NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints for the 2020 Buick Encore GX. Most complaints involve service brakes (19) and power train (18). The EPA rates it 28–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I was traveling to school when my breaks didn’t work I tried them twice and I crashed into another vehicle. And the month or march I took it into to Buick for break issues and they said everything was fine.”
“While reversing, the vehicle suddenly jumped/jerked unexpectedly. Another vehicle was parked close behind me, and I was afraid my vehicle was going to jump into it because the movement was sudden and difficult to control. On another occasion, while traveling approximately 20 mph through a longer curve, the vehicle suddenly jumped/jerked again and I was concerned I could lose control of the vehicle or strike another vehicle. The vehicle has also intermittently shuddered/jumped during normal driving and acceleration. At times the engine RPM increases without the vehicle accelerating normally. The problem is intermittent and may stop and then happen again. This makes the vehicle’s acceleration and movement unpredictable, which I believe creates a collision risk when reversing, entering traffic, traveling through curves, or accelerating around other vehicles. An authorized Buick/GM dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the CVT transmission as needing replacement at a cost of approximately 4,700. The dealership told me there were no transmission diagnostic trouble codes and no transmission warning lights despite the symptoms and their diagnosis. I am…”
“While driving my 2020 Buick Encore GX, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration, immediately dropping into 'Reduced Engine power' limp mode in active traffic, but no other car was Infront or behind my car. A diagnostic scan revealed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2138, which triggered the computer's safety override system to cut engine throttle. The official dealer repair invoice confirms a manufacturing and assembly defect covered under GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #07-06-04-019G. The technician located water intrusion Panel/Body Harness Connector X112. The root cause was an improperly seated weather seal from the factory, which allowed moisture to short-circuit the accelerator pedal sensor voltage lines. The shop had to reposition the factory seal and apply dielectric grease to the terminals to correct the defect, for which I was charged out of pocket. This manufacturing defect caused a sudden, unpredictable loss of vehicle power on public roads, creating a severe rear-end collision hazard.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore GX FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 32 | 31 | $2,000 | 288 |
| Encore GX AWD Auto 9-spd, 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 29 | 28 | $2,200 | 320 |
| Encore GX FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,200 | 318 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 70 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (19), power train (18), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Buick Encore GX at 28–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Buick Encore GX 4 out of 5 stars overall.