Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2023 Buick Encore GXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints for the 2023 Buick Encore GX. Most complaints involve engine (6) and steering (5). 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
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
28
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 Buick Encore GX as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
28 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2022 – Oct 2026
- Engine6
- Steering5
- Electrical system5
- Service brakes5
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Power train3
- Exterior lighting3
- Suspension2
- Structure2
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 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
6 reports
“Engine power reduced all of a sudden on a highway. Turbo went out at less than 45k miles. Turbo was replaced by GM and was told this will occur every 2 years by the dealership. Very unsafe especially driving at highway speeds.”
Steering
5 reports
“Stabiltrack software jerking my car in a left curve. Took to dealership who seem to find nothing wrong. Reached out to GM with no response or action. Feels extremely dangerous in a left curve unless traction control and Stabilitrack is turned off.”
Electrical system
5 reports
“I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2023 Buick Encore GX that repeatedly shuts off while driving and doesn’t restart when auto stop is on, it leaves me stranded in traffic. The vehicle has been in the shop multiple times since February 13, and the issue has not been resolved. A service advisor has stated he is not comfortable putting me back in the vehicle and wants to help get me out of this car. I am requesting escalation, a case number, and immediate resolution. After having the oil changed in February, the check engine light came on soon after. Car had left me stranded prior to the battery being replaced. After 4 times in the same shop, they say a bad ground connection may now be the problem, however they also said they recharged the battery the visit prior.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
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 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore GX FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 31 | 30 | $2,100 | 296 |
| Encore GX FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 32 | 30 | $2,100 | 297 |
| Encore GX AWD Auto 9-spd, 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 29 | 27 | $2,300 | 324 |
- 30mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Buick 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%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2023 Encore GX questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Buick Encore GX have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Buick Encore GX problems?
Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (6), steering (5), electrical system (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Buick Encore GX get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Buick Encore GX at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
How safe is the 2023 Buick Encore GX?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Buick Encore GX 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026