VehicleVerdict

2021 Buick Encore GX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 64 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Encore GX year — the 2021 model ranks #2 of 6 Encore GX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

64

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Encore GX years?

Encore GX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted105 complaints2020: 105 complaints2021: 64 complaints2022: 36 complaints2023: 42 complaints2024: 33 complaints2025: 23 complaints
Encore GX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Encore GX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Buick Encore GX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1828%
Transmission1016%
Brakes813%
Other813%
Fuel System711%
Electrical System35%
Speed Control23%
Driver Assistance23%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Seat Belts12%
Seats12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2021 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.

“The contact owns 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and accelerating, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 24, 2024

“I bought my vehicle the later part of 2021 and the transmission and engine no longer work and need to be replaced. When I first purchased the vehicle the battery completely died in less than 6 months. Numerous repairs and now the warranty won't work since I am over 60000 miles even though I have…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 10, 2023

“Once a day sometimes twice, when I have pulled into a parking spot and put the car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. Since I already put it into Park I then jiggle the stick shift lightly and the bell alarms stops and message disappears. This started…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 22, 2025

“Driving at 5:10pm on aug 31, 2021 first my power steering warning comes on my dash. Then my brake light comes on in red. I was just starting to move w traffic and I turned down a side street. No brakes or steering I did slow down enough to put in park. Only 4000 miles on vehicle. Called on star…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 31, 2021

“I recently took my vehicle into the classic Chevrolet dealership where it was purchased for the manufacture warranty on a fuel remission pump to be replaced under warranty. When I got my car back when I reverse and switch and to drive it either jumps like it’s not getting gas, and sometimes…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 6, 2023

2021 Buick Encore GX — common questions

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 2021 model at #2 of 6 Encore GX years. It is one of the Encore GX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Encore GX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (18 complaints), transmission (10 complaints), other (8 complaints).

Does the 2021 Buick Encore GX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 Buick Encore GX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Buick Encore GX earned an overall rating of 5 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.