2021 Buick Encore GX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Buick Encore GX, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
53
Recalls
2
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Median mileage
45,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 19 of 53 complaints (36%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (11) and brakes (8) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 45,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries.
  • The 2021 Buick Encore GX has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 2nd of 7 Buick Encore GX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 24% fewer complaints than the 2020 model year (70).

2021 Buick Encore GX problems by category

  • Engine
    19 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    11 complaints
  • Brakes
    8 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    4 complaints
  • Electrical System
    4 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    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
Engine15
Power train11
Service brakes7
Fuel/propulsion system7
Unknown or other6
Electrical system4
Equipment2
Vehicle speed control2

When problems happen (mileage)

3Under 10k210k–30k630k–60k460k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Buick Encore GX complaints that list mileage.

2021 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 2021 Buick Encore GX complaints

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

  1. Filed Sep 18, 202687,402 miNJDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the radio display screen was blank. While reversing, the rear-view camera briefly displayed an image before going blank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 87,402.
    NHTSA complaint #11765233 · source
  2. Filed Aug 30, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle does not recognize it is in Park even when the shifter is placed in that position. As a result, the vehicle cannot be turned off. GM has issued a technical service bulletin for this issue, but has not yet performed a recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11760794 · source
  3. Filed Aug 29, 2026OHDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The Frontview camera or its software is the issue. It allows the car to drift outside of the lane on both sides of the car before warning and or pulling you back over but then it just pulls you to the other line and lets you cross it back and forth if you let it and every time crossing the line. Extremely dangerous if you don't know that it's not functioning correctly. Also her adaptive cruise control doesn't work and I know for a fact it uses the same camera to work to be…
    NHTSA complaint #11760679 · source
  4. Filed Jul 8, 2026NJElectrical SystemEngine
    While driving check engine suddenly illuminated following by a "warning reduced engine power" message. Car began driving sluggish and driving over 35mph caused serious trembling. After multiple diagnosis with several engine codes pointing to issues with ECM, and mass air flow sensor, and the wiring affliated . I took the vehicle to the GMC dealership to get vehicle serviced and was told the wiring had broken and melted which caused the check engine to come on and the vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11749150 · source
  5. Filed Jun 29, 202681,000 miPABrakes
    The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and several unknown diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V588000 (Service…
    NHTSA complaint #11747114 · source
  6. Filed Jun 8, 2026CAAcceleration & Cruise Control
    Due to defective LIN BUS 2 failure to read mass air flow sensor, vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode. This speed control issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) #22-NA-008 and PIP5934, 2022.
    NHTSA complaint #11742772 · source
  7. Filed May 5, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain
    A 2021 Buick Encore GX with 66,828 miles experienced sudden transmission failure while driving. The vehicle lost forward gear engagement and began slipping, creating an immediate safety risk to the driver and other motorists due to unexpected loss of vehicle propulsion and control. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized GM dealership. Diagnostic codes P2714 (Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 4 Stuck Off) and P0700 (Transmission Control Module Request) were confirmed.…
    NHTSA complaint #11735946 · source
  8. Filed May 3, 2026FLEngine
    The 1.3L turbo caused metal fragments to get into my engine which in return caused the transmission to fail. My 2021 Buick encore gx has been in the shop since early February 2026 at Garber Buick in Fort Pierce Florida. The first diagnosis was solenoids needed to be replaced, after the solenoids were replaced they told me the engine needed to be replaced, once the engine was put in Garber Buick told me the transmission now needed to be replaced. GM motors have been involved…
    NHTSA complaint #11735353 · source

Compare the 2021 Buick Encore GX with another vehicle →

Other 2021 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