Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2021 Buick EncoreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore. Most complaints involve power train (3) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
26–27mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
9
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Buick Encore as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
9 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2022 – May 2026
- Power train3
- Engine3
- Service brakes2
- Electrical system1
- Air bags1
- Other / unknown1
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
3 reports
“Intermittent Service Brake Assist Light with very hard brake pedal and almost no breaks backing up. Have had it to several shops who said it was a turbo booster issue so scheduled service with Patriot GMC Boyertown Pa. Also intermittently has little to no power causing driving hazard suddenly especially uphill. Seems to mostly happen during rainy days.”
Engine
3 reports
“I have continuously had my check engine light pop on. I have took it in twice for them fix the issue which is the purge sensor. It did not fix the issue because the light just pops back on. This has caused issues with me passing emissions and has been an headache shortly street I obtained the vehicle.”
Service brakes
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the Hill Assist message was displayed. The brake pedal was pumped several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer and another dealer, Mangino Chevrolet, INC. (4447 NY-30, Amsterdam, NY 12010); were made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V588000 (Service Brakes); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- 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 FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Encore FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,300 | 325 |
| Encore AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 344 |
| Encore AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,400 | 338 |
- 27mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg 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 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 19.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Buick Encore 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%
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.
2021 Encore questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Encore have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Buick Encore problems?
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (3), engine (3), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Buick Encore get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Buick Encore at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Buick Encore?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Buick Encore 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026