Verdict
2021 Buick Encore: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Buick Encore — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 9 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 84% of 2021 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (33%). No safety recalls on record.
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
9
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
0
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
26.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 84% 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 (33% of 9 reports), followed by power train (33%).
Share of all 9 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11698861, ODI 11675559, ODI 11483354.
Recalls
0 recalls — none issued for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change as NHTSA publishes new campaigns.
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 SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Buick Encore SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 32 | 27 |
| Encore FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 29 | 26 |
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: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Buick Encore?
Owners filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore — fewer complaints than 84% 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?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (33% of complaints) and power train (33%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Encore have?
No safety recalls are on record for the 2021 Buick Encore as of Jul 2026.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Buick Encore get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Buick Encore between 26 and 27 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.