Buick · Encore GX · 2021
2
Recalls
44
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Buick Encore GX has 2 recalls and 44 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (7 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
18.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.
Remedy Status
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.
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 stalled, without any power, in the middle lane with cars and trucks swerving around me at the last minute. I called 911 immediately and they dispatched cruisers to help push my vehicle across 4 lanes of traffic. This meant having to block 4 lanes of moving traffic. It was a long 10 minutes of waiting as angry drivers were leaning on their horns in frustration. AAA flatbed towed my vehicle to a near mechanic's shop, but it was after hours and had to be left there until morning. The mechanic inspected the problem and confirmed the issue was a fuel module and fuel pump failure. How does this happen without any alerts to the driver? How can you prepare a driver of such a serious engine failure putting that driver and other surrounding drivers at such a serious risk? This should be a safety recall and fixed by the dealer without charge to the driver. That is, if the driver is still alive.
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 message. On several occasions, the contact drove the vehicle and then shifted back to park(P) for the message to be cleared. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
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
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 inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the exhaust manifold had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable and was currently parked at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,590.
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 the vehicle was difficult to turn off. The contact wiggled the ignition to shut off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure persisted over time. The contact was concerned about being stranded due to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and it was determined that there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had scheduled an appointment for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.
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 all of a sudden be faulty after almost 5 years?
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.
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 the vehicle so the dealership could be aware of the issue. You were told to not bring the car to be serviced unless the issue was obvious. Well it happened when I was out of state and had to immediately find a GMC dealership to fix the issue for which my car was in a dealership in [XXX] for approximately one month. If the proper recall would have been made I would NOT have driven the car out of state prior to getting it fixed. I had family members in the car with me at the time and to lose power on an interstate was very scary to say the least. I feel that GMC failed it's customers with this vehicle and I will never buy another GMC vehicle or for that another vehicle US made vehicle. The issue was fixed at GMC's expense but they are now failing to reimburse proper funds for the rental I had to use putting a burden on my finances...be that as it may I am totally disappointed with the Buick Encore GX 2021. You try to support the "american made label" and this is where it got me for trying to do the right thing...I feel no one is looking out for the consumers on this particular issue b/c I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one it has happened to...A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS ISSUE..!! This is 2021 with fewer than 48,000 miles and up to date services by reputable GMC dealerships since I have had the car. The case # with GMC for this issue is XXXINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 getting worse. Tonight, on August 16th, my vehicle experienced a complete loss of power, including engine functionality and fuel/propulsion systems. This stems from the original complaint I filed last fall (11614068) in relation to the turbocharger. I was advised by GM that they would not service my vehicle multiple times by rude supervisors, as my vehicle did not qualify under the special coverage because it's not a "safety issue:", and that the NHTSA has not issued a safety recall for this issue, when it's a safety issue. This is outrageous, and I URGE the NHTSA to look into the severity of this issue. It's only a matter of time before I am on the highway when my vehicle experiences what it did tonight. A complete loss of power, engine functionality, and the fuel/propulsion systems. I already had a near-death experience while driving on the highway when my engine power was reduced, which caused me to go from 65MPH to 40MPH in seconds on a highway, in the left lane, and I almost got rear-ended by someone going 75MPH. This is a safety issue, and it's not just impacting me. I find it so misleading that GM sent me a legal letter stating they knew there was an issue with the turbocharger and that they would take care of the repairs at no cost to me. The first line on the legal document states, ' Your satisfaction with our product is important to us," unless your car is used and has a branded title. There is nothing on that special coverage notice that explicitly states your title must be clean. I urge the NHTSA to issue a safety recall on the turbocharger so other Americans like me don't have to spend months going back and forth to get a simple repair done, an essential safety repair.
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 disappears. This started within last 6 months.
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. It doesn't happen often but I can't use the rear camera when it does that so it's back to old school when in reverse looking everywhere and in mirrors before moving. It hasn't happened but once so far this month July 2025 but thought you should know.
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 cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 57,000.
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 with 18 wheelers and could’ve been rear ended and badly hurt or killed. My grandchildren could’ve been in the car with me. When this happens the vehicle slows down considerably and does not accelerate properly. I have to drive in the right lane at a much slower speed putting myself and others in danger. Leachman Buick in Bowling Green, KY has repaired the car twice. Campbell Chevrolet in the same city has repaired it twice and it is currently at this dealership due to the engine power situation occurring again. This has caused me severe inconvenience as I have had to drop my car at the dealership several times in the past few weeks and rearrange my schedule as a rental car has not been provided. Campbell Chevrolet repaired the vehicle a few weeks ago and the check engine light and reduce power message was back on within 6 hours of them initially completing the repair. Two weeks or less it was the waste gate actuator solenoid that was replaced but the engine message and check engine light are back on. I am VERY FRUSTRATED at having to jump through hoops regarding this vehicle. I own the Bluegrass Edition model and it is obvious that something serious is wrong with the car and Buick needs to recall the car IMMEDIATELY. It is either a lemon or something else is causing the turbo charger to repeatedly fail. I have taken the car to TWO different dealerships and neither one of them have been able to rectify the issue long term. The vehicle needs to have a TOTAL diagnostic test on EVERYTHING relating to the engine and power system. PLEASE LOOK INTO HAVING THIS VEHICLE RECALLED AS I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE MY LIFE ON THE INTERSTATE DUE TO REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY SLOWING DOWN!!
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.
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.
Went to install a car seat and the place to hook it to is so far Imbedded into the seat I would have to cut the seat to get to it. I need these car seats attached. I am not cutting the seats.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2021 Buick Encore GX has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 44 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore GX.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Buick Encore GX are engine (7 reports), power train (5 reports), service brakes (5 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2021 Buick Encore GX. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.