2021 BUICK ENCORE GX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
53
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
49
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX
The 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX has received a total of 53 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND, SERVICE BRAKES. 49 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (11 complaints), Power Train (7 complaints), and Service Brakes (7 complaints).
Recalls for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX
NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX, potentially affecting up to 139,077 vehicles.
Recall 21V440000 — EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
| 135,400 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 20V588000 — SERVICE BRAKES
| 3,677 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX
53 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingengineother Fuel Typesturbosuperchargerintercooler | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Dynamic Brake Supportbrake Assist | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane Departure Sensing System Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that during a routine oil change at the local dealer, the contact informed the dealer that while in the park or shifting to park, the engine was shutting off unexpectedly. The message to “Shift to Park” was displayed and the vehicle was difficult to turn off. The contact wiggled the ignition to shut off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure persisted over time. The contact was concerned about being stranded due to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and it was determined that there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had scheduled an appointment for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that during a routine oil change at the local dealer, the contact informed the dealer that while in the park or shifting to park, the engine was shutting off unexpectedly. The message to “Shift to Park” was displayed and the vehicle was difficult to turn off. The contact wiggled the ignition to shut off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure persisted over time. The contact was concerned about being stranded due to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and it was determined that there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had scheduled an appointment for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.
When trying to park/shut off, the vehicle gives ‘shift to park’ error message upon shifting to park and won’t shut off or when starting will give ‘shift to park’ error message and not start. This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle model…we could really use a recall
When trying to park/shut off, the vehicle gives ‘shift to park’ error message upon shifting to park and won’t shut off or when starting will give ‘shift to park’ error message and not start. This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle model…we could really use a recall
Trying to understand why a recall was not done on an engine issue on this car and instead GMC chose to send out 2 letters in 2024 detailing the problem that "might" happen with the engine losing power while driving and for owners to "carry" the letters in the glove compartment of the vehicle so the dealership could be aware of the issue. You were told to not bring the car to be serviced unless the issue was obvious. Well it happened when I was out of state and had to immediately find a GMC dealership to fix the issue for which my car was in a dealership in [XXX] for approximately one month. If the proper recall would have been made I would NOT have driven the car out of state prior to getting it fixed. I had family members in the car with me at the time and to lose power on an interstate was very scary to say the least. I feel that GMC failed it's customers with this vehicle and I will never buy another GMC vehicle or for that another vehicle US made vehicle. The issue was fixed at GMC's expense but they are now failing to reimburse proper funds for the rental I had to use putting a burden on my finances...be that as it may I am totally disappointed with the Buick Encore GX 2021. You try to support the "american made label" and this is where it got me for trying to do the right thing...I feel no one is looking out for the consumers on this particular issue b/c I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one it has happened to...A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS ISSUE..!! This is 2021 with fewer than 48,000 miles and up to date services by reputable GMC dealerships since I have had the car. The case # with GMC for this issue is XXXINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Safety Rating for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX
The 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX
General Motors, LLC has issued 49 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PIP6029 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This Preliminary information communicates to Technicians how to repair a rattle noise coming from the shift cable assembly.
N242450640 — ENGINE
Special Coverage. Certain vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. If this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally, a message may be displayed indicating the vehicle’s available...
24-NA-095 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct Drone Noise with RPM About 1600 RPM in Park or traveling - No DTCs.
20-NA-121 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This service bulletin provides a procedure to locate and fix a possible leak in the roof area due to missing sealant to correct customer concerns of Various Electrical Issues, No Start, Stall, Brake Lamp Not Off, Radio Inoperative, Remote Key Inoperative, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with Possible DTCs.
N222372591-01 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Service Update. Certain vehicles may have a condition in which ice or sludge can accumulate in the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) or Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system when driving in extremely cold weather conditions (-18°C (0°F) or less). Dealers will reprogram the Engine Control Module.
A222379710 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Service Update. In certain vehicles, if the Engine Control Module (ECM) sets the DTC P0521 (Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Performance), the ECM cannot clear the permanent status of this DTC. If the ECM had previously set a DTC P0521 and the permanent status is not properly cleared, the vehicle may...
21-NA-215 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct a customer concern of a Pop Noise Heard on Heavy Acceleration Only.
PIE0682A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This engineering information (EI) closure ends the needs for any more picture requests from the field of Broken Wire in Harness Between ECM and Multifunction Sensor (MAF Sensor).
21-NA-003 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Loss of and/or Reduced Propulsion.
21-NA-181 — POWER TRAIN
This service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
Showing 10 of 49 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BUICK ENCORE GX
- 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX — 102 complaints
- 2021 BUICK ENCORE GX (current)
- 2022 BUICK ENCORE GX — 31 complaints
- 2023 BUICK ENCORE GX — 36 complaints
- 2024 BUICK ENCORE GX — 29 complaints
- 2025 BUICK ENCORE GX — 8 complaints
- 2026 BUICK ENCORE GX — 0 complaints
Other BUICK Models
- BUICK LESABRE — 4,864 total complaints
- BUICK REGAL — 4,444 total complaints
- BUICK ENCLAVE — 3,194 total complaints
- BUICK LACROSSE — 2,882 total complaints
- BUICK CENTURY — 2,393 total complaints
- BUICK PARK AVENUE — 1,880 total complaints
- BUICK RENDEZVOUS — 1,795 total complaints
- BUICK LUCERNE — 1,322 total complaints