2021 Buick Encore: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Buick Encore? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 8 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Buick Encore Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2021 Buick Encore 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. 7 trims analysed.
2021 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Buick Encore SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% 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 has 8 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Encore
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 8
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 32
- 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
Most Common 2021 Buick Encore Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Buick Encore?
The 2021 Buick Encore looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Buick Encore
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine and transmission for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine and transmission for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Buick Encore, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore, issues are concentrated in the engine and transmission/drivetrain. No crashes or recalls were reported, but the low complaint count limits confidence in these patterns.
- Engine problems account for 3 of 8 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues account for 2 of 8 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were reported.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Brake System
All 2021 Buick Encore Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Encore. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Encore. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I have continuously had my check engine light pop on. I have took it in twice for them fix the issue which is the purge sensor. It did not fix the issue because the light just pops back on. This has caused issues with me passing emissions and has been an headache shortly street I…
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the Hill Assist message was displayed. The brake …
Took to the dealership. They stated my flex pipe had melted and the o2 sensors are stuck in the pipe need replacement as well. They have to replace flex pipe and everything leading to the 2nd o2 sensor. They stated there was no damage or tampering to the flex pipe. This should no…
Turbo Charger failed while passing a semi-trailer truck causing a severe lack of power and almost causing a head on collision with on-coming traffic. I had 3 passengers at the time. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center and I am getting a second opinion f…
The 2021 Buick Encore was listed by the NHTSA as having a parts recall with the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, yet when I look up my VIN and talk to the dealer, I’m told the vehicle is not recalled, even though I’m having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. I…
NOTHING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT STARTED WENT TO DRIVE OFF !! BANG 2000 BOUNDS OF PRESSURE IN MY FACE! MY WHOLE BODY!! IT WAS A RENTAL !! LOOK INTO THIS VECHICAIL !HAIR BURNT! FRIED WIRE SMELL STILL ON MY BURNT JACKET!! LOOK INTO THIS WITH GREAT CONCERN AS…
Already had turbo go on this car once back in July 2022. Mechanic replaced turbo with another one (used with 20,000 miles on it) due to the turbo for this car being on backorder. Now my car is throwing P0299 after about 20,000 more miles being put on the used turbo and a P0420 co…
Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same th…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Buick Encore.
2021 Buick Encore Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Buick Encore. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2021 Buick Encore Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Buick Encore reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 8 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Buick Encore looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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?▾
#1: Engine Problems (3 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints). #3: Brake System (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Buick Encore?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Buick Encore?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Buick Encore, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 8 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Buick Encore have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2021 Buick Encore in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2021 Buick Encore?▾
The 2021 Buick Encore looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Buick Encore based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.