2020 BUICK ENCORE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
28
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
51
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2020 BUICK ENCORE
The 2020 BUICK ENCORE has received a total of 28 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 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, SEATS. 51 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (6 complaints), Electrical System (4 complaints), and Power Train (4 complaints).
Recalls for the 2020 BUICK ENCORE
NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2020 BUICK ENCORE, potentially affecting up to 194,315 vehicles.
Recall 20V668000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 194,105 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 20V537000 — SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
| 105 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 20V537000 — SEATS
| 105 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2020 BUICK ENCORE
28 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 BUICK ENCORE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlatch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
I've been dealing with a frustrating car issue lately where my vehicle keeps stalling and hesitating during acceleration - whether I'm pulling away from a stop or trying to pick up speed on the road. After getting it checked out, my mechanic determined that the high pressure fuel pump control module is the culprit and needs replacement. The problem is, we're stuck waiting for the part because Buick has it on backorder indefinitely. What's particularly concerning is that GM recently issued a recall for this exact same fuel pump issue on certain models, but somehow my VIN number didn't make the cut. I strongly believe it should have been included, especially considering the safety implications here. When this fuel pump control module fails, it can completely cut off fuel flow to the engine, which creates a serious traffic safety hazard. Nobody wants their car suddenly losing power while merging onto a highway or navigating through an intersection. This isn't just an inconvenience - it's a legitimate safety concern that affects real people on real roads every day.
I am co-owner of the vehicle. My daughter was driving the SUV when the Check engine light came on. There was no warning whatsoever, and the turbocharger has gone bad . Prior to the light eliminating there was nothing wrong with the suv. I was driving the suv when the check engine light came on. I also own another 2020 Buick encore where this also happened. I was driving the vehicle when the check engine light came on with no prior warning and it was a failed turbocharger. There is something wrong with these vehicles .
On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.
On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.
On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.
Safety Rating for the 2020 BUICK ENCORE
The 2020 BUICK ENCORE 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 2020 BUICK ENCORE
General Motors, LLC has issued 51 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2020 BUICK ENCORE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
11-00-89-005V — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
16-NA-405 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This service bulletin provides a procedure to install a PCV heater or a charge air cooler to correct the turbo charger system from freezing causing cold weather performance issues.
16-NA-405 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This service bulletin provides a procedure to install a PCV heater or a charge air cooler to correct the turbo charger system from freezing causing cold weather performance issues.
21NA246 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct customer concerns of Unwanted Front Windshield Wiper Swipe, Cruise Control Wont Turn On, Steering Wheel Controls Inoperative, DTCs P155A SYM00, B1529 SYM03.
17NA221 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This service bulletin provides repair procedures to correct customer concerns of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions for LE2 Engines, Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
21NA026 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on accessory all-weather floor liners and flat mats warped or misshapen.
A202319910 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Emission - General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving certain vehicles. Certain vehicles may have a blockage of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) passage in the camshaft cover. If a vehicle has this condition, crankcase pressure may progressively increase to the point where it could cause...
A202319910 — SERVICE BRAKES
Emission - General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving certain vehicles. Certain vehicles may have a blockage of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) passage in the camshaft cover. If a vehicle has this condition, crankcase pressure may progressively increase to the point where it could cause...
PIP5647B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary information communicates A vehicle may have a concern of running poor and stalling. No trouble codes may be set referencing this condition. Fuel trims around -20% may be observed on both banks. Engine oil level will be found over full and have a fuel odor. It will be found...
A202309040 — STRUCTURE
Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles may have a condition in which a crack is present in the right-hand lower B-Pillar body inner panel. If this crack propagates and widens, it could destabilize the B-pillar structure and increase the potential risk to door check link rigidity and corrosion. Dealers are to...
Showing 10 of 51 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2020 BUICK ENCORE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BUICK ENCORE
- 2015 BUICK ENCORE — 185 complaints
- 2016 BUICK ENCORE — 118 complaints
- 2017 BUICK ENCORE — 120 complaints
- 2018 BUICK ENCORE — 100 complaints
- 2019 BUICK ENCORE — 113 complaints
- 2020 BUICK ENCORE (current)
- 2021 BUICK ENCORE — 9 complaints
- 2022 BUICK ENCORE — 11 complaints
- 2023 BUICK ENCORE — 0 complaints
- 2024 BUICK ENCORE — 0 complaints
- 2025 BUICK ENCORE — 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