TireKick

Model-year record

2021 Buick Encore
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2021 Buick Encore

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

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

Known issues

Engine issues lead owner complaints (33% of 9 reports), followed by power train (33%).

Engine33% · 3 reports
Power Train33% · 3 reports
Electrical System11% · 1 report
Service Brakes11% · 1 report
Unknown Or Other11% · 1 report

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.

Individual complaint reports(9)

Showing the 9 most recent reports
Power TrainMay 2026 · ODI 11740366Details +

Intermittent Service Brake Assist Light with very hard brake pedal and almost no breaks backing up. Have had it to several shops who said it was a turbo booster issue so scheduled service with Patriot GMC Boyertown Pa. Also intermittently has little to no power causing driving hazard suddenly especially uphill. Seems to mostly happen during rainy days.

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11740366 at NHTSA →
EngineNov 2025 · ODI 11698861Details +

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 obtained the vehicle.

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11698861 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesAug 2025 · ODI 11682080Details +

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 pedal was pumped several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer and another dealer, Mangino Chevrolet, INC. (4447 NY-30, Amsterdam, NY 12010); were made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V588000 (Service Brakes); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11682080 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2025 · ODI 11675559Details +

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 not have happened in this new of a vehicle. This is a dangerous and costly repair that falls on a faulty flex pipe and not covered by the warranty.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11675559 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2025 · ODI 11639039Details +

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 from a dealer on 2/3. The check engine light did come on when it happened. There were no symptoms prior to failure. I have since researched the problem and found that Turbo Charger failure is the #1 issue with this make and year.

Reported
Jan 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11639039 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2024 · ODI 11594871Details +

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’ve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and I’m hoping I don’t have to pay for it since my issue is the same one that was listed in the recall.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11594871 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemNov 2023 · ODI 11557296 · 1 injuriesDetails +

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 IAM REACHING OUT WITH SHOCK AND AWE ABOUT THIS WHOLE SITUATION THAT ACCURED** THERE IS VIDEO OF ACCURANCE IN PARKING LOT * THINK THE OWNER IS GOING TO TRY TO COVER UP WHAT EVER HE CAN , SAYING THAT FOR REASON'S OF MY OWN! PLEASE SOMEONE'S JOB TO INVESTAGTE RIGHT ! BLACK BOX DATA SPEED WHICH 2 MILES A HOUR WAS SPEED .. COULDNT SEE * AIR BAGS EVEN CAME UP FROM THE PEDDLES?? WHY ?? SO CANT PUT THE BREAKS ON? LIKE IWAS TRAPPED HURT DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON .

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11557296 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2023 · ODI 11505585Details +

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 code. Changed rear catalytic. Changed upstream O2 sensor, changed wastegate solenoid, turbo seems to be working fine, no noises, but losing power going up hills at highway speeds. Seriously unhappy and no recalls on this vehicle but it has the same turbo as other vehicles that has had recalls!!! I think this should be a recall!!!

Reported
Feb 2023
Incident date
Jan 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11505585 at NHTSA →
EngineSep 2022 · ODI 11483354Details +

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 thing and car really hot under hood, smoke from tailpipe and loss of power. Took to repair shop, they want to replace engine, oil lines, turbo and gaskets. Car has 121530 miles on it.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11483354 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

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

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Encore FWD1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243227
Encore FWD1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive253027
Encore AWD1.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive233026
Encore AWD1.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive242926

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.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

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. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

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.