2022 Buick Encore GX Engine Problems

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 in congested city traffic and on busy roadways. Sudden loss of power can leave the vehicle stranded in traffic, prevent safe maneuvering, and increase the risk of a collision. The dealership has repeatedly inspected and attempted to repair the vehicle, including replacing the transmission, but the problem continues. I have also submitted a complaint with GMC. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this recurring failure represents a safety-related defect affecting this vehicle or other vehicles of the same make and model.

NHTSA ID

11772931

Incident

Oct 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the emissions warning light illuminated and hot air was coming from the A/C unit, despite the A/C cooling setting being activated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge pump and an unknown part needed to be replaced, and loose bolts in the A/C caused Freon to leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,586.

NHTSA ID

11760079

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

Mileage

28,586 mi

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 added every time I start the car in order for it to work for maps or phone calls.

NHTSA ID

11750576

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes were difficult to operate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message "Battery in Safe Mode" was displayed. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer was able to restart the vehicle however, the dealer was unable to determine what caused the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred two more times. The contact had the vehicle towed to a different dealer, and it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator and the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ID

11704489

Incident

Aug 11, 2023

Mileage

108,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH and made an abnormal loud sound that became louder as the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the contact was informed that there was an exhaust leak. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was drivable. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the contact noticed that the exhaust pipe laying onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe had detached. The dealer determined that the exhaust muffler needed to be replaced, and the dealer ordered the parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N242445280 (Special Coverage Front Exhaust Pipe). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed, but the contact was informed that assistance would not be provided because the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ID

11698247

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

Mileage

31,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the emission purge pump was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 7,350.

NHTSA ID

11687416

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

Mileage

7,350 mi

2022 Buick Encore GX its involvement in the following critical issues: 1)especial coverage N242484750 turbo replacement not cost. Recall A222379711 (ECM Oil Pressure Sensor software)Malfunction. – A known issue where the Engine Control Module (ECM) fails to properly clear the permanent status of DTC P0521 (Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Performance). Turbocharger Failure – A separate cause-efect related defect in which the turbocharger in my vehicle has failed, a Check Engine Light (MIL) activation/deactivation and a reduction in engine performance(*screen critical message.) resulting in a loss of power and critical malfunction that need replacement 3)Failure of GM and the Dealership to Provide Proper Documentation – Despite GM authorizing and the dealership supposedly completing only the recall software update. I have not received the necessary official documentation or compliance certification that the repair was performed, which is required by my state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for emissions and registration purposes.I was not noticed recall GM’s Improper Denial of Warranty Coverage for Turbocharger Failure – GM has refused to cover the turbocharger replacement under warranty,especial coverage N242484750 citing that my vehicle has a salvage title. However, my past accident only caused exterior damage and did not affect the engine, it passed DMV and all state verifications, accident has not relation or affectation with turbocharger, or any mechanical components related to this recall. If the turbo failure is a result of this recall and a factory defect, GM extended coverage at warranty and is still responsible, regardless of the title status. 2. The Relationship Between ECM Oil Pressure Sensor Issue & Turbocharger Failure exist cause sending incorrect amounts of oil to them While GM has treated these as separate issues, there is strong evidence to suggest that the ECM oil pressure issue directly contributed to the premature turbocharger failure.

NHTSA ID

11647281

Incident

Mar 7, 2025

Engine Yes my safety and others were at risk. I was driving and the car power down and two lights came on engine light and engine service came on and then service ECM message yes i got the engine light the first few months into my lease and i took back to the dealership that purchase and they promised they would fix the issue and now i got the engine like again. I don't feel safe in this car. i got the car serviced at the dealership in 02/14/2024 and they did not say thing was wrong with the car.

NHTSA ID

11586210

Incident

Apr 27, 2024