The 2018 Buick Enclave lasts around 150,000 miles with some serious transmission and engine issues reported. At $20,125 to $41,235, it’s not worth the money since you’ll spend thousands to repair problems as it ages.
Is the 2018 Buick Enclave a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the Buick Enclave since it has more mechanical issues than other years, making it one to avoid. Owner reviews complain about expensive repair bills, shaking from the front, and high fuel costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are pretty nice for a midsize SUV in its price range, the seats are comfortable in all three rows, cargo space is also good.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are a lot of transmission problems reported on the 2018 Enclave. We recommend avoiding models from 2018, while 2019–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is pretty good from the standard V6 engine which offers decent power for the Enclave’s size, although it’s not the fastest SUV.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Enclave is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane-keep assist along with adaptive cruise control on the Avenir model.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 407 miles of range from the 19.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $15 higher than average, at $240 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2018 Buick Enclave is cheaper than many other SUVs, although expensive problems paired with rapid depreciation lower the value a lot.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Buick Enclave?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Buick Enclave is missing a lot of the features found on the best midsize SUVs, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Enclave at 3.9/5, praising the quiet cabin, but doesn’t like the lack of standard safety technology.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Enclave a 4.4/5, enjoying the spacious room in all three rows, but don’t like the increased size from earlier years.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Buick Enclave Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Buick Enclave include the transmission slipping out of gear, brake failures, along with the engine shutting down while driving. Overall, these problems are worse than many other midsize SUVs on the market, leading to more expensive repair costs as the Enclave ages.
The transmission slipping out of gear is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Buick Enclave, showing up at around 40,000 miles. Owners report the gear changes become erratic, and it will slip out of gear into neutral while driving. Rebuilding the transmission fixes the problem, but costs around $2,500 depending on local labor rates.
Brake failures are another widespread issue reported by Enclave owners in the first 35,000 miles. The brakes simply stop working and the emergency brake has to be used to get the vehicle to stop. Often it’s a problem with the electronic brake controller, and resetting it fixes the problem. There are also reports of replacing the brake booster, which costs around $800.
The engine shutting down while driving has also been mentioned by Enclave owners at around 45,000 miles. Usually, when the engine shuts down it will leave a check engine light. Using an OBD-II scan tool can allow you to read the source check engine light, which can range from sensor issues, to serious internal damage. Repairs for an engine that shuts down can cost $100 to $1,500, depending on the source.
There are no recalls on the 2018 Enclave, which is fewer than many other SUVs on the market. Having no recalls just simply means that none of the issues have been widespread enough for Buick to issue one.
How Long Will the 2018 Buick Enclave Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Buick Enclave can last around 150,000 miles, which is much shorter than other midsize SUVs like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are much higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $720 per year.
As a used 2018 Enclave reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the camshaft position sensor for $300, steering knuckle costing $500, along with the fuel injectors which cost around $1,000.
The avenir is a very reliable vehicle. The remote start is great on very hot summer days for cooling down and on cold winter mornings to clear the frost. We have not had any problems with it.
It is very reliable, I drive my kids in it . It has no problems. We love it . Drive around town . Never given me any issues.
It has proven to be a reliable car. The comfort features are a strong bonus for my family. So far we have not had any maintenance or performance issues
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a relatively large 8-inch touchscreen which also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional technology upgrades include a Bose stereo system.
Standard safety technology is basic, including:
- Rearview camera
- Parking sensors
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision warning
- Lane change alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Front parking sensors
- Safety Alert Seat
- Pedestrian Detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2018 Buick Enclave a Good Value?
No, the 2018 Buick Enclave is not a good value since there are some fairly expensive transmission problems reported. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,125 to $41,235, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $39,995 to $55,800. Depreciation is worse than other midsize SUVs, losing around 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Buick Enclave?
There are four main models of the 2018 Buick Enclave offered from the entry-level Enclave, to the more luxurious Avenir. The Enclave comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Enclave is the standard model with:
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Rear parking sensors
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Remote engine start
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating
- Adjustable second-row captain’s chairs
- 60/40-split folding third-row seats
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration
- OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot)
- USB ports (two in front and four for rear passengers)
- Six-speaker sound system with satellite radio
Essence is a step up, adding:
- All features of the Enclave trim
- Blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert
- Cabin air ionization system
- Leather seats
- Optional: All-wheel drive, heavy-duty tow package, top-down parking camera system, sunroof
Premium offers upgrades such as:
- All features of the Essence trim
- Low-speed forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection
- Front parking sensors
- Driver-seat memory settings
- Bose 10-speaker premium speaker system
- Lane departure warning and intervention
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated seats for outboard second-row passengers
- Ventilated seats for the front row
- Power-folding third-row seats
Avenir is the flagship model with:
- All features of the Premium trim
- 20-inch wheels
- Navigation system
- Larger driver information display
- Rearview mirror with integrated camera display
- Sunroof and top-down parking camera system
- Premium leather upholstery
- Upgraded interior trim
- Wireless device charging pad
- Optional: Adaptive suspension, Avenir Technology package (stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, grille shutters, adaptive suspension package)
What Engines Come In the Buick Enclave?
The 2018 Buick Enclave comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower while getting up to 21 MPG. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Regarding acceleration, the 2018 Enclave goes from 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the Buick Enclave Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Buick Enclave?
The 2018 Buick Enclave is known for its superior comfort and smooth ride quality, making it a great choice for both city commuting and long-distance traveling. Its suspension system is fine-tuned to soak up road irregularities, providing a smooth and relaxing ride for all occupants.
Inside, the Buick Enclave offers spacious seating for seven across its three rows. The seats are plush, supportive, and designed with long trips in mind. Both front and second-row passengers enjoy ample headroom and legroom, while the third row, although a bit tighter, can still comfortably accommodate adults for shorter journeys.
The Enclave’s interior design adds to the overall comfort with its premium materials and quiet cabin. Buick’s Quiet Tuning technology reduces, blocks, and absorbs unwanted noise, making the Enclave’s cabin one of the quietest in its class. Dual-zone automatic climate control further enhances comfort, guaranteeing a pleasant environment no matter the weather outside.
How Much Storage Space Does the Buick Enclave Have?
The 2018 Buick Enclave boasts substantial cargo capacity, fitting comfortably into the midsize SUV class but providing space that rivals some larger SUVs. Behind its third-row seats, it provides a generous 23.6 cubic feet of space. For those times when you need more cargo room, you can fold down the third-row seats to reveal 58 cubic feet of storage area. For maximum cargo space, folding down both the second and third rows will avail you a very spacious 97.6 cubic feet.
In practical terms, the 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row can easily accommodate several carry-on suitcases or a substantial grocery haul. When expanded to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, this space can house larger objects like bicycles, a medium-size grill, or several large suitcases. Finally, with the second and third rows folded and a cavernous 97.6 cubic feet of space at your disposal, you could haul larger pieces of furniture, multiple bicycles, or an impressive amount of camping gear. The 2018 Buick Enclave offers great flexibility in cargo space, allowing you to adapt the vehicle to a variety of transportation needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Buick Enclave was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: No changes from earlier years.
2016: Upgraded OnStar with 4G LTE WiFi, along with Tuscan Edition with exterior changes.
2017: Essentially the same as the previous year.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, engine, and technology.
2019: New front-wheel drive only Preferred model introduced below the Essence model.
2020: Minor changes to individual options packages.
2021: No changes from earlier years.
How Does the Buick Enclave Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Buick Enclave is a bad midsize SUV since it suffers from more mechanical problems than other SUVs, leading to higher ownership costs as it ages.
The Chevy Traverse is a larger SUV which costs about $1,500 less. Passenger room is better in the Chevy Traverse, while the Buick Enclave offers higher-quality interior materials. We recommend the Chevy Traverse since there are fewer engine and transmission problems reported as it ages.
The Ford Escape is a smaller SUV which is about $3,000 cheaper. Steering is more responsive in the Ford Escape, while the Buick Enclave offers more room for cargo and passengers. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for the 2018 model year since they each have their own expensive problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Buick Enclave?
Yes, rides well, very comfortable, and big enough for our family & a few friends. We love the heated seats and steering wheel as well as the 2 sunroofs.
Yes, excellent for the entire family. We drive it everywhere. Great vacation and business car. Will recommend to anyone.
Yes, it's sleek, modern and reliable. Plus it fits my family's needs and the added cargo space was a big selling point for me