Is the 2020 Buick ENCLAVE reliable?

The 2020 Buick ENCLAVE has 68 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Buick ENCLAVE?

Top problems: ENGINE (16 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (11 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (9 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Buick ENCLAVE?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): TIRES, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, TIRES, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Contact any Buick dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Buick ENCLAVE?

The 2020 Buick ENCLAVE gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2020 Buick ENCLAVE often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Buick ENCLAVE: low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Buick ENCLAVE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Buick ENCLAVE is approximately $1,487/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Buick ENCLAVE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Buick ENCLAVE has 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 108. The most common issue is engine problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: the mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe separates from the pipe. this issue has been identified on 2019 and 2021 models and special coverage adjustment n212356540 front exhaust pipe has been issued. the same exact defect has occured to my 2020 model enclave.. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

3 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

16 complaints

24%

• The mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe separates from the pipe. This issue has been identified on 2019 and 2021 models and special coverage adjustment N212356540 Front Exhaust Pipe has been issued. The same exact defect has occured to my 2020 model Enclave.
• The vehicle's exhaust intermediate pipe mount has broken has caused damage in the intermediate pipe requiring both the be replaced. The cracked exhaust allows exhaust fumes to enter the passenger compartment. A recall (N222385510) for 2021 Chevrolet Traverse has been made however is addressing thi
• 2020 Buick Enclave mounting bracket separated from the front exhaust pipe which caused a hole to appear in the exhaust pipe. This is a known issue for 2019, 2021, and 2022 Buick Enclaves. No warning light The exhaust fumes along with Carbon Monoxide were coming through my ac vents for several mont

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe separates from the pipe. This issue has been identified on 2019 and 2021 models and special coverage adjustment N212356540 Front Exhaust Pipe has been issued. The same exact defect has occured to my 2020 model Enclave.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Buick ENCLAVE

Based on 15 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 3K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

TIRES25/02/2021

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Buick ENCLAVE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Buick ENCLAVE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,487

Full coverage / month

$124

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk0.90x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1487

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Buick New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Buick. If you're buying a used 2020 ENCLAVE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Buick dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 68 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: The mounting bracket on the front exhaust pipe separates from the pipe. This issue has been identified on 2019 and 2021 models and special coverage adjustment N212356540 Front Exhaust Pipe has been issued. The same exact defect has occured to my 2020 model Enclave.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: REAR SUNSHADE CLIP HAS BROKEN TWICE IN THE 5 MONTHS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: OnStar system and WiFi intermittently do not work, was told that this is a known issue when radio is being used, no fix. In my case radio was not being used, so this does not apply. Seat/mirror position memory gradually changes over time. Does not recognize that exit function has been turned off.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I BOUGHT A 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE, (OWNED BY GMC) WITH 6 MILES ON IT, 1 WEEK AGO. YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED JERKING ANYTIME THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHED GEARS. I CALLED TO TRY TO GET IT IN TO A CERTIFIED BUICK DEALERSHIP TO BE LOOKED AT AND NOWHERE CAN GET IT IN FOR 3-5 D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Buick dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)