I've had plenty of Buick in the bay over the years, and the engine complaints on these don't surprise me. 734 on the NHTSA record across 56 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 24 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 383 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 71,419 miles. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin BUICK / ENGINE
56 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Buick engine problems
734 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Buick vehicles for engine issues. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
734
Recalls
0
Year-models
56
Avg fix
$3,100
4crashes
24fires
9injuries
Worst-affected Buick model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2011 Buick Regal
63 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Buick Enclave
51 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 Buick Verano
36 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Buick Enclave
30 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2017 Buick Encore
28 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2016 Buick Encore
26 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 Buick LaCrosse
26 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2019 Buick Encore
23 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 Buick Verano
21 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Buick Lucerne
21 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2011 Buick LaCrosse
20 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Buick LaCrosse
20 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2009 Buick Enclave
20 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2005 Buick Rendezvous
20 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2018 Buick Encore
19 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2011 Buick Enclave
19 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2014 Buick Encore
18 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 Buick Encore
16 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Buick Lucerne
16 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2021 Buick Encore GX
15 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2015 Buick Encore
14 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2007 Buick Lucerne
14 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 Buick Enclave
12 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2020 Buick Enclave
11 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2005 Buick LaCrosse
11 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Common questions
How many Buick engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
734 complaints across 56 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Buick.
Which Buick model has the most engine complaints?
The 2011 Buick Regal leads with 63 complaints in this category. Next: 2010 Enclave (51) and 2012 Verano (36).
What does it cost to fix Buick engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Buick lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Buick engine recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover engine issues on Buick vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Buick.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.