The Most Common Buick Problems
Buick drivers find their make’s most common problems to be electrical issues and engine issues. Here’s what to know.
Written by Abbey Orzech
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Inaccurate fuel gauges, transmission issues, electrical issues, and engine issues are some of the most common Buick problems.
Although vehicle manufacturing today is eons better than it once was, most automakers still run into issues. Whether it’s a top-notch luxury brand or an economy class make, your car may still have a range of issues that require costly repairs.
To help you identify any issues that may come up with your beloved car,
Jerry
, the top-rated insurance app,
has put together this guide on the most common Buick problems. We’ll go over five models and their set of issues—and tips on how to save money on your Buick car insurance costs
, too. Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
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What are the most common Buick problems?
The name Buick often conjures up images of classic luxury, and the brand has been in relatively high demand in the last few years. Of course, like every other auto manufacturer, Buick has its issues.
Here are some of the most common problems that Buick owners report experiencing:
- Transmission problems
- Inaccurate fuel gauge
- Defective electrical systems
The 2002 Buick LeSabre is reported to have the most complaints about it, but Buick owners are also finding issues with other models:
Model | Starting price | J.D. Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LeSabre | $27,450-$33,110 | N/A | Defective power windows, false fuel gauge readings, jerky shifting | 2000-2004 |
Encore | $25,795 | 86/100 | Defective airbags and seatbelts, engine problems, brake problems, faulty battery | Anything before 2018 |
Rendezvous | $25,795-$35,000 | 81/100 | Erratic shifting, fuel pump failure, coolant leaks, faulty fuel gauge and door latch | 2003, 2006 |
Enclave | $43,895 | 78/100 | Transmission problems, engine misfires, power steering problems | 2008 |
LaCrosse | $30,495 | N/A | Door lock failure, headlight failure, power steering hose leak | 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011 |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversMost common Buick LeSabre problems
Average annual repair cost: N/A
CarComplaints.com complaints: 668
The
Buick LeSabre
sees the most consumer complaints regarding the vehicle’s defective power window assembly. This issue is found the most in the model years 2000 through 2002 and can happen from cold temperatures, a frayed regulator cable, and even overuse. Other issues the LeSabre faces are false fuel gauge readings, shifting problems resulting from a malfunctioning transmission, and faulty heating and cooling temperatures. The
heating and AC inspection cost
is about $115.wMORE:
How long do Buicks last?
Most common Buick Encore problems
Average annual repair cost: $511
CarComplaints.com complaints: 183
Perhaps one of the most alarming problems owners of
Buick Encores
have to face are defective airbags and seatbelts. This is the most common with models from 2015 to 2017—and GM did a massive recall of over 3.6 million vehicles. If you are riding with a Buick Encore SUV from those years, contact Buick for more information on the recall. The Encore also saw brake problems that range from abnormal noises when pressing on the brake to having to brake for a longer time before coming to a complete stop. A mechanic can help you figure out if your
brake pads are worn out
or if something more serious is wrong with your Buick.Most common Buick Rendezvous problems
Average annual repair cost: $429
CarComplaints.com complaints: 370
The
Buick Rendezvous
is prone to erratic shifting, engine overheating, a misfiring engine, and even a loss of power. If a loud squealing or rattling
is coming from your engine, bring your car to a mechanic.Rendezvous owners have also reported a failure with the fuel pump that has led to the vehicle suddenly stalling or not turning on at all. This could be due to clogged strainers and filters in the fuel system or electrical issues.
Fuel pump replacements can be quite expensive, so this problem with the Buick Rendezvous is certainly less than ideal.
Most common Buick Enclave problems
Average annual repair cost: $648
CarComplaints.com complaints: 610
Engine and transmission problems comprise the bulk of
Buick Enclave
complaints. The transmission can be prone to excessive vibrations and slipping between gears while driving. If your car is shaking or vibrating
, ask your mechanic to inspect your transmission.Some complaints detail the Enclave’s engine misfiring and even finding metal shavings in the engine’s oil. If your
engine oil is black and gritty
, that's a key sign that something is wrong.Most common Buick LaCrosse problems
Average annual repair cost: $598
CarComplaints.com complaints: 341
The door lock actuator on the
Buick LaCrosse
can give owners some grief due to its tendency to stick and need replacement. Door lock actuators
cost $250 per door, and over 300 LaCrosse owners have reported the issue! Another common problem with the LaCrosse is
power steering pressure hose
leaks that can lead to a loss of power steering. This issue is something you can usually sniff out, since hydraulic fluid typically has a strong smell. MORE:
Are Buicks good cars?
Are Buick cars reliable?
In general, Buicks rate decently well on reliability scales and are even considered the most reliable brand of vehicle in the U.S.
Of course, there is some variation between specific models, so it is a good idea to do some research about the specific vehicle you’re eyeing before buying. But overall, Buicks are widely considered decently reliable and safe vehicles.
The least reliable Buick model: 2002 Buick LeSabre
Most common problem: Fuel level sensor failure
NHTSA complaints: 321
The 2002 Buick LeSabre has a fair number of complaints stacked against it. While not every LeSabre will experience all of these problems, it is common for this model to experience fuel level sensor failure, transmission pressure control failure, door actuator failure, and a stalling engine.
The most reliable Buick model: 2018 Buick Encore
Most common problem: Transmission problems
NHTSA complaints: 25
The 2018 Buick Encore holds the prestigious title of the most reliable Buick model. Although it has some trouble with the transmission that can lead to jerky shifting and accelerating, overall the Encore performs well.
MORE:
Buick car-buying guide
How to buy hassle-free car insurance
When you do settle on the model of Buick you’d like, you’ll want to make sure your
car insurance
has the coverage you want for the best price you can get. Jerry
can help you there!It’s this simple: download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than one minute, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer.
Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.Jerryhelped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.
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How long do Buicks last?
With proper maintenance and care, Buicks can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
Why is Buick unreliable?
The most commonly reported problems with Buicks tend to be transmission-related, but out of 32 brands included in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study, Buick ranked 11th.
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