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2021 Buick Enclave problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Buick Enclave is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Enclave model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
93/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
6581 warranty
Worst area
Brakes
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
20-21mpg

The worst 2021 Buick Enclave problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    7
  • Electrical
    6
  • Body
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Buick Enclave

Grinding brakes 5

Recalls 2

Air bags: side/window: curtainReported March 31, 2022 · 89 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
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.

Recall number 22V210000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: frontal impactReported June 24, 2021 · 6 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
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.

Recall number 21V472000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2021 Buick Enclave

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Buick Enclave 658

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 658 bulletins for the 2021 Buick Enclave

2021 Buick Enclave crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Buick Enclave SUV AWD5454
Buick Enclave SUV FWD5454

2021 Buick Enclave fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.6L 6‑cylFWD182621
3.6L 6‑cylAWD172520

What 2021 Buick Enclave owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MN

Eboost intermittent. Loss of brakes.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Seat belts · 90,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the contact and her daughter inside the vehicle, her daughter's seat belt became extremely tight. The seat belt failed to unlatch, forcing the contact to cut the seat belt to remove her daughter from the seat. The contact believed that the seat belt had malfunctioned. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Transmission · SC

The muffler and tail pipe has fallen off 6 times and ive had to get repaired. I believe it is due to the bad torque converter that others have complained about and goggle says that is a likely failure on the buick.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Body · WI

The liftgate of my vehicle began opening on it's own at no apparent interval, but now occurs frequently while waiting for a repair part to come in. This has happened while parked - including in public parking lots (where someone malicious could have entered the vehicle and the closed the liftgate after entering the vehicle - I would have been unaware of their presence) as well as while driving, which presents multiple safety issues including belongings falling out of the vehicle or causing an accident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and repair and the part has been on backorder since April 20, 2026. Multiple user forums report a plethora of other individuals experiencing the same issue.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Seat belts · CO

Passenger side seatbelt latch gets stuck so when trying to buckle it doesn’t go in, you have to try multiple times. Get a notification on dashboard every once in a while saying seatbelt or airbag issue contact dealer. Warning light (air bag and seatbelt system) lights up. My safety is put at risk as I am pregnant and not sure whether the seatbelt will buckle or not while I’m in the passenger seat. I have not taken this In to be looked at yet.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Electrical · MI

About six months ago the tailgate foot sensor failed and has not worked. Since then, the tailgate began randomly opening on its own, mostly when the car is parked and shut off, but as of today(4-28-2026) it started occurring while I'm driving. In addition to the hazard of items falling from my vehicle unto the highway and/or other cars, the only way for me to close the tailgate from the driver's seat is to place the transmission in Park and push the tailgate button. Other than that, I must stop and get out and physically close it. Both actions are potential risks depending on my location and the traffic around me. I've brought this in to the dealership service department in January 2026 with this complaint, but was told they couldn't find anything wrong with it. In the meantime, it continues to get worse.

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Electrical · MA

The trunk latching system malfunction even when it is set to OFF. When the vehicle is off or running it will open automatically then will not shut unless you turn the car on then shut the car off put on lock then unlock the car. While driving short distances the lift gate will open enough to trigger the alarm. I have woke up my trunk is open. It is safety for me and others due to exposure of material in trunk falling out. Safety for me sitting in car this happens all the time. I have called the dealer they want to charge $90 hr to diagnose and fix it.

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Electrical · MN

Problem: The back hatch or trunk door pops open randomly on its own, many times a day. In a parking lot once. It hasn't happened while I've been driving. Safety issue because if it were to open while in public and a person wasn't in the vehicle, then anyone could enter the vehicle and theft could occur. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. A service center confirmed that it's the switch in the back hatch. No, the vehicle hasn't been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance. No, there haven't been any warning lights with this issue.

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · SC

The catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times. The flex pipes has been repaired and replaced 4 times and the exhaust pipes has been welded on 5 times. The back tail pipe fail off while driving and had to be welded. The exhaust on this vehicle has given me many problems.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Locks · 39,700 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate latch independently unlocked. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for an inspection and diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 39,700.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Buick Enclave before you buy

Compare the 2021 Buick Enclave

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Other model years

2008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2021 Buick Enclave

Is the 2021 Buick Enclave reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2021 Buick Enclave, fewer than a typical Enclave model year.

What is the 2021 Buick Enclave year score?

The 2021 Buick Enclave scores 93 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Enclave: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Buick Enclave?

Brakes, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (6).

How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Enclave have?

2 recalls, covering air bags.

Is the 2021 Buick Enclave safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2021 Buick Enclave scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What year does the Buick Enclave have bad brakes?

The Buick Enclave model years with the most brakes complaints are 2018 (21 complaints), 2008 (16 complaints) and 2025 (16 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Buick Enclave get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Buick Enclave range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.6L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 26 highway.

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