Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Buick Enclave, and it carries 6 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 101 | 37% |
| Engine | 49 | 18% |
| Power train | 13 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 12 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 3% |
| Structure | 7 | 3% |
| Steering | 7 | 3% |
| Power train | 5 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2% |
| Tires | 3 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I am filing this safety complaint regarding a sudden and dangerous engine failure in a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL purchased from Frankfort Car Outlet on 8/25/2025. On 10/25/2025, while driving on the expressway, the engine
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The engine and fuel pump system failed while driving the vehicle. It is available upon request to inspect. I just towed it to the shop today on 10/22/25 to get a full inspection. My sister and I were put at risk while dr
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I purchased a 2010 Buick Enclave from a dealer who did not disclose any major issues with the vehicle. After purchase, I began experiencing significant problems while driving, including difficulty shifting, loss of power
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The timing chain broke and my transmission needs to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The engine was built with the same components as the 2008/2009 models and they have been recalled, the oil drains out of the engine rapidly and causes engine to seize and had to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Car was running just fine had its oil changed new tires added and it just stopped running. Got it checked with a car technician and he stated it’s the engine.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS WILL SUDDENLY LOCK, UNLOCK, LOCK AND UNLOCK. AFTER THAT THE ENGINE SLOWS WAY DOWN LOSING POWER, THEN IT WILL BE OKAY TO GIVE IT MORE GAS AND IT SPEEDS UP. THE LAST CO
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
When the driver seat is moved the service air bag light comes on. When you move the seat again the light goes off.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2010 Buick Enclave. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 3, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 10, 2022. Own
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Satu
Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be m
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 2
Risk: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The r
| Reliability raw | 51 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 65 | good |
| Maintenance | 66 | good |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 68 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 101 of them (37%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 51/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 65/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2010 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 58/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.