Buick · Encore · 2021
2021 Buick Encore
0
Recalls
8
Complaints
5/5
NCAP overall
The 2021 Buick Encore has no recalls and 8 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. One stored NHTSA configuration has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, not a rating for all versions. Most frequent stored component label: engine (3 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Buick Encore SUV AWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 15146
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2021 Buick Encore page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is engine with 3 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Buick Encore currently shows no active NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 8 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA rating for one stored configuration, not all versions.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are engine (3), power train (2), service brakes (1).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Buick Encore
- Recalls
- 0
- Complaints
- 8
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- 5/5. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Buick Encore SUV AWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 15146.
How to Interpret This Page
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.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Buick Encore SUV AWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 15146
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
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
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Owner Complaints
8 totalENGINE
Jul 21, 2025
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...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Jan 26, 2025
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...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 1, 2024
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 ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Jan 9, 2024
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...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 injuryNov 2, 2023
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...
Preview excerpt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 1, 2023
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...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Jan 30, 2023
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...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Aug 13, 2022
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...
Preview excerpt
Showing 8 recent complaints from 8 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Buick models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Buick Encore Years
2022 Buick EncoreCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.8c2020 Buick EncoreCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r17c2019 Buick EncoreCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r76c2018 Buick EncoreCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.69c2017 Buick EncoreCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r83c2026 Buick EncoreCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.0c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Encore have?
The 2021 Buick Encore has 0 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Buick Encore?
NHTSA has received 8 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Buick Encore?
Our stored NHTSA record for the 2021 Buick Encore has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2021 Buick Encore SUV AWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 15146. Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Buick Encore?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2021 Buick Encore are engine (3 reports), power train (2 reports), service brakes (1 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2021 Buick Encore have any recalls?
NHTSA does not currently list any recalls on record for the 2021 Buick Encore. To verify the status of your specific vehicle, check nhtsa.gov/recalls with your VIN.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
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.