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2021 Buick Enclave maintenance schedule

The 2021 Enclave is part of the C1XX generation (2018-2024), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Enclave needs, and when

6 of these 12 items come from Buick's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Buick's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide. Rows marked Unverified have no source Carlyle could confirm and are shown for completeness.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter (LFY)

Follow OLM (7-8 mo typical)

7,500 miIndependent
Engine air filter (LFY)45,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter (LFY)

Standard replacement

22,500 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Tire rotation (LFY)

Crucial for AWD models (7-8 mo typical)

7,500 miIndependent
Brake fluid (LFY)45,000 mi / 3 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant (LFY)

Dex-Cool

150,000 mi / 5 yearsIndependent
Transmission fluid (LFY)

Severe service interval

45,000 miIndependent
Spark plugs (LFY)

Standard interval

100,000 miIndependent
Serpentine belt (LFY)

Inspect starting at 45k

150,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid (LFY)

Required for AWD models

45,000 miManufacturer
PCV valve (LFY)

Prone to failure (TSB)

97,500 miUnverified
12V battery (LFY)

Test annually

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
dexos1 Gen 3, 6 qt
Coolant
Dex-Cool (Orange)
Transmission fluid
Dexron HP

Powertrains in this generation

  • 3.6L 6-cyl (LFY), 310 hp, 9-speed automatic, FWD/AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2021 Enclave owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Transmission shudder

high severity

40,000-80,000 mi

Harsh shifting

Source: au7o.io

PCV valve/cam cover failure

medium severity

50,000-90,000 mi

Oil leaks, vacuum leaks, codes

Source: au7o.io

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2021 Buick Enclave

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Buick dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Air bags

NHTSA 22V210000

March 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212352140.

Air bags

NHTSA 21V472000

June 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N212340220.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$720

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Enclave model years

Third Generation (2025-2026)

20252026

C1XX (2018-2024)

2018201920202021202220232024

Shopping new? The Buick Enclave guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-18. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an Enclave for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Enclave earns before you buy it.

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