Buick Encore GX Problems by Year
NHTSA has 235 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file for the Buick Encore GX, across 7 model years (2020–2026). The 2020 model year has the most complaints (70). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.

Buick Encore GX years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Encore GX year: 2020. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2020 Encore GX: 70 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2021 Encore GX: 53 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2022 Encore GX: 33 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2026 Encore GX: 4 complaints, 1 recall
- 2025 Encore GX: 15 complaints, 1 recall
- 2023 Encore GX: 28 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Buick Encore GX problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 62 | 7 | 0 |
| Power Train | 51 | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 46 | 7 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 34 | 5 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 19 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 5 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | 5 | 2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 | 0 |
All Buick Encore GX model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore GX | 4 | 1 | 5★ | Engine | |
| 2025 Encore GX | 15 | 1 | 5★ | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2024 Encore GX | 32 | 2 | 5★ | Electrical System | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2023 Encore GX | 28 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2022 Encore GX | 33 | 1 | 5★ | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2021 Encore GX | 53 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | More complaints than other years |
| 2020 Encore GX | 70 | 2 | 4★ | Service Brakes | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Buick: all Buick models · Buick VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Encore GX years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2020 (70) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Encore GX year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Buick Encore GX?
Electrical System, with 62 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Buick Encore GX have?
4 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.