivity issues, as well as inaccurate tire pressure monitoring. These complaints suggest potential safety risks and reliability concerns for prospective used car buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints7

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2020 Buick Enclave, with a notable pattern involving exhaust system failures. Multiple complaints describe exhaust leaks and broken brackets, often occurring around 31,500 miles, leading to increased noise and emissions warning codes. Additionally, some owners experience water leaks from the ceiling, particularly affecting the driver seat, which can lead to safety concerns such as distraction while driving. There are also isolated incidents of the sunroof glass exploding without prior damage and recurring breakage of the rear sunshade clip. These reports highlight potential safety implications and repair costs, which prospective buyers should consider.

Owner complaints6

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2020 Buick Enclave frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission malfunctions and excessive oil consumption. Common symptoms include the vehicle abruptly shifting into park while driving, jerking during acceleration, and the transmission locking up in park or drive. These issues often occur at low mileages, with one report noting problems as early as 2,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with one incident involving a crash and injury following unintended acceleration. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission problems and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints2

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2020 Buick Enclave report issues related to the engine and engine cooling systems. Complaints frequently mention abnormal sounds, such as a ticking noise from under the hood, and unusual exhaust odors inside the cabin. In some cases, these symptoms are linked to a cracked flex pipe bracket and catalytic converter damage, with one report noting a clogged catalytic converter. Additionally, owners describe the vehicle jerking and vibrating, with warning lights illuminating during these events. These issues are reported around 52,580 miles, with no mention of crashes or loss of control, although the presence of warning lights and vibrations may suggest potential operational concerns.

Owner complaints2

STEERING

Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2020 Buick Enclave, particularly involving the steering wheel locking while turning and a loss of power steering. Complaints frequently mention warning messages such as "Service ESC", "Park Assist Off", and "Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care", along with illuminated stability control lights. One owner describes multiple repair attempts over several months starting in October 2023, including software reprogramming and component replacements like the battery and steering rack, but the issue persists. The described problems occur unpredictably, posing potential safety risks, especially in urban traffic conditions. Buyers should be aware of these steering issues, as they may affect vehicle control and safety.

Owner complaints2

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report issues with the braking system in the 2020 Buick Enclave, specifically noting a grinding noise when the brakes are applied. One complaint describes a situation where the anti-lock braking system appears to malfunction, making it difficult to stop the vehicle effectively. This issue surfaced immediately after purchase, suggesting it may occur at low mileage, though specific mileage is not detailed. The reported symptoms include noise and potential difficulty in stopping, which could imply a safety risk, especially for families using the vehicle for regular transportation. Buyers considering a used 2020 Buick Enclave should be aware of these braking concerns and consider having the braking system inspected prior to purchase.

Owner complaints2

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2020 Buick Enclave report issues related to the fuel system, specifically involving the evaporative emission system and the fuel tank sensor. Common symptoms include the check engine warning light illumination, difficulty starting the vehicle, and fluctuating instrument cluster gauges, particularly after refueling. One owner also describes a sudden deceleration from 75 mph to 20 mph accompanied by a transmission message, indicating potential safety concerns. The issues are noted at approximately 7,100 to 42,000 miles, with some failures persisting despite parts replacement. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, especially regarding fuel system components.

Owner complaints2

SEAT BELTS

Owners of the 2020 Buick Enclave report issues with the driver's seat belt failing to latch properly. Complaints frequently mention difficulty in securing the seat belt, with some owners needing to attempt multiple insertions before the latch engages, while others report being unable to secure the seat belt at all. These issues are described without specific mileage or timelines, suggesting they may occur regardless of vehicle age or usage. The inability to securely fasten the seat belt presents a significant safety concern, as it could impact driver and passenger safety in the event of an accident. Used car buyers should be aware of these seat belt latching problems when considering this model.

2020 Enclave recalls (6)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Enclave. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

TIRESNHTSA 21V115000Feb 25, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Consequence: 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.
TIRESNHTSA 20V684000Nov 5, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Consequence: 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 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: 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 recall is N202313440.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 20V639000Oct 15, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 20V446000Jul 30, 2020
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
Consequence: 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.
STRUCTURENHTSA 19V643000Sep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The right-hand frame rail in the engine compartment may be cracked.
Consequence: 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.

Used-market value

2020 Buick Enclave resale snapshot

51.4%estimated value retained after 5 years

175listings in the model-level benchmark

$35,995median asking price from 35 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Buick Enclave value by year →Full Buick Enclave market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2020 Buick Enclave on the road

38,479 2020 Buick Enclave units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2020 Buick Enclave stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Chevrolet Traverse

Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Honda Pilot

Reliability: 81/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Toyota Highlander

Reliability: 84/100·Rivalry score: 90

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KIA Telluride

Reliability: 78/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Reliability verdict for the 2020 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Buick Enclave's reliability is moderate, aligning with the segment average. With six recalls, the recall frequency is elevated, indicating potential issues that have required manufacturer intervention. Complaints are distributed across multiple categories, with the engine and electrical systems being the most frequently mentioned, suggesting no single glaring defect but rather a range of concerns.

As a third-year model in its generation, the Enclave should benefit from initial production kinks being addressed. However, the spread of issues across critical systems such as the engine and powertrain suggests that buyers should be aware of potential reliability challenges.

Overall, the Enclave presents a moderate risk level, making it a reasonable choice for buyers who weigh its features and price against potential maintenance needs.

What you get in a 2020 Buick Enclave report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2020 Buick Enclave — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Buick Enclave reliable?

How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Enclave have?

6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Buick Enclave. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2020 Buick Enclave problems?

The most-reported 2020 Buick Enclave problem areas are: Engine (9), Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (7).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Buick Enclave?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Buick Enclave, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.