Buick's lineup has 654 recorded NHTSA recalls across 25 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.1/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Buick's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Buick — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Buick has a long and storied history, originating in Flint, Michigan and traditionally known for offering a comfortable and quiet ride – often appealing to families and those prioritizing a smooth driving experience. Historically, Buick vehicles were associated with a certain level of luxury and dependability, and today’s models continue to focus on spaciousness and refined features. At ForCar.org, we can decode any Buick VIN to reveal comprehensive vehicle specifications, including recall history and detailed technical information.
Decode a Buick VIN
Enter any 17-character Buick VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Buick models 25
Every Buick model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Buick SUVs & crossovers 6
Buick Cars & sedans 11
Buick Wagons 1
Buick More models 7
Buick recalls
Across the Buick lineup, ForCar tracks 654 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Buick recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Buick model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Regal | 165 | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Century | 71 | 3.5 /5 |
| Buick LaCrosse | 50 | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick Skylark | 47 | 3.5 /5 |
| Buick Enclave | 46 | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick LeSabre | 43 | 3.5 /5 |
| Buick Riviera | 27 | 3.5 /5 |
| Buick Encore | 22 | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Park Avenue | 22 | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Roadmaster | 20 | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Buick: Fuel System, Gasoline. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Buick reliable?
Across rated models, Buick averages a 4.1/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 20 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Buick competes in the premium-mainstream segment between Chevrolet and Cadillac, with sales heavily skewed toward Chinese and (to a lesser extent) US markets — Buick has not been sold in Europe since the 1990s. The Avenir trim line, introduced in 2017, designates upscale variants competing with Acura and INFINITI on price and features. Buick's 2030 EV-only commitment ahead of Chevrolet positions the brand as GM's mid-tier electric flagship.
Buick models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Buick model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Buick LeSabre | 4,128 | 3.5 /5 |
| Buick Regal | 3,590 | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Enclave | 2,156 | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick LaCrosse | 2,104 | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick Century | 2,040 | 3.5 /5 |
| Buick Rendezvous | 1,256 | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Park Avenue | 1,212 | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Lucerne | 942 | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Skylark | 668 | 3.5 /5 |
| Buick Encore | 582 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Buick models
The most fuel-efficient Buick models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Encore | 31 mpg | Car |
| Buick Encore GX | 31 mpg | Car |
| Buick Envista | 30 mpg | Car |
| Buick LaCrosse | 29 mpg | Car |
| Buick Regal | 29 mpg | Car |
| Buick Century | 27 mpg | Car |
| Buick Envision | 26 mpg | Car |
| Buick Skylark | 25 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Buick models
Buick models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Buick model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Buick Cascada | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Buick Enclave | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick Envision | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick LaCrosse | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick Encore GX | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick Verano | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Buick Encore | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Buick Regal | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Buick hybrids & electric models
Buick's electrified lineup — 2 hybrids. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Buick hybrids 2
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Buick window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Buick's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Buick window stickers →How to read a Buick VIN
Every Buick built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Buick |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Buick VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Buick
David Dunbar Buick patented the overhead-valve engine in 1902 and founded Buick Motor Company in 1903. After financial struggles he turned management over to William C. Durant, who used Buick as the holding company that became General Motors in September 1908. The 1936 Buick Special introduced styling cues that defined American premium cars for the next 20 years. Buick was also the brand that introduced the turbocharger to mass-market US production in the 1962 Special.
| Founded | 1903 |
| Headquarters | Detroit, USA |
| Parent company | General Motors |
| Slogan | "Dream Up" |
| Models tracked | 25 (1981–2026) |
Buick — frequently asked
How do I decode a Buick VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Buick models are there?
ForCar tracks 25 Buick models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Buick made?
Buick is headquartered in Detroit, USA, founded in 1903. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Buick recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Buick model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Buick is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Buick warranty?
New Buick vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Buick dealer.