Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2022 Buick Encore GXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 34 owner complaints for the 2022 Buick Encore GX. Most complaints involve power train (13) and electrical system (10). The EPA rates it 27–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
27–30mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jun 2021
Owner complaints
34
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: accessory scissor

Remedy pending

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.

EquipmentReported Jun 10, 2021NHTSA 21V440000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

34 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2022 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train13
  2. Electrical system10
  3. Engine5
  4. Engine and engine cooling3
  5. Fuel/propulsion system3
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  7. Equipment1
  8. Wheels1
  9. Seats1

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

By model year

Complaints for each Encore GX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
202070
202154
202234
202328
202435
202515
20260
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

13 reports
“At 15,000 miles the check engine light came on while going to a store. At the store, the vehicle was put in park and tried to shut off engine. The dash said "shift to park". Took to the dealer, was told sensor went out on transmission. They said it was the electronic controle module. They didn't think that was part of the drive train warranty. When I looked online I found many other Buick owners complained of same issue. Posting online that they are slamming shifter into park up to 20 times to get sensor to register that it is in park so they can shut vehicle off. I feel it is a known buick problem and gm doesn't know how to fix so they won't issue recall. If you can't shut the vehicle off, the engine could over heat, not to mention run out of gas. And if people are slamming the shifter in and out of park to get vehicle to shut off an accident could occur in a parking lot or street if the sensor cannot read the shifters position properly. What if the sensor senses improperly on the freeway, is my vehicle going to come to a sudden stop on the freeway? General motors has let this gone on too long.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11761985

Electrical system

10 reports
“I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving unexpected stalling and loss of propulsion in a 2022 Buick Encore GX. In February 2026, the dealership replaced the vehicle's transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Since then, the vehicle has continued to experience sporadic stalling and drivability failures over the past eight months. It has been brought to the dealership at least six times since February for inspection and repair. Despite these efforts, the problem continues. Most recently, on October 20, 2026, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while my husband was driving in downtown Boston. It had to be towed to an impound facility and, after retrieval, was towed to the dealership, where it currently remains available for inspection. There were no symptoms and no warning lights prior to the incident outside of the months of similar sporadic incidents. The vehicle has spent more than 25 business days at the dealership since February. Despite the rebuilt transmission replacement and repeated repair attempts, the stalling issue remains unresolved. It goes without saying that unexpected stalling and loss of propulsion pose a serious safety risk, particularly…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11772931

Engine

5 reports
“6/4/26 Took to dealer and stated that the check engine light was on and car was running sluggish. Had stopped at Autozone and their scan showed the code P0102. The dealer charged me 259.00 to do a diagnostic showing the same thing. 6/26/26 Back to the dealer with the same problem and now they stated they replaced the Compressor Air Intake Turbocharger and Install Vacuum Tank Kit. I had the vehicle back for few days and while I was driving, the lights came back on and the car went from 58 to 23 mph within seconds. I would have gotten hit if I was on a major interstate. 6/30/26 Had to have the vehicle towed in because at this point it would not start at all. They stated that the code for mass air flow and lean condition. Replaced mass air flow sencor. On the second invoice along with telling them before, I had also told them about the car when I would try to put in park to shut off, it would ding and light would say..shift to park. I have to turn it back on and mess with the shifter to get to shut off. Stated it would cost me 800.00 which I cannot pay at this time. Another issue that I have had since I bought the vehicle is that my phone has to be deleted and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11750576
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
1.2L 3-cyl turbo · 1.3L 3-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Automatic 9-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Encore GX FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293130$2,100296
Encore GX FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
293230$2,100297
Encore GX AWD
Auto 9-spd, 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
262927$2,300324
  • Encore GX FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Turbo
    29 city · 31 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Encore GX FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo
    29 city · 32 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Encore GX AWD
    Auto 9-spd, 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo
    26 city · 29 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Buick Encore GX SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Buick Encore GX SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
18.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 16022Vehicle 16012
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2022 Encore GX questions

How many recalls does the 2022 Buick Encore GX have?

1 safety recall 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.

What are the most common 2022 Buick Encore GX problems?

Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (13), electrical system (10), engine (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2022 Buick Encore GX get?

The EPA rates the 2022 Buick Encore GX at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2022 Buick Encore GX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Buick Encore GX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026