2021 Buick Encore reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2021 Buick Encore holds 9 complaints after 6 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 10 Encore years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
9
1
0
6
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (3 of 9), then Powertrain (3) and Service brakes (2). Those filings include 1 that reports an injury.
The 2020 Encore has 19 complaints, 2 per year, and the 2022 has 8 complaints, 2 per year. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2021 Buick Encore. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (9 total)
0
0
1
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Intermittent Service Brake Assist Light with very hard brake pedal and almost no breaks backing up. Have had it to several shops who said it was a turbo booster issue so scheduled service with Patriot GMC Boyertown Pa.…"
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"I have continuously had my check engine light pop on. I have took it in twice for them fix the issue which is the purge sensor. It did not fix the issue because the light just pops back on. This has caused issues with…"
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"The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact…"
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"Took to the dealership. They stated my flex pipe had melted and the o2 sensors are stuck in the pipe need replacement as well. They have to replace flex pipe and everything leading to the 2nd o2 sensor. They stated…"
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"Turbo Charger failed while passing a semi-trailer truck causing a severe lack of power and almost causing a head on collision with on-coming traffic. I had 3 passengers at the time. The problem has been confirmed by a…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Buick Encore SUV AWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2021 Buick Encore SUV FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore all-wheel drive | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | All-wheel drive | 24 | 29 | 26 MPG | $2500 |
| Encore all-wheel drive | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | All-wheel drive | 23 | 30 | 26 MPG | $2500 |
| Encore front-wheel drive | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 24 | 32 | 27 MPG | $2400 |
| Encore front-wheel drive | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 25 | 30 | 27 MPG | $2400 |
| Encore GX all-wheel drive | 1.3L, 3-cyl | Automatic 9-speed | All-wheel drive | 26 | 29 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Encore GX front-wheel drive | 1.3L, 3-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-wheel drive | 30 | 32 | 31 MPG | $2100 |
| Encore GX front-wheel drive | 1.2L, 3-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-wheel drive | 28 | 31 | 29 MPG | $2250 |
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 15V-146 covers certain 2015 Buick Encore vehicles: the steering column housing may wear the power-steering circuit board and cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist; dealers inspect and replace the column as needed. Campaign 16V-651 covers certain 2014-2017 Encore vehicles among a large multi-model GM population where SDM software may prevent frontal air bags or pretensioners from deploying; dealers reflash or replace the SDM. Campaign 18V-774 covers certain 2019 Encore vehicles left in SDM manufacturing mode so air bags may not deploy; dealers reprogram the SDM. Campaign 20V-668 covers certain 2019-2020 Encore vehicles (with many other GM models) for missing bolts on a start/stop transmission accumulator endcap that can leak fluid and progress to loss of propulsion or fire risk; dealers inspect and replace the accumulator if bolts are missing. Shared campaign unit counts cover multiple nameplates.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Buick Encore reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2021 Buick Encore holds 9 complaints after 6 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is the fewest complaints per year among the 10 Encore years on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2021 Buick Encore?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (3 of 9), then Powertrain (3) and Service brakes (2). Those filings include 1 that reports an injury.
Is the 2021 Buick Encore more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2020 Encore has 19 complaints, 2 per year, and the 2022 has 8 complaints, 2 per year. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.
Has the 2021 Buick Encore been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2021 Buick Encore.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Buick Encore?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2021 Buick Encore get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2021 Buick Encore is 27.7 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
What oil does a Buick Encore take?
5W-30 full synthetic for the 1.4L turbo and 1.4L naturally aspirated engines on the GK generation (2013-2022).
What tire size does the Buick Encore use?
215/55R18 is the common GK-generation size listed on this site.
What does NHTSA campaign 15V-146 cover on the Encore?
Certain 2015 Encore vehicles: the steering column housing may wear the power-steering circuit board and cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist; dealers inspect and replace the column as needed.