51 of the
325 complaints filed about the Buick Encore GX
are about the engine —
16% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
When the vehicle is at a stop, with the car in drive, the vehicle will shut off. The vehicle needs to be put back into Park and restarted. It then sometimes shuts off again and I have to repeat the sequence. This happens when it is in idle load reduction.... For gas saving.
NHTSA complaint #11757793 — 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 vehicle is equipment with a Stop/start when brake is applied and vehicle is at a stop, the engine turns off. Randomly the engine does not restart when brake is released and accelerator is pressed, vehicle is required to be put in park and restarted . This has happened on the highway while in traffic, the engine did not restart and required to be put in park and restarted while traffic flowed around me. The other occasion was came to a completed start at a traffic light, again the released the break and pressed the accelerator and the vehicle did not restart . Again had to put in park and restarted while traffic with cars honking . This failure has put us in danger. Vehicle brought to Buick dealer twice , same answer could not recreate, no codes displayed .
NHTSA complaint #11751991 — 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.
When driving on the freeway 60 mph, the car jerked and locked up, no warning lights, speedometer was rising and dropping rapidly, car slowly dropped speed. Had to pull on the side of the road, when car was put to parked, neutral, or drive it went backwards until it wasn’t able to move at all. Car was towed to the GM Chevrolet in my area where it was fixed previously for transmission module issue. After inspection it was found by a mechanic that it was a transmission failure. Thankfully, we didn’t get into an accident but it was a close call.
NHTSA complaint #11750191 — 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.
The 1.3L turbo caused metal fragments to get into my engine which in return caused the transmission to fail. My 2021 Buick encore gx has been in the shop since early February 2026 at Garber Buick in Fort Pierce Florida. The first diagnosis was solenoids needed to be replaced, after the solenoids were replaced they told me the engine needed to be replaced, once the engine was put in Garber Buick told me the transmission now needed to be replaced. GM motors have been involved I have case number and a case manager who has informed me that not only do they want me to pay 5,600 dollars after the first quote for the engine was 9,800 but they brought that price down to 5,600 they now since its the transmission want me to pay another 6,000 even though the car is only 2021 and the turbo caused all of this to happen. I have done some more research and GM has multiple lawsuits against them for turbo and transmission failures where GM told dealers to downplay issues.
NHTSA complaint #11735353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Turbocharger is defective. Reduced engine power. Engine Power reduced shows up on my dashboard. I bought the car brand new at Lindsey Buick in Ohio. This car is too young for this problem. Lindsey Buick and GM need to stand up to accountability and transparency when it comes to delivering top quality products. My vehicle almost caused a horrific accident by not accelerating fast enough. I am [XXX] , a widow, and in need of my car being fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11733173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle suddenly stalled and completely shut off while I was driving. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to alert me there was any engine issues. I was definitely put in danger as I was driving at rush hour in a 6 lane busy US 1 Federal Highway. The vehicle was stalled, without any power, in the middle lane with cars and trucks swerving around me at the last minute. I called 911 immediately and they dispatched cruisers to help push my vehicle across 4 lanes of traffic. This meant having to block 4 lanes of moving traffic. It was a long 10 minutes of waiting as angry drivers were leaning on their horns in frustration. AAA flatbed towed my vehicle to a near mechanic's shop, but it was after hours and had to be left there until morning. The mechanic inspected the problem and confirmed the issue was a fuel module and fuel pump failure. How does this happen without any alerts to the driver? How can you prepare a driver of such a serious engine failure putting that driver and other surrounding drivers at such a serious risk? This should be a safety recall and fixed by the dealer without charge to the driver. That is, if the driver is still alive.
NHTSA complaint #11732027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Second complete powertrain failure on March 14, 2026 at 13,993 miles, nine days after first repair (complete transmission replacement for bone-dry sealed transmission). Symptoms: sudden loss of power on highway (unable to exceed 20 mph with accelerator fully depressed), hollow sound, noise described as "like a rock tumbling around inside." OnStar diagnostics returned "No Error Code Found" twice (11:14 AM and 11:17 AM) during active failure. Dealer (Loveland Buick GMC) diagnosed "battery issue" but provided indefinite loaner with no return date. Symptoms are consistent with engine bearing or connecting rod failure matching Cook et al. v. General Motors (Case No. 1:26-cv-00229, D. Del., filed March 4, 2026) covering 1.2L/1.3L turbo engines in the Buick Encore platform. Complaint alleges GM knew about defect "since 2022, if not earlier" and instructed dealers to tell consumers vehicles are "operating normally." First failure involved sealed transmission running with zero fluid. Skipped oil change after transmission repair (documented in GM Executive Resolution emails) may have allowed metal contamination to damage engine components. Requesting investigation into whether dealer's "battery" diagnosis was accurate or whether actual diagnostic codes indicate engine failure consistent with Cook v. GM class pattern.
NHTSA complaint #11728488 — 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.
2020 Buick Encore GX; pulling out of a service station, my check engine light illuminated, and message on cluster stated: Engine Power Reduced. I loss throttle response for accelerating. Accelerator pedal was pushed to the floor and no acceleration. Vehicle entered limp mode. Drove 15 miles from service station to my home, in limp mode, unable to accelerate. Called a technician mechanic who check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes; DTC P0299 Turbocharge/Supercharge "A" Under boost condition; is Confirmed, Pending, and Permanent code. Loss of power to Power Train, unable to accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11718640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trying to understand why a recall was not done on an engine issue on this car and instead GMC chose to send out 2 letters in 2024 detailing the problem that "might" happen with the engine losing power while driving and for owners to "carry" the letters in the glove compartment of the vehicle so the dealership could be aware of the issue. You were told to not bring the car to be serviced unless the issue was obvious. Well it happened when I was out of state and had to immediately find a GMC dealership to fix the issue for which my car was in a dealership in [XXX] for approximately one month. If the proper recall would have been made I would NOT have driven the car out of state prior to getting it fixed. I had family members in the car with me at the time and to lose power on an interstate was very scary to say the least. I feel that GMC failed it's customers with this vehicle and I will never buy another GMC vehicle or for that another vehicle US made vehicle. The issue was fixed at GMC's expense but they are now failing to reimburse proper funds for the rental I had to use putting a burden on my finances...be that as it may I am totally disappointed with the Buick Encore GX 2021. You try to support the "american made label" and this is where it got me for trying to do the right thing...I feel no one is looking out for the consumers on this particular issue b/c I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one it has happened to...A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS ISSUE..!! This is 2021 with fewer than 48,000 miles and up to date services by reputable GMC dealerships since I have had the car. The case # with GMC for this issue is XXXINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11708921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11704489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was started and started misfiring and then shut off, no check engine lights came on. Tried to restart the car and it continued to misfire but eventually stopped. Car also misfires sometimes after refueling. Car was taken to dealership to be looked at and there were no findings of any issues, they suggested it was bad gas.
NHTSA complaint #11700570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11698247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake with abnormal sounds coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 51,220.
NHTSA complaint #11695087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.