Verdict
2021 Buick Encore GX: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Buick Encore GX — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.
Owners filed 50 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 51% of 2021 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (22%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
50
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
29
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 51% of 2021 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (22% of 50 reports), followed by power train (20%).
+ 7 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 50 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11735353, ODI 11732027, ODI 11708921, ODI 11693594, ODI 11693596.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
EquipmentOct 2021 · 21V440000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Service Brakes · 20V588000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2021 Buick Encore GX SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Buick Encore GX SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore GX FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 | 32 | 31 |
| Encore GX FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 31 | 29 |
| Encore GX AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 26 | 29 | 28 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 Buick Encore GX: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Buick Encore GX?
Owners filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore GX — fewer complaints than 51% of comparable 2021 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Buick Encore GX?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (22% of complaints) and power train (20%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Encore GX have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2021 Buick Encore GX, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Buick Encore GX get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Buick Encore GX between 28 and 31 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.