Severe Issues

2021 BUICK ENCORE GX Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. This model year has 45 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

45
Complaints
2
Crashes
β€”
Fires
4
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
2
Recalls

Model-Year Complaints

45 owner reports

Recall Campaigns

2 NHTSA campaigns

Top Failure Area

Engine Problems

Worst 2021 Buick Encore Gx Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
17
complaints

Engine Problems

#2
9
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#3
7
complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System

πŸ€–

AI Interpretation β€” 2021 Buick Encore Gx

Low Confidence
AI interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore GX are concentrated in engine problems, with 17 reports, followed by transmission/drivetrain and fuel/propulsion system issues. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.

πŸ“Š Key Findings
  • Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints (17 out of 45).
  • Transmission/drivetrain and fuel/propulsion system each have 9 and 7 complaints respectively.
  • Only 2 crash-related complaints were reported.
⚠️ Top Concerns
  • Engine Problems
  • Transmission / Drivetrain
  • Fuel/Propulsion System
βœ… Before You Buy β€” Checklist
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for reported components, especially engine and transmission.
  • Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues and engine performance.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The sample size is small (45 complaints) and confidence level is low, so patterns may not be representative. Complaints may be influenced by reporting bias or severity of issues.

Considering a 2021 Buick Encore Gx?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems17β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain9β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System7β€”β€”β€”
Brake System7β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues6β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults3β€”β€”β€”
Equipment2β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures11β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions11β€”β€”
Lane Departure1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 45 most recent complaints

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 23, 2026

Turbocharger is defective. Reduced engine power. Engine Power reduced shows up on my dashboard. I bought the car brand new at Lindsey Buick in Ohio. This car is too young for this problem. Lindsey Buick and GM need to stand up to accountability and transparency when it comes…

Engine ProblemsApr 18, 2026

My vehicle suddenly stalled and completely shut off while I was driving. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to alert me there was any engine issues. I was definitely put in danger as I was driving at rush hour in a 6 lane busy US 1 Federal Highway. The vehicle was sta…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 26, 2026

Shifter to park message showing on dash and Vehicle will not stop beeping and drains the battery and you can not lock the car. This is a know problem with Buick Encore 2023 and Buick has not recalled it and did not cover the cost of the repair, which cost me $659.68 plus tax.

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the message to β€œShift to Park” was displayed while the vehicle was already shifted in park(P). The contact stated that several attempts to shift to park were needed to clear the…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that during a routine oil change at the local dealer, the contact informed the dealer that while in the park or shifting to park, the engine was shutting off unexpectedly. The message to β€œShift to Park” was displayed and…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 12, 2026

When trying to park/shut off, the vehicle gives β€˜shift to park’ error message upon shifting to park and won’t shut off or when starting will give β€˜shift to park’ error message and not start. This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle model…we could really use a recall

Engine ProblemsJan 5, 2026

Trying to understand why a recall was not done on an engine issue on this car and instead GMC chose to send out 2 letters in 2024 detailing the problem that "might" happen with the engine losing power while driving and for owners to "carry" the letters in the glove compartment of…

Brake SystemJan 3, 2026

Brake System Control Module Replacement - The brake system control module needs replacement due to a fault detected with 10 volts on terminal 1. Replacing this component can help maintain proper functionality of the brake system and ensure consistent performance. Why would this a…

Engine ProblemsDec 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, there was an abnormally loud popping and scrapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon exiting and inspec…

Uncategorized IssuesNov 11, 2025

2021 Buick Encore with 25000 miles. Warning message β€œSHIFT TO PARK” while vehicle is in park. Dealership says shifter and knob need replaced at an out of pocket cost to me of nearly one thousand dollars. GM has already settled claims for this problem with Chevrolet owners.

Engine ProblemsOct 15, 2025

Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.

Engine ProblemsOct 15, 2025

Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 1, 2025

When I put my car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. While it’s already in Park. I then push the stick shift forward and the bell alarms stops and message disappears.

Electrical FaultsAug 16, 2025

This is an ongoing issue that I have brought to the NHTSA's attention before, which resulted in a special coverage program being issued; however, now GM is not willing to assist me with the special coverage program due to a branded title (used vehicle), and the condition is only …

Uncategorized IssuesJul 23, 2025

Once a day sometimes twice, when I have pulled into a parking spot and put the car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. Since I already put it into Park I then jiggle the stick shift lightly and the bell alarms stops and message disappe…

Visibility/WiperJul 23, 2025

About 6 times in the last 3 months when I put the car into reverse and the reverse camera comes on the image is kind of sketchy and in weird colors - definitely not clear then it completely goes black with message at the top saying something about getting the rear camera repaired…

Uncategorized IssuesJun 28, 2025

Car is put on Park and a warning light comes out saying car is not on park.

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shifting to park(P), the vehicle failed to immediately shut off. During the failure the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The …

Fuel/Propulsion SystemMay 2, 2025

Turbo charger has gone out 4 times since I purchased it in April 2021. I have been on the interstate driving and suddenly my car slows down and a message that says β€œengine power reduced” comes up and my check engine light comes on. This is dangerous as I was on the interstate wit…

Engine ProblemsMar 12, 2025

Vehicle overheating randomly due to faulty Coolant Control Valve. Vehicle goes into reduced power mode and also instructs you to pull over and idle engine. Part is on National backorder for weeks. The issue could cause Vehicle to become inoperable and cause a crash.

Page 1 of 3

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx.

Recalls for 2021 Buick Encore Gx

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

20V58800024/09/2020
SERVICE BRAKES

21V440000Oct 6, 2021
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

Other Buick Encore Gx Years

202520242023202220212020

2021 Buick Encore Gx β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore Gx reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2021 Buick Encore Gx has 45 NHTSA owner complaints, 2 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (17 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Buick Encore Gx?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (17 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (9 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (7 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Buick Encore Gx?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2021 Buick Encore Gx?β–Ύ

The 2021 Buick Encore Gx has 2 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 45 total NHTSA complaints. 4 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2021 Buick Encore Gx have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. The largest issue: SERVICE BRAKES. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2021 Buick Encore Gx?β–Ύ

The 2021 Buick Encore Gx has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Buick Encore Gx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

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Check Your Specific 2021 Buick Encore Gx

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).