VehicleVerdict

2020 Buick Encore GX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Encore GX year — the 2020 model ranks #1 of 6 Encore GX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (21), other (17), and transmission (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

105

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Encore GX years?

Encore GX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted105 complaints2020: 105 complaints2021: 64 complaints2022: 36 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 33 complaints2025: 23 complaints
Encore GX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Encore GX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Buick Encore GX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2120%
Other1716%
Transmission1615%
Engine1312%
Electrical System1312%
Driver Assistance55%
Speed Control55%
Steering44%
Airbags33%
Fuel System33%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%
Body & Structure11%
Lighting11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2020 Buick Encore GX have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V440000OtherJune 10, 2021 · 135,400 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V588000BrakesSeptember 24, 2020 · 3,677 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2/3/2021 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER TODAY. SHE WAS DRIVING AND WE WERE APPROACHING A LEFT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. WE HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND I COULD SEE THAT HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. SHE STARTED THE TURN WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE HER FOOT WAS ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 3, 2021 · crash

“When I put the car in park and go to turn off the car, I'm getting a "Shift to Park" error when the car is already in park. This error will not allow the car to shut off. I have to shift it back out of gear and then back to park several times before it will recognize that it's in park and allow me…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 28, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 19, 2026

“I WAS DRIVING HOME APPROX 6:00 PM AS I WAS STARTING ON L75 MY BUICK 2020GX WITH LESS THAN 300 MILES STARTED TO SPEED UP TO A VERY FAST MY BRAKES DID NOT SLOW ME DOWN THE CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP I WAS VERY SCARED WHEN THE CAR KEPT GOING FASTER NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT THERE WAS ALMOST A CRASH TRYING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 23, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 19, 2026

2020 Buick Encore GX — common questions

Is the 2020 Buick Encore GX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 2020 model at #1 of 6 Encore GX years. It is one of the Encore GX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Encore GX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), other (17 complaints), transmission (16 complaints).

Does the 2020 Buick Encore GX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Buick Encore GX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick Encore GX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Encore GX years to avoid are 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among Encore GX years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2020 Buick Encore GX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Buick Encore GX earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.