RoadVitals

2020 Buick Encore GX

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
69
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 10, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 69 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Buick Encore GX, most frequently naming the brakes, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 636 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

Jun 10, 2021
135,400 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number A212335470View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES

Sep 24, 2020
3,677 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number A202307260View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2026

There was no service engine warning light on my dashboard. Pending codes in the pictures below popped up on my diagnostics tool less than 24 hours after buying the vehicle from an Audi Dealer. The engine went into limp mode as you can see from the picture below that shows Engine Power is Reduced. After researching these error codes, I was made aware that this is a common issue on this vehicle ad is should be a recall as it states the engine failure is a very serious issue, especially if it occurs while driving. This could cause fatal accidents.

NHTSA ID
11764192
Incident
Sep 8, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 8, 2026

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 concerned that this transmission condition can cause sudden jerking/jumping and unreliable acceleration without a warning light or diagnostic code alerting the driver. The transmission has not been replaced and the vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID
11762916
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 29, 2026

The cluster display shows "shift to park" even while vehicle is stopped, gear shift in park position, and engine is off.

NHTSA ID
11760579
Incident
Aug 8, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 22, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding several serious mechanical and electrical issues with my 2020 Buick Encore GX that raise significant concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safety. Most concerning, I was recently informed by the dealership that my vehicle requires another transmission replacement, despite having the transmission replaced in 2024. I was also advised that I would need to pay for an additional diagnostic inspection because technicians discovered oil leaking through the lines, which appears to have contaminated engine components. According to the dealership, metal particles have been found within the engine, causing it to malfunction. They have stated that they are unable to determine the source of the contamination at this time. In addition to these major mechanical concerns, I am experiencing several electrical and system malfunctions, including: The passive keyless entry system does not consistently unlock the doors using the exterior door handle, even with a brand-new battery installed in the key fob. The vehicle repeatedly displays a "Shift to Park" warning even though the gear selector is already in the Park position. The vehicle continues to display brake-related alerts and notifications indicating that the brakes need to be serviced or replaced, despite having brand-new brakes installed. These ongoing issues have resulted in repeated repair costs, loss of confidence in the vehicle, and concerns about my safety while driving. The transmission failure occurring shortly after a previous replacement, combined with unexplained engine contamination and persistent electronic malfunctions, suggests there may be underlying defects that warrant further investigation. I respectfully request that these issues be thoroughly investigated to determine whether they are related to known manufacturing defects or warrant a safety recall or other corrective action. I also request that Buick review my repair history and provide appropriate assistance.

NHTSA ID
11752226
Incident
Jul 18, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 21, 2026

Transmission would not connect with the engine. La Fontaine dealership in Saint Clair. Said I need a new transmission cost $14,000. It has 59823 miles under the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11745442
Incident
Jun 4, 2026
Filed Apr 14, 2026

My 2020 Buick Encore GX which has only $30,600 had the "Shift to Park" message appear on the dashboard screen and my car was not turning off properly. I read online that it is a widespread known issue: however, I had to pay $630.14 to fix the GM well know widespread issue so I can turn off my vehicle. This should be covered FREE of charge by GM as they are aware of the issue affecting the 2020 Buick Encore GX.

NHTSA ID
11731062
Incident
Mar 16, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 24, 2026

I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical failure involving my vehicle and to request further review and assistance. While operating my vehicle, it unexpectedly stalled in the middle of an intersection, creating a significant safety hazard. At the time of the incident, the check engine light illuminated and the RPMs surged to a range between 6 and 8. I was able to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road, place it in park, and have it towed to a dealership for inspection. Following their evaluation, I was informed that the transmission requires replacement. I have since become aware of a recall related to transmission issues; however, I was advised by a Buick representative that my VIN is not included in the recall. Given that my vehicle is experiencing the same or a substantially similar failure, this determination raises concerns and warrants further review. I have consistently adhered to all recommended maintenance schedules and have taken proper care of my vehicle. Based on the circumstances, I respectfully request a thorough reassessment of my case, including reconsideration for coverage or assistance with the necessary repairs. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

NHTSA ID
11726783
Incident
Mar 23, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 20, 2026

My 2020 Buick Encore GX is showing a message with accompanying ding ding sounds "Shift to Park" after I put my car in park. This malfunction will not allow the car to be locked. I see there are many complaints and lawsuits that GM has not attended to. How do we get GM to initiate a recall on something they are and were well aware of.

NHTSA ID
11719307
Incident
Feb 19, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT5995B

This Preliminary Information provides the dealer information of the location of the rear seat child anchors.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

N232407740-03

ENGINE

Special Coverage. Certain 2020 model year Buick Encore GX vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. If this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally, a message may be displayed indicating the vehicle’s available engine power is reduced. This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after August 8, 2023, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to August 8, 2023, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider. Vehicle owners or lessees who paid for repairs referenced in this Special Coverage (“Customers”) are eligible for reimbursement of their reasonable and customary expenses in accordance with the procedures specified below. The conditional right to reimbursement is provided by GM solely in the interest of customer satisfaction and is personal to Customers. Customers may not assign and GM does not consent to any assignment of any Customer’s right to submit reimbursement claims, or to receive reimbursement, or any other rights granted by this Special Coverage to any third party, including but not limited to service contract providers, and this Special Coverage is not intended to and does not confer any third party beneficiary, subrogation or contribution rights, or any other rights to reimbursement, against GM, whether in law, equity or otherwise, on any third parties. Dealers are to replace the turbocharger as necessary. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

PIT6196A

This Preliminary Information provides a diagnostic tip for diagnosing an issue with Cruise Control, Adaptive Cruise and Lane Keep Assist Turns Off or Inoperative.

PIC6548B

This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the direction needed when encountering an issue with switching between adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control or an issue with automatic high beam feature after the front camera was replaced.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Buick Encore GX by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026410—
2025151048.8
2024312049.3
2023270041.3
2022321043.2
2021532056.2
2020Viewing692054.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.