2023 Buick Encore GX Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Buick Encore GX, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical513.5%
- Engine513.5%
- Brakes513.5%
- Steering410.8%
- Driver assistance410.8%
- Exterior lighting38.1%
- Powertrain (other)38.1%
- Body & structure25.4%
- Fuel system25.4%
- Seat belts12.7%
- Other / unspecified12.7%
- Suspension12.7%
- Visibility12.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I bought my car, new, on 10/1/ 2023. The middle of November i noticed the headlights randomly dimming. On 12/3/23 I to the dealership to have them looked at. I was told there was nothing wrong but make an appt. they had my car 3 times in less than 2 months. I repeatedly told them my headlights were dimming and or going off. On Jan 13 after taking my daughter to the airport my headlights went off as i was merging on to hiway at 6:30vam. at that point i filed a complaint with GM.. They won't do anything because the dealer said the lights function'. I have not driven my car after dark Jan 113. I am terrified that it will happen again. I keep having more things go wrong. display, collision, lane assist. i have picture of some of the incidents. I HAVE ALL LOT OF DOCUMETATI0N AND PICTURES HOWEVER I GET MESSAGES THE FILES ARE TO BIG EVEN WITH A FILE WITH 6 PIECES OF PAPER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The engine reduces power light came on almost two months ago I toke it to family gmc in St. George in sc. They put is on a machine and said they said the I think turbo compassion for the air to the gas is bad. I am still waiting on them to receive a part to fix it. So I was wondering if anybody else had this problem with the 2023 buick encore gx
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Brakes squeaking, squealing and screeching. Replaced once at approximately 8k miles. Dealership ground down rotors twice, brakes replaced once. Tires are worn in the center. AWD GX, steering seems off and unstable. Brake pedal sounds and feels like a faulty spring inside. Pedal gets stuck when switching from gas to brake. Bounces back with spring feel and noise. At times it feels like I can’t control the brake when traveling at a low rated of speed and having to suddenly stop. Then while stopped on an incline the brake feels as if it releases while still depressing the brake jolting forward. Nearly forcing into intersection. Having to leave larger distances between vehicles in front to prevent vehicle from forcibly trying to rear end another vehicle. Clunking noise when turning left at a low rate of speed with minimal acceleration, such as in and out of a driveway, parking lot or after coming to a stop at an intersection. Mostly heard only turn left. Steering wheel vibrates at high rate of speed. Intermittent rattling noise heard from front center/passenger side. Ratting noise occurs after driving a while 25-30 minutes. Screw fell out of vehicle after being serviced at a local dealership, took it back with said bolt and they did not put it back. To date I’m unaware of where it belongs. Dealership has oil change tech diagnosing, consistently “functioning as normal” and “can’t duplicate issue”. I do not feel safe driving. Hard to stop and feel in control. I’ve resulted in getting rides from others when possible. 2023 GX AWD is not safe. Manufacture notified.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle bounced to the left and the right, and the steering wheel pulled to the left or the right, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, after a test drive, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle operated as intended. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,978.
Brakes squeaking, squealing and screeching. Replaced once at approximately 8k miles. Dealership ground down rotors twice, brakes replaced once. Tires are worn in the center. AWD GX, steering seems off and unstable. Brake pedal sounds and feels like a faulty spring inside. Pedal gets stuck when switching from gas to brake. Bounces back with spring feel and noise. At times it feels like I can’t control the brake when traveling at a low rated of speed and having to suddenly stop. Then while stopped on an incline the brake feels as if it releases while still depressing the brake jolting forward. Nearly forcing into intersection. Having to leave larger distances between vehicles in front to prevent vehicle from forcibly trying to rear end another vehicle. Clunking noise when turning left at a low rate of speed with minimal acceleration, such as in and out of a driveway, parking lot or after coming to a stop at an intersection. Mostly heard only turn left. Steering wheel vibrates at high rate of speed. Intermittent rattling noise heard from front center/passenger side. Ratting noise occurs after driving a while 25-30 minutes. Screw fell out of vehicle after being serviced at a local dealership, took it back with said bolt and they did not put it back. To date I’m unaware of where it belongs. Dealership has oil change tech diagnosing, consistently “functioning as normal” and “can’t duplicate issue”. I do not feel safe driving. Hard to stop and feel in control. I’ve resulted in getting rides from others when possible. 2023 GX AWD is not safe. Manufacture notified.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought my car, new, on 10/1/ 2023. The middle of November i noticed the headlights randomly dimming. On 12/3/23 I to the dealership to have them looked at. I was told there was nothing wrong but make an appt. they had my car 3 times in less than 2 months. I repeatedly told them my headlights were dimming and or going off. On Jan 13 after taking my daughter to the airport my headlights went off as i was merging on to hiway at 6:30vam. at that point i filed a complaint with GM.. They won't do anything because the dealer said the lights function'. I have not driven my car after dark Jan 113. I am terrified that it will happen again. I keep having more things go wrong. display, collision, lane assist. i have picture of some of the incidents. I HAVE ALL LOT OF DOCUMETATI0N AND PICTURES HOWEVER I GET MESSAGES THE FILES ARE TO BIG EVEN WITH A FILE WITH 6 PIECES OF PAPER.
The contact owns a 2023 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate. On several occasions while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle abruptly accelerated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while the air condition was activated. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought my car, new, on 10/1/ 2023. The middle of November i noticed the headlights randomly dimming. On 12/3/23 I to the dealership to have them looked at. I was told there was nothing wrong but make an appt. they had my car 3 times in less than 2 months. I repeatedly told them my headlights were dimming and or going off. On Jan 13 after taking my daughter to the airport my headlights went off as i was merging on to hiway at 6:30vam. at that point i filed a complaint with GM.. They won't do anything because the dealer said the lights function'. I have not driven my car after dark Jan 113. I am terrified that it will happen again. I keep having more things go wrong. display, collision, lane assist. i have picture of some of the incidents. I HAVE ALL LOT OF DOCUMETATI0N AND PICTURES HOWEVER I GET MESSAGES THE FILES ARE TO BIG EVEN WITH A FILE WITH 6 PIECES OF PAPER.
Vehicle chrome trim on the inside dash blinds driver between 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The bright chrome is blinding and becomes a safety issue while driving. The design and placement of the chrome is burns my eyes while driving. Perhaps not using chrome on the interior when sending vehicles to places where it is sunny 95% of the time would prevent safety issues with visibility.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
When starting from a traffic light after the green light, the car made mechanical noises and would not accelerate above approximately 25 mph. It seemed obvious at the time that the transmission had failed, which was later confirmed after being towed to the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed; however, during the previous days, there were a few instances when the transmission "shifted" hard (this seemed odd considering it is a CVT transmission).
The shifter assembly failed. When shifting to Park, a "Shift to Park" message appears on the driver information center. Although the shift lever is in the Park position, it is not recognized, and the car cannot be turned off or locked. The selling dealership inspected and confirmed the failure, which first appeared at about 21,000 miles (2023 model). The solution was to replace the shifter assembly (car is out of warranty by less than one month), at a cost of $562.10. Invoice breakdown: 1) Labor = 350.00, 2) Parts = 169.50, 3) Sales Tax = 42.60 It is interesting to note that the Labor rate of 350.00 is almost certainly a "flat rate", as the time to complete the repair was only about 30 minutes.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Three nuts snapped, which secure the front muffler to the length of the exhaust system. The engine side of the exhaust pipe became disconnected and dragged along road, which occurred while driving the vehicle on a residential road. Steering was not impacted, however the pipe would have eventually come completely free, without driving directly to an auto-body repair shop.
Vehicle chrome trim on the inside dash blinds driver between 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The bright chrome is blinding and becomes a safety issue while driving. The design and placement of the chrome is burns my eyes while driving. Perhaps not using chrome on the interior when sending vehicles to places where it is sunny 95% of the time would prevent safety issues with visibility.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
the evaporative emissions purge pump or an ECM calibration fault code P0521
Vehicle appears not equipped to operate in heat with air conditioning on. Vehicle struggles to keep running, idles high and jerks while driving on the highway. When trying to accelerate after slowing down it doesn’t accelerate.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
No accident just a concern. On my Buick the clasp for the front set belts are buried between the seat and center console. Making the fastening and unfasting very difficult. The further the seat is forward the more difficult it is. I guess my concern is this over sight may hamper the use of them or possibly cause entrapment during a stressful situation. Thankyou, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Brakes squeaking, squealing and screeching. Replaced once at approximately 8k miles. Dealership ground down rotors twice, brakes replaced once. Tires are worn in the center. AWD GX, steering seems off and unstable. Brake pedal sounds and feels like a faulty spring inside. Pedal gets stuck when switching from gas to brake. Bounces back with spring feel and noise. At times it feels like I can’t control the brake when traveling at a low rated of speed and having to suddenly stop. Then while stopped on an incline the brake feels as if it releases while still depressing the brake jolting forward. Nearly forcing into intersection. Having to leave larger distances between vehicles in front to prevent vehicle from forcibly trying to rear end another vehicle. Clunking noise when turning left at a low rate of speed with minimal acceleration, such as in and out of a driveway, parking lot or after coming to a stop at an intersection. Mostly heard only turn left. Steering wheel vibrates at high rate of speed. Intermittent rattling noise heard from front center/passenger side. Ratting noise occurs after driving a while 25-30 minutes. Screw fell out of vehicle after being serviced at a local dealership, took it back with said bolt and they did not put it back. To date I’m unaware of where it belongs. Dealership has oil change tech diagnosing, consistently “functioning as normal” and “can’t duplicate issue”. I do not feel safe driving. Hard to stop and feel in control. I’ve resulted in getting rides from others when possible. 2023 GX AWD is not safe. Manufacture notified.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at a low rate of speed, turning or speed bumps the vehicle starts to rattle in the front end and steering wheel. Engine feels like it slips while rattling from the front. Seems like a motor mount, suspension, tie rod or some other component. Brakes are very hard and make lots of noise. When starting the vehicle on an incline it Lunsford forward out of control.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle chrome trim on the inside dash blinds driver between 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The bright chrome is blinding and becomes a safety issue while driving. The design and placement of the chrome is burns my eyes while driving. Perhaps not using chrome on the interior when sending vehicles to places where it is sunny 95% of the time would prevent safety issues with visibility.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .