2021 Buick Encore Gx Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Buick Encore Gx? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 45 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Buick Encore Gx has 45 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Buick Encore Gx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2021 Buick Encore Gx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Buick Encore Gx Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Buick Encore GX SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Buick Encore Gx has 45 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Encore Gx
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 45
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 28 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Buick Encore Gx problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Buick Encore Gx?
The 2021 Buick Encore Gx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Buick Encore Gx
Inspection Focus
- 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.
Before You Close the Deal
- 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.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Buick Encore Gx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial 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.
- 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.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Fuel/Propulsion System
Full breakdown
All 2021 Buick Encore Gx complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
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…
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the message to “Shift 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…
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 “Shift to Park” was displayed and…
When trying to park/shut off, the vehicle gives ‘shift to park’ error message upon shifting to park and won’t shut off or when starting will give ‘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
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 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…
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…
2021 Buick Encore with 25000 miles. Warning message “SHIFT 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.
Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.
Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.
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.
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 …
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…
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…
Car is put on Park and a warning light comes out saying car is not on park.
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 …
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 “engine power reduced” comes up and my check engine light comes on. This is dangerous as I was on the interstate wit…
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.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx.
Safety recalls
2021 Buick Encore Gx recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SERVICE BRAKES
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Buick Encore Gx buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Buick Encore Gx reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 45 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Buick Encore Gx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Buick Encore Gx?▾
#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?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Buick Encore Gx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Buick Encore Gx, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 45 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Buick Encore Gx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Buick Encore Gx. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Buick Encore Gx?▾
The 2021 Buick Encore Gx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Buick Encore Gx based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.