BUICK ENCLAVE · model year

2020 BUICK ENCLAVE

50 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020BUICKENCLAVE carries 50 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 ENCLAVE is engine with 9 filings, followed by electrical system (8) and unknown or other (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2020 ENCLAVE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

50
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 BUICK ENCLAVE — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

50 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
POWER TRAIN5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
SERVICE BRAKES3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
SEAT BELTS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
SUSPENSION1

Recalls (6)

20V44600030/07/2020

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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 cr

20V66800029/10/2020

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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. Th

21V11500025/02/2021

TIRES

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

20V63900015/10/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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

19V64300006/09/2019

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

20V68400005/11/2020

TIRES

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.

Recent Complaints

20260219FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Vehicle & Incident Details: * Make/Model/Year: 2020 Buick Enclave * VIN: [XXX] * Mileage: ~116,834 miles (purchased at ~62,000 miles, used) * Purchase Date: [Insert Month/Year] * Dealer: Kyle Durrence Claxton Dealership Repair History: * First repair attempt: TPMS system * Second repair attempt: Connector assembly block * Total out-of-pocket spent: $4,000+ * Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Safety Impact: * Engine shuts off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of collision. * Vehicle is my only mode of transportation. * Dealership has not provided a loaner vehicle. Additional Concerns: * I have discovered forged signatures on my original finance/loan paperwork from the dealership, which I previously reported to

20260219ENGINE

Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Vehicle & Incident Details: * Make/Model/Year: 2020 Buick Enclave * VIN: [XXX] * Mileage: ~116,834 miles (purchased at ~62,000 miles, used) * Purchase Date: [Insert Month/Year] * Dealer: Kyle Durrence Claxton Dealership Repair History: * First repair attempt: TPMS system * Second repair attempt: Connector assembly block * Total out-of-pocket spent: $4,000+ * Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Safety Impact: * Engine shuts off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of collision. * Vehicle is my only mode of transportation. * Dealership has not provided a loaner vehicle. Additional Concerns: * I have discovered forged signatures on my original finance/loan paperwork from the dealership, which I previously reported to

20260219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2020 Buick Enclave (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle has experienced repeated engine shutdowns while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Vehicle & Incident Details: * Make/Model/Year: 2020 Buick Enclave * VIN: [XXX] * Mileage: ~116,834 miles (purchased at ~62,000 miles, used) * Purchase Date: [Insert Month/Year] * Dealer: Kyle Durrence Claxton Dealership Repair History: * First repair attempt: TPMS system * Second repair attempt: Connector assembly block * Total out-of-pocket spent: $4,000+ * Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to shut off unexpectedly while driving. Safety Impact: * Engine shuts off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a risk of collision. * Vehicle is my only mode of transportation. * Dealership has not provided a loaner vehicle. Additional Concerns: * I have discovered forged signatures on my original finance/loan paperwork from the dealership, which I previously reported to

20251017ENGINE

Front exhaust flex pipes had to be replaced. It’s a common problem and a recall exists for the prior year.

20250927ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exited the vehicle and got to the side of the road. The police arrived and were able to push the car to the side of the road as well. I opened the hood and checked the negative battery terminal and upon pulling the lever, the power came back on. We have an appointment at a GM dealership on Monday to fix the issue to ensure we are not put at risk again.

20250927ENGINE

I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exited the vehicle and got to the side of the road. The police arrived and were able to push the car to the side of the road as well. I opened the hood and checked the negative battery terminal and upon pulling the lever, the power came back on. We have an appointment at a GM dealership on Monday to fix the issue to ensure we are not put at risk again.

20250927AIR BAGS

I came to a stop in the left turn lane at an intersection with a red light with the car in drive and my foot engaged on the brake to wait for the light to turn green. The car suddenly and completely died and all power was shut down. I was not able to engage the hazards. It was dark outside and I was afraid cars behind me would hit me. It was an incredibly dangerous situation with no warning. I exited the vehicle and got to the side of the road. The police arrived and were able to push the car to the side of the road as well. I opened the hood and checked the negative battery terminal and upon pulling the lever, the power came back on. We have an appointment at a GM dealership on Monday to fix the issue to ensure we are not put at risk again.

20250824ENGINE

The front exhaust pipe bracket has broken. Upon investigation, this is an ongoing issue for 2018-2019, and 2021-2023 Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave models, but NOT 2020. All of the models use the exhaust system and same bracket, and it should be included as a special coverage. In fact, the attached picture of my vehicle will show that it is an identical break to those pictures used in the previous bulletins. Any help is appreciated. Reference: N252503850, N242445280, N222385510, N212356540, and photo attached.

20250804SERVICE BRAKES

We bought this 2020 Buick Enclave from Pinegar Chevrolet in Republic, MO from the preowned side of the dealership. When we test drove it only in the parking lot it didn't make any noises, but as soon as we drove off the lot after purchase the brakes made a noise as if the anti lock brake system was not working properly making it difficult to stop as the car should. We also was told that since this is a preowned and not a certified preowned that it was sold as is no warranty. I believe GM needs to fix this issue ASAP or the dealership needs to either buy the car back or put us into something with a warranty that doesn't have safety issues. We bought this as our family vehicle and I don't believe it is road worthy or safe to be transporting my family in.

20250714FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the evaporative emission system, vapor canister purge solenoid, and the control solenoid were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start, and the instrument cluster gauges were fluctuating. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after refueling the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V639000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The fa

Mileage: 42,000

20250327Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness

The chest clip does not stay fastened. It comes unfastened with a very slight amount of pressure.

20250318ENGINE

Front exhaust bracket detached from exhaust. An issue that has resulted in a hole in my exhaust. This same issue has been identified and warranty extended for 2019 and 2021 enclaves with the same engine and exhaust parts. Dealership wants to change $1000 to fix the issue.

20250201FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Welds have broken loose from exhaust creating a hole and loud noise & strong exhaust smell

20250201ENGINE

Welds have broken loose from exhaust creating a hole and loud noise & strong exhaust smell

20250127UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Bracket holding exhaust pipes broke and I'm told it is a hazard. It is over $400 to fix it, I paid almost $6,000 for warranty service contract when I bought my car which doesn't cover it. It looks like this same problem is listed for 2019 but not 2020 which would have covered it if you would list it as a problem for 2020 also. [XXX} Please review and hopefully others have let you know also. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20241203UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The Front Exhaust got a hole and rusted through as in similar years. This Exact issue is covered for both the 2019 and 2021 Models of the Buick Enclave under a special coverage adjustment (N212356540 and N222385510), but not for the 2020 model. It would seem to follow that if the year prior and after both have this issue, then the middle year should also be covered under a special coverage as the problem had not been fixed. The vehicle is currently getting service done for this exact issue covered under the special coverage adjustments and poses an environmental hazard as the exhaust is not going through the catalytic convertor and dumping pollutants directly in the the air. The only warning was a rattling noise when shifting and according to dealership is most likely caused by the bracket coming detached and breaking off.

20241107ENGINE

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 months. There is no indication on when the mounting bracket separated.

20240928ENGINE

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 this on only the 2021 models, even though the same issue is applicable to other models. On the this forum, there are several complaints of this design flaw reported. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/06/gm-to-fix-2021-chevy-traverse-front-exhaust-pipe-issue/

20240821ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle would not go into park fortunately we were in a safe location to avoid a possible accident or injury. The vehicle has electronic transmission shifting. According to the dealership the park solenoid in the transmission valve body failed. This prevented us from putting the vehicle in park so it could safely be shut off. We were able to set electronic parking brake but ignition continued to remain on. Eventually had to disconnect the negative battery terminal. Had vehicle towed to dealership but could not release electric park bake or start vehicle with battery terminal reconnected. This is becoming a common problem with this transmission, so common that parts are on back order. This could be a very unsafe problem with this vehicle in the right circumstance. There should be a recall on this transmit that is used on multiple GM vehicles

20240821FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle would not go into park fortunately we were in a safe location to avoid a possible accident or injury. The vehicle has electronic transmission shifting. According to the dealership the park solenoid in the transmission valve body failed. This prevented us from putting the vehicle in park so it could safely be shut off. We were able to set electronic parking brake but ignition continued to remain on. Eventually had to disconnect the negative battery terminal. Had vehicle towed to dealership but could not release electric park bake or start vehicle with battery terminal reconnected. This is becoming a common problem with this transmission, so common that parts are on back order. This could be a very unsafe problem with this vehicle in the right circumstance. There should be a recall on this transmit that is used on multiple GM vehicles

Compare 2020BUICKENCLAVE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE have?
The 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE has 50 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE?
The 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE?
Yes, the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE?
The most-complained component for the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE is ENGINE with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 BUICK ENCLAVE has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.