2020 Buick Encore GX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Buick Encore GX, most often about brakes. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
70
Recalls
2
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Median mileage
1,487 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 21 of 70 complaints (30%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (18) and engine (16) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 1,487 mi.
  • Owners reported 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2020 Buick Encore GX has 2 recalls on file.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 7 Buick Encore GX model years we track.

2020 Buick Encore GX problems by category

  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    21 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    19 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    18 complaints
  • Engine
    16 complaints
  • Electrical System
    16 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    4 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    3 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes19
Unknown or other19
Power train18
Electrical system16
Engine14
Vehicle speed control6
Steering4
Air bags3

When problems happen (mileage)

16Under 10k110k–30k330k–60k260k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Buick Encore GX complaints that list mileage.

2020 Buick Encore GX recalls (2)

  • Recall 21V440000Jun 10, 2021135,400 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

    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.

  • Recall 20V588000Sep 24, 20203,677 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES

    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.

Recent 2020 Buick Encore GX complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 26, 2026KSElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    While driving my 2020 Buick Encore GX, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration, immediately dropping into 'Reduced Engine power' limp mode in active traffic, but no other car was Infront or behind my car. A diagnostic scan revealed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2138, which triggered the computer's safety override system to cut engine throttle. The official dealer repair invoice confirms a manufacturing and assembly defect covered under GM…
    NHTSA complaint #11767180 · source
  2. Filed Sep 14, 2026MDEngineOther / Unknown
    There was no service engine warning light on my dashboard. Pending codes in the pictures below popped up on my diagnostics tool less than 24 hours after buying the vehicle from an Audi Dealer. The engine went into limp mode as you can see from the picture below that shows Engine Power is Reduced. After researching these error codes, I was made aware that this is a common issue on this vehicle ad is should be a recall as it states the engine failure is a very serious issue,…
    NHTSA complaint #11764192 · source
  3. Filed Sep 8, 2026ILTransmission & Drivetrain
    While reversing, the vehicle suddenly jumped/jerked unexpectedly. Another vehicle was parked close behind me, and I was afraid my vehicle was going to jump into it because the movement was sudden and difficult to control. On another occasion, while traveling approximately 20 mph through a longer curve, the vehicle suddenly jumped/jerked again and I was concerned I could lose control of the vehicle or strike another vehicle. The vehicle has also intermittently…
    NHTSA complaint #11762916 · source
  4. Filed Jul 22, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I am submitting this complaint regarding several serious mechanical and electrical issues with my 2020 Buick Encore GX that raise significant concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safety. Most concerning, I was recently informed by the dealership that my vehicle requires another transmission replacement, despite having the transmission replaced in 2024. I was also advised that I would need to pay for an additional diagnostic inspection because technicians discovered…
    NHTSA complaint #11752226 · source
  5. Filed Jun 21, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain
    Transmission would not connect with the engine. La Fontaine dealership in Saint Clair. Said I need a new transmission cost $14,000. It has 59823 miles under the vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11745442 · source
  6. Filed Apr 14, 2026TXOther / Unknown
    My 2020 Buick Encore GX which has only $30,600 had the "Shift to Park" message appear on the dashboard screen and my car was not turning off properly. I read online that it is a widespread known issue: however, I had to pay $630.14 to fix the GM well know widespread issue so I can turn off my vehicle. This should be covered FREE of charge by GM as they are aware of the issue affecting the 2020 Buick Encore GX.
    NHTSA complaint #11731062 · source
  7. Filed Mar 24, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain
    I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical failure involving my vehicle and to request further review and assistance. While operating my vehicle, it unexpectedly stalled in the middle of an intersection, creating a significant safety hazard. At the time of the incident, the check engine light illuminated and the RPMs surged to a range between 6 and 8. I was able to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road, place it in park, and have it towed to a dealership…
    NHTSA complaint #11726783 · source
  8. Filed Feb 20, 2026NCElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    My 2020 Buick Encore GX is showing a message with accompanying ding ding sounds "Shift to Park" after I put my car in park. This malfunction will not allow the car to be locked. I see there are many complaints and lawsuits that GM has not attended to. How do we get GM to initiate a recall on something they are and were well aware of.
    NHTSA complaint #11719307 · source

Compare the 2020 Buick Encore GX with another vehicle →

Other 2020 Buick models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology