Head-to-head reliability
Buick Encore GX vs FORD F 150
How the Buick Encore GX and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Buick Encore GX vs FORD F 150: The Encore GX has 228 complaints over 7 years (32.6/year) and 9 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150's higher rate reflects recurring transmission and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Encore GX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX is a subcompact SUV with 228 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 33 per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like backup camera failures and 'Service Charging System' warnings, plus power train problems such as transmissions not engaging Park or failing completely. With 9 recalls and 10 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands attention to electrical and transmission health.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 1,100 per year. The dominant issue is the 'lead frame' in the transmission, causing limp mode and sudden gear changes, along with electrical faults and rear window shattering. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries, it's a high-volume truck with a long history of recurring safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Encore GX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 228 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Buick Encore GX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM60
- 02POWER TRAIN51
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER48
- 04ENGINE43
- 05SERVICE BRAKES37
Owners report backup cameras that fail intermittently or completely, and dashboard warnings like 'Service Charging System – Vehicle May Stall.' These glitches can distract and may signal deeper electrical faults.
Complaints include the car not recognizing Park, leaving it running, and complete transmission failures at low mileage, such as a sealed transmission running dry. This can cause sudden power loss and expensive repairs.
Reports mention turbo replacement and ECM oil pressure sensor software issues that may lead to engine problems. These can be costly and affect reliability.
Brake-related complaints appear among the top categories, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should have the braking system inspected.
“I am reporting a defect involving my **2025 Buick Encore GX AWD manufactured by General Motors. Within two days of purchasing the vehicle, the dashboard displayed the warning message “Service Charging System – Vehicle May Stall.” I contacted the dealership on…”
“My 2025 Buick Encore GX has experienced an ongoing failure of the rear backup camera system. The issue began intermittently in February 2026, and earlier this month (March) it has progressively worsened. The camera now does not function at all. When shifting…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The 'lead frame' issue is a recurring defect causing transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and sudden loss of power. Owners report near-collisions and ongoing problems even after repairs.
Electrical faults include the same lead frame issue and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These pose safety and repair cost concerns.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common, though specific failure modes are not detailed in the sample. Malfunctioning lights can reduce visibility and safety.
Engine complaints number 880, but the sample does not specify common symptoms. Buyers should check for recalls and have the engine thoroughly inspected.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Buick Encore GX — 9 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.
The risk: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet custome…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
The risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may con…
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Buick Encore GX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Buick Encore GX has far fewer complaints per year (about 33) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). In practice, this means the Buick may have fewer reported issues overall, but the F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity and a long-standing transmission defect that affects many owners.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Buick Encore GX has 228 in 7 years, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the F-150.
- The F-150's most common problem is a transmission 'lead frame' defect causing limp mode and sudden power loss, a recurring safety concern.
- The Encore GX's top issues are electrical (backup camera, charging warnings) and transmission failures at low mileage, but with fewer overall reports.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, versus 9 recalls and 10 injuries for the Encore GX, reflecting a larger safety footprint.
- Test the backup camera and all electrical functions, including warning lights, as owners report camera failures and 'Service Charging System' messages.
- Check transmission engagement: ensure the vehicle recognizes Park and shuts off properly, and listen for any hesitation or slipping, as some report complete transmission failure.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear, which are signs of the lead frame issue.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or shattering, and test the defroster, as shorts have caused windows to explode outward.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission and electrical systems.
- For the Encore GX, specifically test the backup camera, charging system warnings, and Park recognition.
- For the F-150, test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode, and inspect the rear window and defroster.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission repairs or software updates.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Buick Encore GX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 15 | 345 |
| 2024 | 31 | 638 |
| 2023 | 27 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 32 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 53 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 70 | 44 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Buick Encore GX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Encore GX vs FORD F 150
- Buick Encore GX total complaints
- 228
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Buick Encore GX total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Buick Encore GX avg complaints/year
- 32.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Buick Encore GX
- Buick Encore GX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN