Buick vehicles are generally considered reliable, especially in recent model years. However, the brand trails top competitors in maintenance costs, road-test performance, and owner satisfaction.
Factors supporting Buick reliability:
- Buick consistently ranks in the top 10 in J.D. Power surveys for both initial and long-term reliability.
- Consumer Reports ranks Buick highly for overall quality and used car reliability.
- Reliability improves in later model years, with fewer complaints and serious issues reported.
- Proper maintenance can reduce unscheduled and severe repairs.
Considerations against Buick reliability:
- Consumer Reports’ road test scores suggest Buick lags behind competitors in driving experience.
- Some Buick model years have had critical issues with components like turbo engines.
- Ownership costs are reasonable, but higher than those of Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai.
- Buick’s severe repair rate is slightly above average.
Below, we break down Buick’s reliability in detail, highlighting independent survey data, repair-cost studies, recall records, and owner complaint trends.
You’ll learn about Buick’s ownership costs, common problems, and maintenance needs. We’ll also explore the most reliable models and model years in the Buick lineup so you can make a more informed choice and avoid costly pitfalls.
This Article Contains:
- Buick Reliability Rating Overview
- How Do Buick Ownership and Repair Costs Compare?
- 5 Common Problems Buick Owners Face
- Top 5 Most Reliable Buick Models
- How to Maintain Your Buick for Better Reliability
Buick Reliability Rating Overview
Buick is a car brand first started by David Dunbar Buick in 1899. It was one of the first divisions of General Motors when the company was founded in 1908. General Motors is the manufacturing company responsible for Buick, GMC, Chevrolet, and Cadillac. Today, Buick is seen as a near-luxury car line.
So, the Buick brand has a rich history.
But is a Buick vehicle really worth buying?
One way to determine that is to look at Buick’s reliability rating in independent surveys:
J.D. Power:
- Buick has ranked in the top 5 of J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study since 2020, which measures problems per 100 vehicles over three years of ownership.
- Buick also typically places in the top 10 of the Initial Quality Survey, which tracks problems per 100 vehicles in the first three months of ownership. Buick ranked 1st in 2022 after placing 12th in 2021.
Consumer Reports:
Buick’s 2026 Consumer Reports reliability results are mixed. It ranks:
- 20th for overall quality and 11th when you exclude luxury car brands
- 7th in used car reliability
- 28th in road tests, only ahead of Land Rover, Dodge, and Jeep
- 21st in owner satisfaction
Conflicting scores can make it difficult to evaluate a car brand. But ratings alone don’t define a reliable vehicle, so next we’ll look at another key factor: the cost of keeping a Buick running smoothly.
How Do Buick Ownership and Repair Costs Compare?
The average annual repair and maintenance cost for a Buick vehicle, including scheduled and unscheduled repairs, is $608. This is below the $652 average for all automakers, but still higher than expected for a vehicle manufactured domestically in the US.
On average, a Buick requires unscheduled repairs every 3.3 years, which is slightly better than the industry average of once every 2.5 years. However, the rate of serious repairs is 13%, compared to the 12% overall average.
You might be wondering how these numbers compare to those of other automakers with reputations for reliability. Here’s a side-by-side look with Toyota:
| Buick | Toyota | |
| Average annual repair and maintenance cost | $608 | $441 |
| Average repair frequency | 1 per 3.3 years | 1 per 3.3 years |
| Severe repair rate | 13% | 12% |
Curious what kind of problems may contribute to the ownership costs of Buick vehicles?
We’ll look at some examples next.
5 Common Problems Buick Owners Face
Here’s an overview of Buick’s track record with common complaints and recalls:
1. Turbo Engines
Many Buicks with turbo engines have faced premature turbocharger failures and recalls due to cold-climate damage or heat damage on improperly routed fuel lines. Affected models include Buick Encore (2017, 2018, and 2020) and Buick Verano (2016).
2. Transmission
Drivers of several Buick models, especially the Enclave and Encore, have reported transmission-related issues, including transmission oil leaks and vehicles becoming stuck in “shift to park” accessory mode.
3. Brakes
Multiple recalls have addressed brake issues on Buick models such as the Buick Encore GX (2020–2021), Buick Envision (2016), and Buick LaCrosse (2014). These problems involved brake system faults like defective sensors or calipers and brake fluid issues.
4. Airbags
Several recalls from 2018 to present have addressed airbag problems on models such as the Buick Verano, Encore, Enclave, and Envision. Such issues could cause airbags to deploy unnecessarily, fail to deploy, or dislodge other interior components when deploying.
5. Electrical Systems
Buick models receive a high volume of complaints from drivers regarding electrical faults. Most post-2010 models support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but infotainment glitches are common, as are camera failures and sensor issues. These can impact safety features that rely on electrical systems.
Models where this issue often occurs include:
- Buick Encore
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Regal
- Buick LaCrosse
- Buick Lucerne.
Problems like these may raise concerns about the long-term reliability of the Buick brand.
The good news?
With proper maintenance, you can avoid problems like these for years. Working with a reputable mobile mechanic like Autonation Mobile Service allows you to schedule repairs and maintenance right from your driveway.
It’s also important to note that reliability can vary significantly between model years of the same vehicle. We’ll explore these differences next.
Top 5 Most Reliable Buick Models
Below are our picks for Buick’s most reliable vehicle models and which model years have the best and worst complaint volumes:
1. Buick Encore & Buick Encore GX
The Encore is a subcompact crossover Buick SUV introduced for the 2013 model year and produced until 2022, when it was replaced by the Buick Encore GX.
The 2021–2022 Buick Encore model years received the best safety and reliability ratings from outlets like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds. Problem years include 2013–2015, with the highest complaint volumes, and the 2017, 2018, and 2020 models affected by turbocharger failure recalls.
In comparison, all Encore GX model years show low complaint rates, with the 2021 model earning the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) ‘Top Safety Pick’ status.
This Buick model includes advanced safety features like forward collision alerts and automatic emergency braking. It’s often compared to the more rugged Ford Bronco Sport subcompact SUV, offering a more comfortable driving experience and better fuel efficiency.
2. Buick Envision
The Envision is a compact crossover Buick SUV introduced to the Buick lineup in 2016. It’s often compared to the Land Rover Discovery Sport as a premium compact SUV.
Second-generation models (2022–2025) show the strongest reliability results, along with solid owner satisfaction and safety scores.
The 2016–2018 models received more criticism, particularly the 2017 model, with complaints related to the AC, paint, accessories, and electrical systems.
3. Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a full-size three-row crossover SUV introduced for the 2008 model year and produced continuously since.
The most reliable model years are from the second generation (2019–2025), with the 2025 model earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status for its safety features. Earlier models, especially 2008 and 2010, saw more complaints for transmission, steering, and engine problems.
4. Buick Verano
The Buick Verano is a compact four-door sedan introduced in 2012 and produced in the US until 2017, while remaining in production in Asia.
The 2015–2017 models have the fewest complaints, while the 2012–2014 models show higher volumes.
The 2013 model had the most complaints related to AC, engine, transmission, and steering issues.
5. Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a line of mid-size cars manufactured from 1973 to 2020 (in North America, though it continues in Asia). It spans eight generations that include coupes, sedans, sportbacks, and wagons.
The 2018–2020 models had the fewest complaints and benefitted from modernized powertrains, advanced safety features, and improved infotainment (equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay from 2017 onwards).
The most problematic years were 2011 and 2012, marked by frequent engine problems, timing chain failures, and brake issues. Older models (late 90s and early 2000s) also showed recurring electrical and hardware issues.
With this context around Buick reliability, we can now look at practical ways to improve the long-term performance of your vehicle.
How to Maintain Your Buick for Better Reliability
Follow these tips to keep your Buick in top shape and prevent costly issues down the line:
- Schedule regular maintenance: Stay up-to-date on oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and inspections.
- Get timely repairs: Address warning lights, noises, and other minor issues promptly to prevent them from escalating.
- Improve your driving habits: Avoid aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and excessive idling to reduce strain on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Use quality parts and fluids: Opt for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and high-quality fluids that offer better performance and longevity.
- Check your tires and suspension: Keep tires properly inflated, rotated, and aligned, and inspect suspension components to prevent uneven wear.
Want to know the easiest way to take care of your Buick car?
Autonation Mobile Service can bring maintenance professionals to your driveway!
IMPORTANT NOTE: When you buy a new car (or certified pre-owned vehicle) with a factory warranty, regular maintenance is essential for compliance. Simultaneously, vehicle warranties don’t typically cover routine upkeep, like maintaining oil, fluids, and brake pads.
So, while some new car repairs may need to be done at a Buick service center, Autonation Mobile Service is still the perfect choice for your scheduled maintenance.
Let Autonation Mobile Service Take the Wheel for Buick Maintenance & Repairs
Proper maintenance and timely repairs are the best strategies for keeping your Buick going and dodging more severe vehicle problems.
You can avoid time-consuming trips to the mechanic by contacting Autonation Mobile Service and having a qualified mechanic handle repairs and maintenance right from your driveway!
We even offer a service warranty of our own — backing your repair for 12 months or 12,000 miles.
So, contact us today to unlock convenient and professional service that boosts the reliability of your vehicle.