The Most Common 2013 Buick Enclave Problems
Some of the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Enclave are issues with the engine, transmission, airbags, and seatbelts.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
As far as luxury SUVs go, you may be better off skipping the 2013 Buick Enclave. Despite a J.D. Power rating of 82 out of 100, the experts seem to agree that the Enclave’s poor visibility, transmission issues, and airbag and safety concerns all make this ute a bit of a risky investment.
The Buick Enclave exists in a unique niche of the market as a more luxurious midsize SUV that toes the line between practical affordability and refined elegance. It bears Buick's reputation well, with one key exception: It’s not as reliable as we’ve come to expect from the brand.
While it’s not the worst in its class, it has a list of pretty significant issues and recalls that might give drivers pause.
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The most common 2013 Buick Enclave problems
It isn’t all bad news: the 2013 Buick Enclave has a 4 out of 5 consumer review rating on Edmunds.com, with drivers and experts citing the roomy and well-appointed interior and nimble steering as positive highlights. Overall, there are some pros to the Enclave that make it reasonable to consider, especially if your priority is affordability in a used model.
Now, for the nitty gritty: The 2013 Buick Enclave has had a total of 59 complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The majority of those were for the electrical systems and engine, but some noted issues with the powertrain and steering.
According to Consumer Reports, those issues include the low fuel economy (at just 15 mpg combined), and a transmission that feels reluctant to shift. Plus, those with the 6-speed automatic transmission may experience loss of the reverse gear and a slipping 3rd or 5th gear shift due to a broken 35R wave plate.
The 2013 Buick Enclave has been the subject of 4 recalls:
- Driver's airbag may explode: The airbag inflator may explode during deployment, which can lead to sharp metal fragments striking those in the car.
- Unsecured side curtain airbags: Some side curtain airbags were found to be improperly attached, resulting in ineffective protection.
- Failure of steel cable for seat belt: The steel cable connecting the seatbelt to the front outboard may break or weaken, which means the seatbelt will not be as effective.
- Issues with the side impact airbag wiring connections: In some models, the impact airbag wiring harnesses might experience extra tension, leading to the airbag and seatbelt pretensioners not deploying.
MORE:
Buick car buying guide
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Is the 2013 Buick Enclave reliable?
While the 2013 Buick Enclave is not the worst in its class, its problems have been enough for some experts to warn against it. While J.D. Power gave it a score of 82/100, RepairPal only gave it a lackluster 3/5 rating.
That’s less than much of its competition. The 2013
Chevrolet Traverse
, for instance, earned a 4 out of 5 from RepairPal and 84 from J.D. Power. On average, the 2013 Buick Enclave will cost you about $699 a year in repairs, which is slightly above the SUV average of $652.
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