Buick Encore GX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Buick Encore GX options? We analyzed 7 model years (2020–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Buick Encore GX has 213 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls across model years 2020–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Encore GX
- Model years analyzed
- 2020–2026 (7 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 213
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2020 (66 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (14 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Buick Encore GX: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe BUICK ENCORE GX has 213 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 7 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 213 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 7 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
6 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
SERVICE BRAKES
SERVICE BRAKES
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2020–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 213 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
213 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owned a 2025 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the GPS failed to operate properly. Additionally, the air conditioning system was inoperable. The contact stated that while driving in the heat, the contact to briefly became unconscious. Due to the failure, OnStar was contacted to providing GPS assistance. After arriving to the destination, the navigation system started operating as designed. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with engine under-boost failure, loss in communication with the telematics communication interface control module, an open ethernet bus, an auxiliary heater command low voltage, lost communication with the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module, and loss of communication with the direction camera control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Second complete powertrain failure on March 14, 2026 at 13,993 miles, nine days after first repair (complete transmission replacement for bone-dry sealed transmission). Symptoms: sudden loss of power on highway (unable to exceed 20 mph with accelerator fully depressed), hollow sound, noise described as "like a rock tumbling around inside." OnStar diagnostics returned "No Error Code Found" twice (11:14 AM and 11:17 AM) during active failure. Dealer (Loveland Buick GMC) diagnosed "battery issue" but provided indefinite loaner with no return date. Symptoms are consistent with engine bearing or connecting rod failure matching Cook et al. v. General Motors (Case No. 1:26-cv-00229, D. Del., filed March 4, 2026) covering 1.2L/1.3L turbo engines in the Buick Encore platform. Complaint alleges GM knew about defect "since 2022, if not earlier" and instructed dealers to tell consumers vehicles are "operating normally." First failure involved sealed transmission running with zero fluid. Skipped oil change after transmission repair (documented in GM Executive Resolution emails) may have allowed metal contamination to damage engine components. Requesting investigation into whether dealer's "battery" diagnosis was accurate or whether actual diagnostic codes indicate engine failure consistent with Cook v. GM class pattern.
nStar remote diagnostic system returned five false-negative results across two confirmed mechanical failures. January 2, 2026: two diagnostics at 5:50 PM and 5:53 PM returned "No Error Code Found" while the transmission was actively failing. At 8:39 PM, the system identified P0700 and P2714 (Transmission System Failure, "Service within 1 day"). March 14, 2026: two diagnostics at 11:14 AM and 11:17 AM returned "No Error Code Found" while the vehicle could not exceed 20 mph on a highway. OnStar agent instructed a permanently disabled driver with a [XXX] passenger to continue driving during the first failure. GM issued a September 2025 TSB for "Loss of OnStar Connectivity" affecting all makes. FTC entered a 20-year consent order against GM/OnStar in January 2026. The Muhammad v. General Motors class action (E.D. Mich.) documents identical OnStar false negatives before engine seizures on the 6.2L platform. OnStar's diagnostic system appears unable to detect powertrain failures in sealed components across multiple engine platforms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sealed transmission found "bone dry" at approximately 13,000 miles. No consumer-accessible dipstick. Complete transmission failure January 2, 2026. Second complete powertrain failure March 14, 2026, nine days after first repair completed. Symptoms on second failure (loss of power, hollow tumbling sound) consistent with engine bearing/connecting rod failure matching Cook et al. v. General Motors (Case No. 1:26-cv-00229, D. Del.) covering 1.2L/1.3L turbo engines. Dealer diagnosed "battery issue" on second failure and provided indefinite loaner. Vehicle purchased June 2025. Two failures within 9 months and 13,000 miles on a sealed powertrain system the consumer cannot inspect.
Component: Parking Assist / Driver Assistance Sensors / Object Detection Incident Description: While operating my Buick Encore GX, I executed a controlled, low-speed right turn and struck a stationary structural column within the vehicle’s path. The column was a fixed, solid object located in close proximity to the vehicle—precisely within the range the vehicle’s parking assist and object detection systems are intended to detect. No audible or visual warning was provided at any time prior to impact. According to the owner’s handbook, these systems are designed to detect nearby obstacles and provide alerts during low-speed maneuvers, including turning and parking. The conditions of this incident fall directly within those operating parameters. The system’s failure to detect and warn of a clearly present obstacle constitutes a safety defect. Safety Risk: The driver assistance system failed to perform as represented, creating a heightened risk of collisions with stationary objects in low-speed maneuvers. Drivers relying on these systems cannot reasonably expect alerts to avoid collisions in confined spaces such as parking structures or tight turns.
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 into reverse, the display often shows a black screen with a “camera unavailable” warning message. On some occasions, the camera briefly functions but displays severe distortion, including abnormal colors, flickering, and warning symbols overlaid on the image. The issue continues to occur intermittently and unpredictably. This failure creates a safety concern because the backup camera is a required safety feature intended to assist with rear visibility while reversing. The malfunction reduces visibility and increases the risk of not seeing objects, vehicles, or pedestrians behind the vehicle. The problem has not yet been inspected by the dealership due to limited appointment availability. I have documented the issue with photos and video showing the malfunction, including distortion and loss of image. Approximately 8 weeks after purchasing this vehicle in March 2025 (5/3/25) the Digital Instrument Cluster (driver information center) and infotainment display went completely black while driving, leaving no visible speed, fuel level, or other critical vehicle information visible to the driver. This raises concern about the reliability of the vehicle’s electronic systems, particularly as the backup camera— another critical safety feature— is now also malfunctioning. This issue has progressed from intermittent to consistent failure.
Read 14 more owner reports
In my car there is an electrical issue with the radio. Sometimes when I’m backing up and using the camera the lane assistance doesn’t work properly which can cause someone to back into things if they are using it. Also another issue it has is when I’m driving the entire radio and dashboard flicks and the screen goes out which is dangerous when driving because now I’m not sure what my speed level is checking gas levels if your on phone calls it isn’t consistent. I think this is a major safety issue not sure if it’s electrical but the dashboard and screen goes out together randomly and it affects reverse driving and just driving in general.
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 the third day of ownership and was instructed to bring the vehicle in for service. Since that time the vehicle has required multiple repair visits related to the charging system. Repairs included diagnosis of the electrical charging system, replacement of the alternator, and replacement of wiring harness components related to the charging system. I later learned the alternator had already been replaced prior to my purchase of the vehicle, and it required replacement again after purchase during the repair process. Because the charging system warning appeared almost immediately after purchase, I am concerned the defect may have existed prior to the vehicle being sold. Although the warning message is not currently appearing after the most recent repair, the defect occurred almost immediately after purchase and required repeated service visits. The vehicle still does not appear to operate normally. While driving at a steady highway speed, pressing the accelerator sometimes results in no immediate response. There can be a delay of approximately one to two seconds before the vehicle begins accelerating even when additional pressure is applied to the accelerator pedal. I have also noticed the engine sounds louder than expected while idling. Because the original warning indicated the vehicle may stall and the vehicle continues to demonstrate abnormal acceleration response, I believe this may represent a potential safety concern. I sought resolution with the manufacturer, however the manufacturer has not accepted responsibility for the condition. I am submitting this complaint so the issue is documented in case other owners experience similar charging system or acceleration problems.
When I go 63 miles an hour the car starts chugging and my dealership changed the transmission fluid. I drove it home today and it still chugging. They called me and said they took a 2026 Buick encore and did the same thing but will not help me. They told me it’s a daily occurrence in the vehicle. It shouldn’t be chugging going up hills at 63 miles an hour.
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the gas pump nozzle was difficult to remove from the fuel filler neck when the vehicle was done refueling. The contact stated that there was one fueling station that he avoided due to the spring that was wrapped around the nozzle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was advised that the fuel inlet and port were functional and that there was no defect with the parts. The contact stated that the issue depended on the fueling nozzle. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
The vehicle has a safety-related defect involving the safety restraint system. A warning message/light appears indicating a malfunction affecting occupant protection. This defect raises concerns regarding proper airbag and restraint operation in the event of a crash. I presented the vehicle for warranty service, but the manufacturer refused to diagnose or repair the safety defect solely because the vehicle was not currently registered. The vehicle is otherwise under warranty. No accident has occurred yet, but continued operation with this defect poses an unreasonable risk to the driver and passengers. The defect has been observed multiple times and remains unresolved. I am reporting this issue to NHTSA to prevent potential injury or death before an accident occurs.
On the morning of 11/01/2025, the vehicle was in volved in a fire. The cause of the fire is uncertain so the insurance company is investigating it and asked I report it to the NHTSA.
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds and attempting to depress icons on the infotainment system, the screen froze. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on five occasions where it was diagnosed that the infotainment system needed to be reprogramed, and the radio needed to be replaced. The contact was also notified by the mechanic that the infotainment system screen needed to be replaced but the part was on back order. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
I had just drove the car off the lot. On my way home there is this violent grip of the steering wheel pulling me into oncoming traffic. Then again to the right towards a telephone pole. During another casual drive, there was a loud clunk and another violent grip of the steering wheel to the left towards the double yellow line, my son was driving the car at the time. This has happened numerous times. I explained to the dealer that lane assist is suppose to keep you on the road not pull you off the road. There were no lights showing on the dash. Unfortunately this happens randomly so it did not happen when the car went in for service repair at Turner Buick. Turner Buick did not find the cause and did no repairs. If I leave lane assist turned off my car is fine however it is a brand new and its a feature I am not able to use. My car is available for inspection upon request. This is my first Buick and I am disappointed.
CAR BEGAN GIVING AN ALERT THAT SAID "SHIFT TO PARK" WHEN VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY IN PARK BUT CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. I CALLED BUICK CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP & HAVE THE PROBLEM CONFIRMED WITH THE SERVICE DEPT. & THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE FOR ME. (THEY DID NOT TELL ME NOT TO HAVE IT FIXED). I KNEW THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS ISSUE, YET NO RECALL AS OF YET. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM (AS LISTED IN THE LAWSUIT). I HAD TO PAY $503 AFTER THEY GAVE ME A $100 GOODWILL DISCOUNT. I CALLED BUICK BACK TO EXPLAIN THAT I HAD THE CAR FIXED AT MY EXPENSE (I HAD NO CHOICE-THE CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF) & ASKED HOW TO GO ABOUT BEING REIMBURSED FOR A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A DISCOUNT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT CAN BE DONE. I ASKED ABOUT OPENING A CASE & WAS TOLD THAT SINCE MY CAR WAS FIXED, THERE IS NO CASE TO OPEN. I HAVE ASKED TO HAVE MY CALL ESCALATED TO A SUPERVISOR & AM STILL WAITING ON A RETURN CALL. I HAVE TO ASSUME THAT SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL, THE SHIFTER WAS REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL MOST LIKELY FAIL AGAIN. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONE YEAR. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE PARK SHIFTER FAILURE. AND I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR HAVING TO PAY FOR IT.
6/4/26 Took to dealer and stated that the check engine light was on and car was running sluggish. Had stopped at Autozone and their scan showed the code P0102. The dealer charged me 259.00 to do a diagnostic showing the same thing. 6/26/26 Back to the dealer with the same problem and now they stated they replaced the Compressor Air Intake Turbocharger and Install Vacuum Tank Kit. I had the vehicle back for few days and while I was driving, the lights came back on and the car went from 58 to 23 mph within seconds. I would have gotten hit if I was on a major interstate. 6/30/26 Had to have the vehicle towed in because at this point it would not start at all. They stated that the code for mass air flow and lean condition. Replaced mass air flow sencor. On the second invoice along with telling them before, I had also told them about the car when I would try to put in park to shut off, it would ding and light would say..shift to park. I have to turn it back on and mess with the shifter to get to shut off. Stated it would cost me 800.00 which I cannot pay at this time. Another issue that I have had since I bought the vehicle is that my phone has to be deleted and added every time I start the car in order for it to work for maps or phone calls.
The vehicle has less than 60,000 miles. Sometimes, when it is shifted into park, the info center states that it is not in park. I have to jiggle the shift or shift it into other gears and go back to park. The shift is definitely in park when this happens.
I have a 2022 Buick Encore GX with 34,200 miles and I put my car in park but the dashboard said Shift to Park. I tried several times to put it in park but it wouldn't recognize it was in park. The car also wouldn't cut off. I reversed and went forward and back several times trying to put it in park, but it wouldn't see it was in park. I called the dealership and they said jam the gear shifter really hard forward and it would recognize it until they could see the car. The only appointments they had were 2 weeks away. I can't use my car for 2 weeks. That isn't right. It shouldn't have done this at 34,200 miles! Also if the computer doesn't think it's in park then it could roll and hit and injure a child, another car, people etc. GM/Chevorolet shouldn't build cars with known problems. This is a serious Safety issue. The car isn't safe.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: I only have 34,200 miles on my 2022 Buick Encore GX and when I put my car in park, I get a warning message on the dashboard telling me "Shift to Park" but I am already in park and my car won't shut off. Why at 34,000 miles? 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: What if the car thinks it isn't in Park and starts rolling hitting a child, another car, or building? 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes, and it is a known issue with the make and model car I have a 2022 Buick Encore GX but no Recall has been made. This is dangerous and needs to be a recall. 4. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: A "Shift to Park" message comes up on dashboard even though in the bottom right corner it has a P that it is in park. The computer doesn't recognize it's in park.
The bolts connecting sections of the exhaust system broke off at 18 months. The bolts are not separate pieces. they are part of one side of the exhaust so you have to replace an entire section the the exhaust
Showing 20 of 213 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Buick Encore GX
These pages show model-year patterns across 7 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Buick Encore GX, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Buick Encore GX has 213 complaints on record across 7 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Buick Encore GX has 6 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 7 of the Buick Encore GX's 213 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Buick Encore GX vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Buick Encore GX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Buick Encore GX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Buick Encore GX reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Buick Encore GX reliable?
Poor. The Buick Encore GX has 213 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Buick Encore GX years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2020 (66 complaints), 2021 (50 complaints), 2022 (30 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Buick Encore GX problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55 complaints); POWER TRAIN (47 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (45 complaints).
Does the Buick Encore GX have recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Buick Encore GX. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.