Buick Enclave VIN Number Check

Decode a Buick Enclave VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefix5GA

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Buick Enclave

About the Buick Enclave

Buick has sold the Enclave in the US since the 2008 model year, and there have been three generations. Gen 1 first (2008–2017), then Gen 2 (2018–2024), and the Gen 3 took over for 2025–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 29 vehicle recall campaigns and 2,501 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 1. Its 2008 and 2014 model years alone account for 828 of them, with owners bringing up air bags most often and the steering after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 17–19 mpg combined, while the Gen 3 gets 21–23 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2008–2026

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3

NHTSA recall campaigns29

Owner complaints2,501 at NHTSA

Buick Enclave photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Buick Enclave generations

Three generations since the 2008 model year. The Gen 1 (2008–2017) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (20).

3 / 3

Gen 3

2025–20263rd generation

Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

2008201520202025

2025–2026· Generation 3 of 3

Gen 3 · 3rd generation

PlatformGM VSS-S

EPA combined mpg21–23

NHTSA recalls1

Engines (EPA)

2.5 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2025–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
automatic (2025–2026)

Known issues to check

Brakes (16)Electrical system (9)Forward collision avoidance (8)

Mentions in 40 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 35GAERARS?SJ······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2025 Buick Enclave Preferred, built in Lansing, Michigan

Check an Enclave VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Enclave model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 29 campaigns on file for Enclave model years 2008–2026, and the 2009 shows up in more of them than any other year (8), ahead of the 2014 (7). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Transport Canada recalls for these model years were checked against this list; each one matches an NHTSA campaign shown here. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Buick Enclave owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Between them, the 2008 and 2014 hold 828 of the 2,501 complaints, or 33%. Tap any bar or generation.

2,501NHTSA complaints, 2008–2026

89mention a crash

25mention a fire

156injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 3: 40 complaints · most for the 2025 (38)

Top complaint areas · Gen 3

Mentions in 40 complaints, 2025–2026.

Brakes16

Electrical system9

Forward collision avoidance8

Lane departure5

Engine and cooling5

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)4

Crashes 3Fires 0Injuries 6

2025–2026 (Gen 3)

NHTSA data summary

No other generation’s complaints mention crashes as often as the ’s, at 3 of 40 (7.5%, against 3.6% across all Enclave model years). Its first model year, the 2025, drew more complaints than any other (38 of 40). Owners across the generation name brakes most often (16 mentions), then electrical system (9).

What Enclave owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2018–2024 (2nd generation)

Owner data is thin, with fewer than 70 NHTSA complaints in any year and few CarComplaints reports after 2018. NHTSA owners of the 2018 most often mention brake concerns, such as ABS warnings and a parking brake that engages on its own, along with transmission complaints. CarComplaints lists brake failure, rough shifts or slipping out of gear, and shuddering and jerking for 2018. Recalls cover fuel pumps on some 2020 models that may not supply enough fuel and roof rail air bag inflators on some 2020 models. [1] [2] [3]

2008–2017 (1st generation)

The 2008 draws the most complaints, and later years have smaller totals. NHTSA owners of the 2008 describe transmission failure, often blamed on a broken wave plate, along with power steering loss, air bag concerns and water leaks from the sunroof. CarComplaints lists transmission failure, power steering failure and engine failure for 2008, and a stretched timing chain for 2010. Recalls cover seat side air bag wiring on 2008–2013 models that may keep air bags and pretensioners from deploying, driver air bag inflators on 2008–2017 models and power liftgate struts on 2008–2012 models. [4] [5] [6] [7]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the air bag recalls on 2008 to 2017 models.
On an older SUV, ask for transmission, timing chain and power steering repair records and check the headliner for water stains.
On a newer one, watch for ABS warnings and feel for rough or slipping shifts.

Sources (7) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

Enclave complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Every Enclave version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.

2,501complaints, 2008–2026

89mention a crash

25mention a fire

156injuries reported

Most complaints: 2008 (536), 2014 (292), 2010 (275)

2008 · 536 complaints

Crashes 13 · fires 10 · injuries 41

Power train139

Air bags113

Steering99

Structure77

Electrical system73

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Enclave CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 38 Enclave versions for model years 2008–2026. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 387 g/mi (2025). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 12008–2017

17–19 mpg · CO₂ 465–518 g/mi

Gen 22018–2024

20–21 mpg · CO₂ 416–450 g/mi

Gen 32025–2026

21–23 mpg · CO₂ 387–423 g/mi

Model year2025

23combined MPG

387CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,900EPA yearly fuel cost

5/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

5/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III ULEV50 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 50Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: FWD · Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo — 23 MPG · 387 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

Gas

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Enclave vs Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2025–2026. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Enclave, against 4 for the Toyota Highlander and 5 for the Honda Pilot. Pick a range to compare.

Buick EnclaveGen 3

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 1
NHTSA owner complaints: 40
EPA combined mpg: 21–23
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Brakes 16
Electrical system 9
Forward collision avoidance 8

Toyota Highlander

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 4
NHTSA owner complaints: 12
EPA combined mpg: 24–35
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.4, 2.5 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Speed control / acceleration 3
Forward collision avoidance 3
Brakes 2

Honda Pilot

Model years 2025–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 5
NHTSA owner complaints: 224
EPA combined mpg: 20–22
Engines (EPA): 6-cyl 3.5 L
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Forward collision avoidance 76
Steering 50
Electrical system 44

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Buick Enclave VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an Enclave

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Silver Buick Enclave (second generation) SUV, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Enclave carries its VIN at the base of the driver's side windshield, on the door jamb sticker, on a B-pillar label, and near the cargo area floor. Engine bay stamp is present. The Gen 3 generation starts with the 2025 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (S for 2025) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Buick Enclave VIN questions

Which Buick Enclave model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2008 leads with 536, ahead of the 2014 (292) and 2010 (275). Those first two alone make up 33% of the 2,501 Enclave complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Buick Enclave had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 29 vehicle campaigns for model years 2008–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 1 leads with 20. Then come the Gen 2 (8) and Gen 3 (1), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Buick Enclave recalls are high risk?

23V-334, 22V-246 and 20V-446 cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 08V-441, 10V-240, 15V-609 and 20V-668. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Enclave generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2008–2017 and the Gen 2 2018–2024. Gen 3 spans 2025–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (S is 2025).

What fuel economy does the Buick Enclave get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2025–2026 Gen 3 at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 17–19 mpg for the 2008–2017 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Buick Enclave compare with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot on recalls?

For 2025–2026 models the Enclave has 1 NHTSA recall campaign. The Toyota Highlander has 4, the Honda Pilot 5. Complaints run 40, 12 and 224 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Buick Enclave have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2024 Enclave 5 stars overall. That is the most common score; ratings run 4–5 stars across its 2 rated versions.

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About the Buick Enclave

Buick Enclave generations