Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Buick Encore GX problems

Owners filed 54 complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore GX with NHTSA between Jun 2021 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (15).

Complaints
54
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine15
  2. Power train11
  3. Fuel/propulsion system7
  4. Service brakes7
  5. Electrical system4
  6. Engine and engine cooling4
  7. Lane departure3
  8. Forward collision avoidance3
  9. Vehicle speed control2
  10. Equipment2
  11. Back over prevention1
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  13. Visibility/wiper1
  14. Seats1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20216
20224
20232
202411
202514
202617

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

15 reports
“While driving check engine suddenly illuminated following by a "warning reduced engine power" message. Car began driving sluggish and driving over 35mph caused serious trembling. After multiple diagnosis with several engine codes pointing to issues with ECM, and mass air flow sensor, and the wiring affliated . I took the vehicle to the GMC dealership to get vehicle serviced and was told the wiring had broken and melted which caused the check engine to come on and the vehicle to drive the way it did. The cause was the zip tie being tied too tight as stated in GMs own bulletin number 22-NA-008. This should be a bulletin it should be a recall!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11749150

Power train

11 reports
“Vehicle does not recognize it is in Park even when the shifter is placed in that position. As a result, the vehicle cannot be turned off. GM has issued a technical service bulletin for this issue, but has not yet performed a recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2026Power trainODI 11760794

Fuel/propulsion system

7 reports
“My vehicle suddenly stalled and completely shut off while I was driving. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to alert me there was any engine issues. I was definitely put in danger as I was driving at rush hour in a 6 lane busy US 1 Federal Highway. The vehicle was stalled, without any power, in the middle lane with cars and trucks swerving around me at the last minute. I called 911 immediately and they dispatched cruisers to help push my vehicle across 4 lanes of traffic. This meant having to block 4 lanes of moving traffic. It was a long 10 minutes of waiting as angry drivers were leaning on their horns in frustration. AAA flatbed towed my vehicle to a near mechanic's shop, but it was after hours and had to be left there until morning. The mechanic inspected the problem and confirmed the issue was a fuel module and fuel pump failure. How does this happen without any alerts to the driver? How can you prepare a driver of such a serious engine failure putting that driver and other surrounding drivers at such a serious risk? This should be a safety recall and fixed by the dealer without charge to the driver. That is, if the driver is still alive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 18, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11732027

Service brakes

7 reports1 related recall
“Brake System Control Module Replacement - The brake system control module needs replacement due to a fault detected with 10 volts on terminal 1. Replacing this component can help maintain proper functionality of the brake system and ensure consistent performance. Why would this all of a sudden be faulty after almost 5 years?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2026Service brakesODI 11708527

Electrical system

4 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11713934

Engine and engine cooling

4 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, there was an abnormally loud popping and scrapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the exhaust manifold had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable and was currently parked at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,590.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 12, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11704676
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.