VehicleVerdict

2020 Buick Encore problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2020 Buick Encore is among the quieter years of the Encore on NHTSA's books: 34 complaints (65% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (7), fuel system (4), and transmission (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

34

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Encore years?

Encore NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted192 complaints2013: 70 complaints2014: 92 complaints2015: 192 complaints2016: 118 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 105 complaints2019: 122 complaints2020: 34 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 11 complaints
Encore NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Encore years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Buick Encore problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine721%
Transmission412%
Electrical System412%
Fuel System412%
Speed Control39%
Brakes39%
Other39%
Tires & Wheels26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Latches & Locks13%
Steering13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2020 Buick Encore have recalls?

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

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

20V537000SeatsSeptember 3, 2020 · 105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence

If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Defective "TURBO CHARGER" at 38,091 miles. The defective worn-out or damaged turbocharger was removed from the engine and a new one was installed at a cost of $1816.00. This part should not wear out at 38,000 miles. My mechanic informed me that this is common in the Buick Encore vehicles to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 20, 2026

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. IT ACTED AS IT WAS ACCELERATING AND THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT AND I LOST SPEED. I REGAINED SPEED AND THEN IT LURCHED AGAIN; THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN WENT OFF. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 3, 2020

“Engine light is on and vehicle is sluggish on hills and keeping up in traffic. Rpms run high if I try. Error code p0299 shows on scanning device- turbo under boost. I have 112,000 miles and need turbo replaced already. this vehicle is very well maintained. I did see a special notice for the GX…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 2, 2024

“Defective "TURBO CHARGER" at 38,091 miles. The defective worn-out or damaged turbocharger was removed from the engine and a new one was installed at a cost of $1816.00. This part should not wear out at 38,000 miles. My mechanic informed me that this is common in the Buick Encore vehicles to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 20, 2026

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. IT ACTED AS IT WAS ACCELERATING AND THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT AND I LOST SPEED. I REGAINED SPEED AND THEN IT LURCHED AGAIN; THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN WENT OFF. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 3, 2020

2020 Buick Encore — common questions

Is the 2020 Buick Encore reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 34 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Encore year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Encore problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2020 Buick Encore have recalls?

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

Which Buick Encore years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Encore years to avoid are 2015, 2013. The cleanest record among Encore years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2020 Buick Encore?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Buick Encore 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.