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2021 Buick Encore GX Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2021 Buick Encore GX Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has 46 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and service brakes.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.2/ 10

Based on 46 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

10 21.7%

SERVICE BRAKES

6 13%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 10.9%

POWER TRAIN

5 10.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 10.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 21.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 19 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has 46 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 22% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2021 Buick Encore GX are ENGINE (10), SERVICE BRAKES (6), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 30 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2020 Encore GX complaints2022 Encore GX complaints2023 Encore GX complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 19 of 19 systems

ENGINE

10 Reports22% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the RPM was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned the failure recurred multiple times with the vehicle being unable to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the emergency jack needed to be repaired under recall. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a second time however, the failure was undetermined. After the third failure, the vehicle was diagnosed with an unknown software needing to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was diagnosed a fourth time and the contact was informed that the engine may not be receiving gasoline and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired each time however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.

10/6/2021

I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encore owner, and it took two weeks to get the part in. It is now September 22, and I still do not have this fixed. It is a safety concern and I have been calling GM about it almost weekly, trying to get some help. How is it safe for my daughter & I to be driving down the road with only half power? I cannot pass anyone - the speed isn't there. I can't just pull out or even merge onto the interstate for fear of being ran over. And GM does not appear to care. I've been told by multiple dealerships that GM has them. They just will not freely send them out to dealerships to repair cars. I think if they have a car sitting on their lot that has the part, they should be allowed to use it to take care of the one that is already sold. I'm at 31,000 miles, and they told me it may not be covered if I am outside of my warranty when they decide to send the part. I need some help!

9/22/2022

8 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

6 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The brake system failed upon pulling into a parking space. Had it happened a few, short moments before, there would have been a high probability of a crash. The vehicle was taken to Hardy Buick GMC Chevrolet. Upon reading the codes, I was told that the vehicle needs a new master cylinder. (It has only 672 miles on it and I've owned it less than 3 weeks.) Numerous lights came on, including: Brakes, ABS, Traction Control, Engine, as well as 2 others. A message came up on the screen that said, "Brake System Failure, 62 MPH Top Speed." There were other messages that cycled that I did not get to make note of, but one made mention of "power steering." Upon research, I found that there are recalls on certain 2021 Buick Encore GX's for an issue related to brake system failure. I was told, based on my VIN number, that my vehicle is not included in that specific recall, however, when my brake system failed, it did exactly as what was described as the potential consequences of the brake failure issue in the vehicles recalled.

6/11/2021

This week I leased a white buick encore gx fwd in the preferred model. After driving off the lot I noticed the brakes are very hard to press down and I can’t stop the vehicle over short distances. This seems dangerous and my dealership says nothing is wrong with the car but I can tell something is wrong with the brakes and this isn’t how new brakes are supposed to feel. After googling the symptoms it seems to be a problem with the brake booster.

6/13/2021

4 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encore owner, and it took two weeks to get the part in. It is now September 22, and I still do not have this fixed. It is a safety concern and I have been calling GM about it almost weekly, trying to get some help. How is it safe for my daughter & I to be driving down the road with only half power? I cannot pass anyone - the speed isn't there. I can't just pull out or even merge onto the interstate for fear of being ran over. And GM does not appear to care. I've been told by multiple dealerships that GM has them. They just will not freely send them out to dealerships to repair cars. I think if they have a car sitting on their lot that has the part, they should be allowed to use it to take care of the one that is already sold. I'm at 31,000 miles, and they told me it may not be covered if I am outside of my warranty when they decide to send the part. I need some help!

9/22/2022

I recently took my vehicle into the classic Chevrolet dealership where it was purchased for the manufacture warranty on a fuel remission pump to be replaced under warranty. When I got my car back when I reverse and switch and to drive it either jumps like it’s not getting gas, and sometimes completely dies in the middle of the road, something is not right and it was not doing that before I took it in to get that manufacturer warranty taken care of

2/4/2024

3 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

5 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I bought my vehicle the later part of 2021 and the transmission and engine no longer work and need to be replaced. When I first purchased the vehicle the battery completely died in less than 6 months. Numerous repairs and now the warranty won't work since I am over 60000 miles even though I have not met the expiration date on my warranty. They want to charge me between 8000-12000 for repairs.

12/11/2023

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message to shift to park(P) was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact removed the key from the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to turn off. The battery had to be disconnected to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.

9/23/2024

3 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

When the car is in park it will display shift to park. This has been an issue just trying to get my car int park. The car will not turn off because it thinks it is not in park when it is. I have to keep turning car on and off and trying over and over for it to stay in park.

1/11/2024

I recently took my vehicle into the classic Chevrolet dealership where it was purchased for the manufacture warranty on a fuel remission pump to be replaced under warranty. When I got my car back when I reverse and switch and to drive it either jumps like it’s not getting gas, and sometimes completely dies in the middle of the road, something is not right and it was not doing that before I took it in to get that manufacturer warranty taken care of

2/4/2024

3 more complaints are available in this category.

EQUIPMENT

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V440000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

8/2/2021

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V440000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair however, the dealer removed the emergency jack and cleared the recall but failed to provide a replacement jack since parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

8/19/2021

STEERING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Driving at 5:10pm on aug 31, 2021 first my power steering warning comes on my dash. Then my brake light comes on in red. I was just starting to move w traffic and I turned down a side street. No brakes or steering I did slow down enough to put in park. Only 4000 miles on vehicle. Called on star They called tow truck took to dealership where I got the encore

9/1/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: DYNAMIC BRAKE SUPPORT/BRAKE ASSIST

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a delay in braking before the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The contact mentioned that there was sensor that caused the vehicle to brake instantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,431.

3/3/2022

SEAT BELTS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact rented a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while idled at a stop light, another vehicle driving at approximately 45-50 MPH crashed into the rear of their vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruises and thigh injuries. The front passenger sustained a chest rash from when the seat belt retracted. There was a 9-year-old occupant seated at the rear however the seat belt failed to retract causing her to jolt forward almost to the front driver’s side seat. There was no medical attention received for any of the injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

3/14/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:INTERCOOLER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with the “Engine Power Reduced message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the loss of power had become a recurring failure and occurred at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the intercooler on the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer multiple times for the engine failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

9/20/2022

LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: OTHER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Departure warning light on the driver’s and passenger’s side sideview mirrors failed illuminate as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

6/6/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the speed odometer showed a different speed that the digital speed odometer reading. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer twice for the same failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.

7/12/2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and accelerating, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

9/11/2024

SUSPENSION

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact's girlfriend owned a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at 20 MPH, an abnormal, snapping sound emitted from the vehicle as the steering wheel independently shifted to the right and crashed into two parked vehicles. The contact stated that the suspension warning light appeared on the instrument panel after the failure and later discovered that the vehicle's suspension had detached. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's girlfriend was taken to the hospital where she was treated for a laceration on her left forearm which required nine stitches. She also suffered severe bruising to both arms, elbows, and hips. No other injuries were reported. A police report was filed. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Suspension). The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard and later to an independent body shop. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; the contact was given a case number and an investigation into the failure has been started. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

11/19/2024

AIR BAGS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact's girlfriend owned a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at 20 MPH, an abnormal, snapping sound emitted from the vehicle as the steering wheel independently shifted to the right and crashed into two parked vehicles. The contact stated that the suspension warning light appeared on the instrument panel after the failure and later discovered that the vehicle's suspension had detached. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's girlfriend was taken to the hospital where she was treated for a laceration on her left forearm which required nine stitches. She also suffered severe bruising to both arms, elbows, and hips. No other injuries were reported. A police report was filed. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Suspension). The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard and later to an independent body shop. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; the contact was given a case number and an investigation into the failure has been started. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

11/19/2024

SEATS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Went to install a car seat and the place to hook it to is so far Imbedded into the seat I would have to cut the seat to get to it. I need these car seats attached. I am not cutting the seats.

1/15/2025

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

About 6 times in the last 3 months when I put the car into reverse and the reverse camera comes on the image is kind of sketchy and in weird colors - definitely not clear then it completely goes black with message at the top saying something about getting the rear camera repaired. It doesn't happen often but I can't use the rear camera when it does that so it's back to old school when in reverse looking everywhere and in mirrors before moving. It hasn't happened but once so far this month July 2025 but thought you should know.

7/23/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

This is an ongoing issue that I have brought to the NHTSA's attention before, which resulted in a special coverage program being issued; however, now GM is not willing to assist me with the special coverage program due to a branded title (used vehicle), and the condition is only getting worse. Tonight, on August 16th, my vehicle experienced a complete loss of power, including engine functionality and fuel/propulsion systems. This stems from the original complaint I filed last fall (11614068) in relation to the turbocharger. I was advised by GM that they would not service my vehicle multiple times by rude supervisors, as my vehicle did not qualify under the special coverage because it's not a "safety issue:", and that the NHTSA has not issued a safety recall for this issue, when it's a safety issue. This is outrageous, and I URGE the NHTSA to look into the severity of this issue. It's only a matter of time before I am on the highway when my vehicle experiences what it did tonight. A complete loss of power, engine functionality, and the fuel/propulsion systems. I already had a near-death experience while driving on the highway when my engine power was reduced, which caused me to go from 65MPH to 40MPH in seconds on a highway, in the left lane, and I almost got rear-ended by someone going 75MPH. This is a safety issue, and it's not just impacting me. I find it so misleading that GM sent me a legal letter stating they knew there was an issue with the turbocharger and that they would take care of the repairs at no cost to me. The first line on the legal document states, ' Your satisfaction with our product is important to us," unless your car is used and has a branded title. There is nothing on that special coverage notice that explicitly states your title must be clean. I urge the NHTSA to issue a safety recall on the turbocharger so other Americans like me don't have to spend months going back and forth to get a simple repair done, an essential safety repair.

8/16/2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, there was an abnormally loud popping and scrapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the exhaust manifold had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable and was currently parked at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,590.

12/12/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore GX?

The most reported complaint category for the 2021 Buick Encore GX is ENGINE, with 10 owner reports. That is about 22% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore GX a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 30 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Buick Encore GX?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore GX severe?

30 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Buick Encore GX: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
46
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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