60 of the
348 complaints filed about the Buick Encore GX
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2024.
At 15,000 miles the check engine light came on while going to a store. At the store, the vehicle was put in park and tried to shut off engine. The dash said "shift to park". Took to the dealer, was told sensor went out on transmission. They said it was the electronic controle module. They didn't think that was part of the drive train warranty. When I looked online I found many other Buick owners complained of same issue. Posting online that they are slamming shifter into park up to 20 times to get sensor to register that it is in park so they can shut vehicle off. I feel it is a known buick problem and gm doesn't know how to fix so they won't issue recall. If you can't shut the vehicle off, the engine could over heat, not to mention run out of gas. And if people are slamming the shifter in and out of park to get vehicle to shut off an accident could occur in a parking lot or street if the sensor cannot read the shifters position properly. What if the sensor senses improperly on the freeway, is my vehicle going to come to a sudden stop on the freeway? General motors has let this gone on too long.
NHTSA complaint #11761985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The dash and instrument panel goes completly blank at highway speeds. A very dangerous scenario. It has happened 6 times in the 3 months that i jave purchased the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11760313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently bought this 2024 Buick Encore GX about a week ago and we decided to take a short trip to [XXX], as we were coming back and was driving downhill, we notice the vehicle was pulling to the left side like a strong wind pulling it. The steering wheel became very stiff and unable to pull back towards the driving lane as my daughter was trying to maneuver back, so she finally slowed down all the way to a full stop as the car approached all the way to the left by pulling hard by itself as my daughter was putting her brakes on. We waited for a few minutes as we turned off the vehicle, then after a few minutes she started back and check the steering by turning both ways to the right and left side, it felt okay then we proceeded back unto the road and came back to [XXX], but it became evening and the panel light came on, within a few hours later the panel light also became blank everything was just dark on the panel, we couldn't see the speeding monitor, the radio panel and the gear light, this happen within 3 minutes then it finally came back on again. This was very terrible and scary. If this vehicle did this to me while I am alone driving it, I wouldn't know what to do, it might kill me. I needed a good vehicle for myself, so I purchased this here in [XXX] and I am a [XXX] woman. this is a terrible vehicle please do a recall and more investigation on this vehicle. I am afraid to own this vehicle now I don't know what to do with it. this kind of vehicle should never be sold at all to the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11760438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR BEGAN GIVING AN ALERT THAT SAID "SHIFT TO PARK" WHEN VEHICLE WAS CLEARLY IN PARK BUT CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. I CALLED BUICK CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP & HAVE THE PROBLEM CONFIRMED WITH THE SERVICE DEPT. & THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE FOR ME. (THEY DID NOT TELL ME NOT TO HAVE IT FIXED). I KNEW THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS ISSUE, YET NO RECALL AS OF YET. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM (AS LISTED IN THE LAWSUIT). I HAD TO PAY $503 AFTER THEY GAVE ME A $100 GOODWILL DISCOUNT. I CALLED BUICK BACK TO EXPLAIN THAT I HAD THE CAR FIXED AT MY EXPENSE (I HAD NO CHOICE-THE CAR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF) & ASKED HOW TO GO ABOUT BEING REIMBURSED FOR A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A DISCOUNT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THAT CAN BE DONE. I ASKED ABOUT OPENING A CASE & WAS TOLD THAT SINCE MY CAR WAS FIXED, THERE IS NO CASE TO OPEN. I HAVE ASKED TO HAVE MY CALL ESCALATED TO A SUPERVISOR & AM STILL WAITING ON A RETURN CALL. I HAVE TO ASSUME THAT SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL, THE SHIFTER WAS REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL MOST LIKELY FAIL AGAIN. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONE YEAR. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE PARK SHIFTER FAILURE. AND I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR HAVING TO PAY FOR IT.
NHTSA complaint #11756921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact received a phone call and the infotainment screen and the display for the weather and climate control system below the infotainment screen darkened and then became inoperative. The buttons below and around the center console remained operable; however, the contact was unable to see what functions were being selected or controlled because the display was dark. The infotainment screen was also inoperative, preventing the contact from viewing the functions that were controlled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an audio software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is not a new issue and has happened multiple times since the purchase of this vehicle. Multiple times while driving my 2024 Buick Encore GX, the entire instrument panel intermittently goes completely blank/black. All critical information disappears, including the speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, and other indicators. The display does not recover on its own and only returns after I fully restart the vehicle. This creates a serious safety hazard especially at night. Without the speedometer or warning lights, I cannot accurately monitor my speed or receive important vehicle alerts, which increases the risk of a crash due to distraction and lack of critical information. The problem is intermittent and can occur at any time day or night which can become very dangerous. Although I was told my specific VIN does not fall under the formal safety recall (NHTSA 23V744000 / GM A232424320) for the same blank-instrument-panel condition, the symptoms are identical. Similar complaints from other 2024 Encore GX owners describe the exact same issue (blank dash that only recovers after a restart). After being told by the local dealer that nothing can be done about it unless I pay for an expensive diagnostic, which is beyond infuriating, I request that that dealer, certified mechanic, or Buick perform a full diagnostic, install any available software updates for the Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) or related systems, and resolve this SAFETY-RELATED defect under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11754747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the vehicle engages auto-off at a stoplight, the engine stalls when trying to reengage. The engine also struggles to engage from a manual start, sometimes needing to try starting the engine three or four times before it will turn on. Two Buick dealerships inspected the vehicle and confirmed GM has an open investigation on the issue and that there is currently no fix. They recommended disabling the auto-off in the meantime. There is no temporary fix for the manual ignition issue.
NHTSA complaint #11754126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11752226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2025 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the GPS failed to operate properly. Additionally, the air conditioning system was inoperable. The contact stated that while driving in the heat, the contact to briefly became unconscious. Due to the failure, OnStar was contacted to providing GPS assistance. After arriving to the destination, the navigation system started operating as designed. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with engine under-boost failure, loss in communication with the telematics communication interface control module, an open ethernet bus, an auxiliary heater command low voltage, lost communication with the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module, and loss of communication with the direction camera control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V744000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11750576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving check engine suddenly illuminated following by a "warning reduced engine power" message. Car began driving sluggish and driving over 35mph caused serious trembling. After multiple diagnosis with several engine codes pointing to issues with ECM, and mass air flow sensor, and the wiring affliated . I took the vehicle to the GMC dealership to get vehicle serviced and was told the wiring had broken and melted which caused the check engine to come on and the vehicle to drive the way it did. The cause was the zip tie being tied too tight as stated in GMs own bulletin number 22-NA-008. This should be a bulletin it should be a recall!
NHTSA complaint #11749150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: I only have 34,200 miles on my 2022 Buick Encore GX and when I put my car in park, I get a warning message on the dashboard telling me "Shift to Park" but I am already in park and my car won't shut off. Why at 34,000 miles? 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: What if the car thinks it isn't in Park and starts rolling hitting a child, another car, or building? 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Yes, and it is a known issue with the make and model car I have a 2022 Buick Encore GX but no Recall has been made. This is dangerous and needs to be a recall. 4. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: A "Shift to Park" message comes up on dashboard even though in the bottom right corner it has a P that it is in park. The computer doesn't recognize it's in park.
NHTSA complaint #11742093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred every 31 seconds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed VCU module. The contact was informed that the VCU module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall or warranty program. The failure mileage was approximately 55,300.
NHTSA complaint #11739230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The instrument panel gets really hot. I've taken the car to a dealer to diagnose the problem but they say that that can't find anything wrong .There were no warning lights or any message. I purchased the car in 2025 and it already had a little over 10,000 miles on it. Not just the instrument panel gets hot, but, also yhe panel where the radio is.
NHTSA complaint #11738174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
nStar remote diagnostic system returned five false-negative results across two confirmed mechanical failures. January 2, 2026: two diagnostics at 5:50 PM and 5:53 PM returned "No Error Code Found" while the transmission was actively failing. At 8:39 PM, the system identified P0700 and P2714 (Transmission System Failure, "Service within 1 day"). March 14, 2026: two diagnostics at 11:14 AM and 11:17 AM returned "No Error Code Found" while the vehicle could not exceed 20 mph on a highway. OnStar agent instructed a permanently disabled driver with a [XXX] passenger to continue driving during the first failure. GM issued a September 2025 TSB for "Loss of OnStar Connectivity" affecting all makes. FTC entered a 20-year consent order against GM/OnStar in January 2026. The Muhammad v. General Motors class action (E.D. Mich.) documents identical OnStar false negatives before engine seizures on the 6.2L platform. OnStar's diagnostic system appears unable to detect powertrain failures in sealed components across multiple engine platforms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2025 Buick Encore GX has experienced an ongoing failure of the rear backup camera system. The issue began intermittently in February 2026, and earlier this month (March) it has progressively worsened. The camera now does not function at all. When shifting into reverse, the display often shows a black screen with a “camera unavailable” warning message. On some occasions, the camera briefly functions but displays severe distortion, including abnormal colors, flickering, and warning symbols overlaid on the image. The issue continues to occur intermittently and unpredictably. This failure creates a safety concern because the backup camera is a required safety feature intended to assist with rear visibility while reversing. The malfunction reduces visibility and increases the risk of not seeing objects, vehicles, or pedestrians behind the vehicle. The problem has not yet been inspected by the dealership due to limited appointment availability. I have documented the issue with photos and video showing the malfunction, including distortion and loss of image. Approximately 8 weeks after purchasing this vehicle in March 2025 (5/3/25) the Digital Instrument Cluster (driver information center) and infotainment display went completely black while driving, leaving no visible speed, fuel level, or other critical vehicle information visible to the driver. This raises concern about the reliability of the vehicle’s electronic systems, particularly as the backup camera— another critical safety feature— is now also malfunctioning. This issue has progressed from intermittent to consistent failure.
NHTSA complaint #11726538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11725113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In my car there is an electrical issue with the radio. Sometimes when I’m backing up and using the camera the lane assistance doesn’t work properly which can cause someone to back into things if they are using it. Also another issue it has is when I’m driving the entire radio and dashboard flicks and the screen goes out which is dangerous when driving because now I’m not sure what my speed level is checking gas levels if your on phone calls it isn’t consistent. I think this is a major safety issue not sure if it’s electrical but the dashboard and screen goes out together randomly and it affects reverse driving and just driving in general.
NHTSA complaint #11724685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.