2020 Buick Encore GX

Routine

Owners filed 70 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 2 times.

Avoid One of the Buick Encore GX years to avoid: 2.1× the complaints of a typical Encore GX year. Which Buick Encore GX years to avoid →

Most common 2020 Buick Encore GX problems

19 of the 70 complaints (27%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes17
301
Power Train · transmission14
000
Unknown or Other10
000
Electrical System9
000
Engine8
000
Air Bags · airbags3
202
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · brakes1
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift › Stand21V440000
Filed Jun 10, 2021135,400 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.

Risk. A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.

Service Brakes20V588000
Filed Sep 24, 20203,677 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.

Risk. If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 26, 2026KS

While driving my 2020 Buick Encore GX, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration, immediately dropping into 'Reduced Engine power' limp mode in active traffic, but no other car was Infront or behind my car. A diagnostic scan revealed Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2138, which triggered the computer's safety override system to cut engine throttle. The official dealer repair invoice confirms a manufacturing and assembly defect covered under GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #07-06-04-019G. The technician located water intrusion Panel/Body Harness Connector X112. The root cause was an improperly seated weather seal from the factory, which allowed moisture to short-circuit the accelerator pedal sensor voltage lines. The shop had to reposition the factory seal and apply dielectric grease to the terminals to correct the defect, for which I was charged out of pocket. This manufacturing defect caused a sudden, unpredictable loss of vehicle power on public roads, creating a severe rear-end collision hazard.

Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2026MD

There was no service engine warning light on my dashboard. Pending codes in the pictures below popped up on my diagnostics tool less than 24 hours after buying the vehicle from an Audi Dealer. The engine went into limp mode as you can see from the picture below that shows Engine Power is Reduced. After researching these error codes, I was made aware that this is a common issue on this vehicle ad is should be a recall as it states the engine failure is a very serious issue, especially if it occurs while driving. This could cause fatal accidents.

Power Train
Filed Sep 8, 2026IL

While reversing, the vehicle suddenly jumped/jerked unexpectedly. Another vehicle was parked close behind me, and I was afraid my vehicle was going to jump into it because the movement was sudden and difficult to control. On another occasion, while traveling approximately 20 mph through a longer curve, the vehicle suddenly jumped/jerked again and I was concerned I could lose control of the vehicle or strike another vehicle. The vehicle has also intermittently shuddered/jumped during normal driving and acceleration. At times the engine RPM increases without the vehicle accelerating normally. The problem is intermittent and may stop and then happen again. This makes the vehicle’s acceleration and movement unpredictable, which I believe creates a collision risk when reversing, entering traffic, traveling through curves, or accelerating around other vehicles. An authorized Buick/GM dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the CVT transmission as needing replacement at a cost of approximately $4,700. The dealership told me there were no transmission diagnostic trouble codes and no transmission warning lights despite the symptoms and their diagnosis. I am concerned that this transmission condition can cause sudden jerking/jumping and unreliable acceleration without a warning light or diagnostic code alerting the driver. The transmission has not been replaced and the vehicle is available for inspection.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 2026TX

The cluster display shows "shift to park" even while vehicle is stopped, gear shift in park position, and engine is off.

Engine
Filed Jul 22, 2026IL

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

Power Train
Filed Jun 21, 2026MI

Transmission would not connect with the engine. La Fontaine dealership in Saint Clair. Said I need a new transmission cost $14,000. It has 59823 miles under the vehicle.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 14, 2026TX

My 2020 Buick Encore GX which has only $30,600 had the "Shift to Park" message appear on the dashboard screen and my car was not turning off properly. I read online that it is a widespread known issue: however, I had to pay $630.14 to fix the GM well know widespread issue so I can turn off my vehicle. This should be covered FREE of charge by GM as they are aware of the issue affecting the 2020 Buick Encore GX.

Power Train
Filed Mar 24, 2026WI

I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical failure involving my vehicle and to request further review and assistance. While operating my vehicle, it unexpectedly stalled in the middle of an intersection, creating a significant safety hazard. At the time of the incident, the check engine light illuminated and the RPMs surged to a range between 6 and 8. I was able to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road, place it in park, and have it towed to a dealership for inspection. Following their evaluation, I was informed that the transmission requires replacement. I have since become aware of a recall related to transmission issues; however, I was advised by a Buick representative that my VIN is not included in the recall. Given that my vehicle is experiencing the same or a substantially similar failure, this determination raises concerns and warrants further review. I have consistently adhered to all recommended maintenance schedules and have taken proper care of my vehicle. Based on the circumstances, I respectfully request a thorough reassessment of my case, including reconsideration for coverage or assistance with the necessary repairs. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

Power Train
Filed Feb 20, 2026NC

My 2020 Buick Encore GX is showing a message with accompanying ding ding sounds "Shift to Park" after I put my car in park. This malfunction will not allow the car to be locked. I see there are many complaints and lawsuits that GM has not attended to. How do we get GM to initiate a recall on something they are and were well aware of.

Power Train
Filed Feb 17, 2026TX

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.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 25, 2025IL

SHIFT INTO PARK WARNING WHEN CAR IS IN PARK

Power Train
Filed Oct 27, 2025VT

Powder Train When parking the car in garage, placed vehicle in park, then turned vehicle off, received a message on dash "SHIP TO PARK". The car was in park. Even thought the engine was off, it would now allow radio or lights to shut off util message goes off. Some times several minutes for it to go out. Taken it to the GM dealer ship was told shifter assembly needs replaced. I have learned their currently is a a class action suit for this issue at this time. My car was under warranty for 5 years and was still under the warranty when this happened to me. I don't feel I should have to pay $491.00 out of my pocket.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 25, 2025IL

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2020 Buick Encore GX (VIN: [XXX] ) related to the “Shift to Park” defect, which is documented in GM’s Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-119. My vehicle intermittently fails to recognize when it is in park, preventing me from turning off the engine and causing safety and usability concerns. Despite following GM’s recommended steps and scheduling an appointment through Buick Customer Care, I was charged $195 for a diagnostic fee and quoted $495 to replace the shifter assembly. The dealership confirmed the issue matched the bulletin, yet refused to offer goodwill coverage or reimbursement. This expense is a significant hardship. I am still making payments on this vehicle, which is barely five years old. I previously owned a Honda for 20 years without encountering issues like this. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I’ve faced a manufacturer-documented defect with no support. My previous vehicle, a Mitsubishi Outlander, suffered from a known transmission issue that was later part of a class action lawsuit. Despite experiencing the same symptoms, my VIN was excluded. The cost of repair outweighed the value of the vehicle, and I ultimately had to walk away from it as a total loss—leaving me without a car. I am deeply disappointed to now face a similar situation with Buick. I chose this vehicle expecting reliability and support, and I’ve done everything asked of me to address this is

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger
Filed Oct 22, 202551,220 milesCO

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 20, 2025WA

I am getting a shift to park message on my Buick. I have to shift through heats multiple times to get it to stop.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 2025AL

When I put the car in park and go to turn off the car, I'm getting a "Shift to Park" error when the car is already in park. This error will not allow the car to shut off. I have to shift it back out of gear and then back to park several times before it will recognize that it's in park and allow me to turn off the car.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 4, 2025NC

Getting a shift to park error when placing the gear in park. It’s not recognizing the car is already in park and I have to make several attempts until it finally goes away each time.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed May 13, 2025101,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse on several occasions, the brake was depressed and there was an abnormal foghorn sound coming from the driver’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the rear driver’s side wheel was removed. The caliper was removed, and the contact became aware that piston inside the caliper had fractured in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 11, 2025FL

I have started to receive multiple 'Shift to Park' messages when attempting to turn off my vehicle after already being placed in park. To get the car to register that it is indeed in park, I have to re-shift or slam the gear shift into place. I was advised that the issue was with the shifter assembly which prevents the vehicle from recognizing whether or not it is in gear. I had no issues with the vehicle prior to the message and I get my vehicle serviced regularly. This malfunction can lead to battery drain, failure of a vehicle to shut off completely, or difficulty starting it.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 25, 2025CA

I was traveling to school when my breaks didn’t work I tried them twice and I crashed into another vehicle. And the month or march I took it into to Buick for break issues and they said everything was fine.

Power Train
Filed Apr 24, 2025MI

Shifter malfunction not allowing transmission to shift to park without multiple attempts. Car lurches at times while attempting to resolve problem.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 3, 2025NV

The gear shift when placed in park and the car ignition turned off would cause an alarm to go off and a message to show up on the dash that the gear shift should be placed in parks (which it was in already). When I contacted the GM in CA dealer and talked to him he advised me it was a common problem and the was a shortage of parts to repair but bring it in because the alarm would where down the battery. After jamming the gear shift in park many times I was able to stop the alarm. Them I drove from CA to NV to the Buick dealer there and told me the same thing that the GM dealer tome about a shortage of parts because of this being a common problem and that he would try and get GM to pay for repairs. When I picked up the car I was advised that although this was a common problem GM was not going to be a recall so I had to pay the $558.40 to repair the gear shift. The recipt shows: "SHIFT CONTROL ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - found intermittent failure to register shifter position of park - Need to replace shifter assembly "

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 26, 2025LA

I was at a stop light and the light turned green, I preceded to press the accelerator, I was just starting to move forward and the, peddle seemed to take over with my assistance went all the way down and began speeding up. I tried breaking and the car just kept going and not wanting to slow down and kept gaining speed, I had to put car in neutral and turn engine off. Same day, same trip about 4 miles down the road, I began to slow down (35mph) due to a turning vehicle and when I was clear to accelerate once again, it happened again, again, I tried the breaks, and the car kept fighting the break and kept gaining speed, once again I had to put the car in neutral and turn off the engine, the speeds reached 65 mph. before I was able to place in neutral and turn off the engine. No warning lights, car ran normally until those terrifying moments, no check engine lights on before or after the above experiences. My husband and I's safety was put at risk due to the road's travelers and Deadmans curves and cross sections, it put us at risk with a higher chance of crashing into a vehicle or accelerating before being able to make a turn safely. As soon as I made it home, I called the Buick service center and delivered the car the following morning to the service technician. It is at the Ross Downing Service Station today.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 28, 2025NE

I purchased a car from Carvana , a few days later the airbag light came on , I was instructed by Carvana to call the warranty place and let them no there was a problem. They instructed me to go to Levanders body shop in GrandIsland Ne . The body shop ran a diagnostic and could not find why the light was going off so they removed the passenger knee panel to which they found the wires were taped and the airbags and wire harness were missing , they decided to further check and found ALL the airbags in the car were missing and so were the wire harnesses.This obviously was not stated in the purchase of the car. Had that light not came on I still would not know. I drove it for a week with my child in the car thankgoodness i didnt get an a accident . i have pictures but it wont allow me to upload for some reason

Engine
Filed Jan 19, 2025CA

This is a new issue. Upon exiting my car last night. My car would not shift into park. Everytime I cycled the engine and shift to different gears then park. The car stated it need to be shifted into park still. Without it being in park The car could possibly roll down the hill. Also without it being able to be shifted into park. It continued to flash and keep lights and warning sign on. If not being able to shift into park. I could not leave my car until it recognized the car was in park. The car battery would have drained.

Power Train
Filed Dec 30, 202434,643 milesNY

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unstated part in the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,643.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 29, 2024TX

When I park the vehicle doesn’t recognize that I switched my gear to park and it won’t let me turn my vehicle off and when I have my foot on the brake it feels like sponginess

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 16, 2024MN

My vehicle is undrivable. Multiple times per trip the check engine light comes on and I see multiple messages come on the driver information center. These are: Service ESC Reduced Power Service Adaptive Steering System The codes that come up are: P0089 for low fuel pressure P00C6 This results in an immediate speed reduction nearly causing multiple collisions with people following me on the highway. As a result I have been using a code reader to clear the codes so i can continue driving. I refuse to drive on busy highways so I am always forced to drive back roads. This needs to be figured out ASAP!

Power Train
Filed Dec 10, 2024MO

For the past several months, my 2020 Buick Encore has been giving me a message to shift to park even though I placed my vehicle to park. This then does not allow my car to shut off, because it believes I am still in drive. I tried making an appointment with the dealership a month ago and their earliest availability was today, 12/10/2024. I took my Buick in, and they wrote me and stated that they figured out the issue and the shifter control would need to be replaced and was not covered under my powertrain warranty. I see this has been an issue on several Buicks and I even found the service notification Buick sent out for this specific issue. This is a definite safety issue since I cannot turn my vehicle off because it does not believe I am actually in park. This needs to be recalled for these vehicles since Buick is aware of the issue. I am getting the shifter control replaced, but due to it being a safety concern, it should be covered by Buick. Instead, this is being told to me that it is a $400 replacement part and not covered under Buick's warranty. I wanted to file a complaint so NHTSA can be aware of this issue.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 9, 2024FL

The dash shows an error message "Shift to park" whenever I put the car in park. This message last for about 10 minutes or more locking me in the car. The car does not shut off until the error is gone. I have to continue starting up the car, placing it in park, then cutting it off to see if the message is gone.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 2024MI

Since the repair, the original claim no. 11619901. the checked off stuff no longer works. This lapse has occurred around sep. 20 to present day

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 2024MI

The dealership replaced in the “fish body electric system “ to make the shift to park “flag not appear It is available for your inspection. Please check facebook and a list of problems with the vehicle are listed The vehicle was in the driveway not affecting any one. The problem was reviewed by the selling dealer and referred to another dealer to fix. Other than the flag appearing where the speed of the vehicle when on the road. Only the dealership saw the part and inspected it No warning lights The repair was made by Ed Rinke in Centerline,

Power Train
Filed Oct 10, 2024TX

The vehicle will flash a message “Shift to park” when the car is already parked. This is a known issue across multiple GM brands including Chevy and Buick. The dealer diagnosed the issue and said that it needed a new shifter and wiring harness. Parts and labor for the repair are going to be $700.

Power Train
Filed Sep 28, 2024DE

I bought this vehicle in 2024, I have been having issues one after another with it, I have taken it to the dealer and all they keep doing if fixing the problem and couple of months it happens again. I am really worried about my safety if I keep driving the vehicle. One problem from the battery to the shift sensor. Thank you

Engine
Filed Sep 25, 202460,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer on several occasions, and several repairs were performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the turbo was replaced twice; however, the failure returned after the repairs. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for a month and the dealer determined that the mechanical outline was incorrect, and that the turbo had been installed incorrectly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact expressed concern that the failure might occur again, and was fearful of driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 18, 2024GA

Shift to park! When I put the car in park it tells me “shift to park” so I’m unable to turn my car off. It’s happening more frequently.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2024TX

"Shift toPark"message is displayed on the dic shifter control leaver

Power Train
Filed Jun 25, 2024OH

When parking car in garage, placed vehicle in park, then turned vehicle off, received a message on dash " SHIFT TO PARK". The car was in park. Even though the engine was off, it would not allow radio, or lights to shut off until this message goes off. Some times it takes several minutes for message to go out. I have taken to GM dealership, and was told shifter assembly needs replaced ($500). I have learned their currently is a class action suit for this issue at this date.

Power Train
Filed May 15, 202424,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact was unable to turn off the vehicle and drove to the residence. The message was no longer displayed after the contact parked the vehicle at the residence. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 29, 2024LA

Spongy breaks. Gets harder to break as time goes.

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2023WA

I was driving on the interstate on June 7, 2023 heading to work doing the speed limit of 60 MPH and all of a sudden the check engine light came on and a message stated "Engine Power Reduced" and the engine literally dropped engine power immediately and thankfully there was nobody right behind me and I was able to get off the interstate to a safe place. I called the Buick GMC dealership where I purchased the vehicle and they said to bring it in. They pulled codes on it and it gave a code of "engine under boost" and they said they ran tests on it and could not find anything wrong after 3 days at the shop, they did a software update and told me to come and pick it up. Then not even a week later, I was driving and out of nowhere came the same engine light, message read "engine power reduced" and the engine lost power immediately and I called the Buick GMC dealership again and they said to bring it back in and it's there now. I called today to check in and they said they are going to test the Turbo on it and order parts, etc. but they still do not have a definitive answer as to what's wrong with it yet. I bought my 2020 Buick Encore GX new in November 2020 and it has about 26,000 miles on it. No recalls have been made on my VIN model - I am afraid to even drive this car again and get stuck somewhere away from help or at night - someone could have rear ended me when I lost power on the interstate doing 60 MPH and killed me!!!

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2023WA

I was driving on the interstate on June 7, 2023 heading to work doing the speed limit of 60 MPH and all of a sudden the check engine light came on and a message stated "Engine Power Reduced" and the engine literally dropped engine power immediately and thankfully there was nobody right behind me and I was able to get off the interstate to a safe place. I called the Buick GMC dealership where I purchased the vehicle and they said to bring it in. They pulled codes on it and it gave a code of "engine under boost" and they said they ran tests on it and could not find anything wrong after 3 days at the shop, they did a software update and told me to come and pick it up. Then not even a week later, I was driving and out of nowhere came the same engine light, message read "engine power reduced" and the engine lost power immediately and I called the Buick GMC dealership again and they said to bring it back in and it's there now. I called today to check in and they said they are going to test the Turbo on it and order parts, etc. but they still do not have a definitive answer as to what's wrong with it yet. I bought my 2020 Buick Encore GX new in November 2020 and it has about 26,000 miles on it. No recalls have been made on my VIN model - I am afraid to even drive this car again and get stuck somewhere away from help or at night - someone could have rear ended me when I lost power on the interstate doing 60 MPH and killed me!!!

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 23, 2023GA

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately and stalled. Additionally, the EPC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 13, 2023WA

We have two infants in car seats. The car does not have the car seat LATCH system in it. The instructions were followed in the cars manual for placement but none were found. There are indications on the seat where you should place the latch buckle but the latch welded hooks are not there. I took the vehicle to the dealership Buick Gee in Liberty Lake WA where it is leased and was also told there by the service manager and the sales team that there are no latch hooks to be found in this car for the car seat to attach to. They agreed that there should be some there and could be a mistake at the factory. The dealer manager also came out to verify the latch system was not in vehicle. He also went to look at the other vehicles of the same year make and model, all of which did not have the welded hooks in the car for the car seat latch system. When I worked at the fire department I thought this system was mandatory in all vehicles manufactured and sold in the USA after the 90’s. Thank you for looking into this production safety issue [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)
Filed Nov 9, 202275,000 milesLA

The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his mother-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while his mother-in-law was driving, the vehicle started sputtering, overheating, and lost motive power. The vehicle remained at the location. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 4, 2022IN

Rear end accident. Distracted driver hit the back of my car at least at 40 mph. No airbags deployed.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 7, 20228,600 milesOH

The contact’s fiancé owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle was unable to stop while the brake pedal was depressed and the parking brake was activated. Additionally, the vehicle made grinding sounds while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer reprogrammed the brake system; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,600.

Engine
Filed Apr 21, 2022TX

I have only had the vehicle for a year. On multiple occasions the vehicle feels like it is slipping gears (more often when the autostop feature is turned on). On multiple occasions the vehicle has stalled out and would not do anything when pressing on gas- didn't even rev, did absolutely nothing. These stall outs happened crossing highways, at stop lights, stop signs, etc. There were no warnings prior to the incidences, though the vehicle did through an engine/transmission code afterwards, the code would go away. The first several attempts of taking it to the dealership (last year) as it is still under warranty- it was not checked. i was simply told it was a "glitch" and it was fine. They did not record in their system that i requested it to be checked either apparently. They only recorded that i brought it in for an oil change. They only checked into it this February after my boyfriend told them what it was doing. They kept it and replaced one part in the transmission. The vehicle continued to have the same issues and threw a code withing the first 5 minutes after picking it up. I took it back in- and they said it was doing the issues because of the code it threw. I told them it was doing it again before it threw the code. They said it simply needed a line vacuumed out, and then gave it back to me. It continued to have the same issues and stalled out again causing me to roll backwards onto the highway-into traffic. I took it back again. They kept it, and then told me they'd

Electrical System
Filed Apr 8, 2022AZ

While driving this 2020 Buick Encore GX with around 7,000 miles on the odometer, the entire electrical/electronic system shut down. Windows were inoperative, the AC stopped, the radio failed, the flashers did not work, etc. The only things that worked were the engine and brakes. I have no idea if the brake lights worked. I was able to drive the car to the dealership - Van Buick GMC in Scottsdale, Arizona where the car is now sitting and awaiting their inspection. In the 95 degree temperature here in AZ, I thought that I would die as I could not open the doors. I have since learned that I could have opened the doors by pulling the door handle twice. No one ever educated me on this. There were no advance warnings prior to the failure. This car is a death trap. Please NHTSA help me.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Mar 7, 202245,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and it traveled to the floorboard causing the brakes to fail to stop the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact residence however, the brakes failed again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was unaware if a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 70, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2020
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20264100Routine
202515110Routine
202434200Routine
202328000Routine
202234100Routine
202153200Routine
2020 — this page70200Routine

Compare every Encore GX year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 10, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.