2021 BUICK Encore GX

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified37ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Buick Encore GX exhibits reliability concerns due to two significant recalls affecting both the brake system and mechanical equipment. Notably, the average failure mileage of around 40,280 miles suggests potential issues may emerge earlier than expected, warranting attention from current owners.

Key Factor:Brake system vulnerabilities

📋Why This Matters

Defects in critical components like the service brakes can pose serious safety risks. The recall detailing contamination in the electronic brake boost system signifies possible road hazards where brake functionality might be compromised. This can lead to increased stopping distances or even sudden braking failures, which are unacceptable in today's automotive landscape where safety regulations are stringent and consumer expectations are high. Furthermore, with a reported 37 complaints regarding various aspects of the vehicle's performance, it becomes imperative for potential buyers to weigh these factors heavily. A car that's supposed to be a reliable compact SUV now garners attention for shortcomings that could overshadow its otherwise well-rounded features.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.9)
    📝
    Summary: Year-over-year safety trends for Buick suggest a mixed bag; while some models have shown improvement, others, like the Encore GX, present a concerning risk profile this year. The combination of recalls and complaints reflects a deviation from general segment expectations that prioritize engineering quality and reliability.
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

82/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-1.85
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BUICK Encore GX

Model Year2021
MakeBUICK
ModelEncore GX
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun21
ISSUEFirst Report
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

11 complaints (30% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 37 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(5%)
🟡Medium
7(19%)
🟢Low
28(76%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

The peak failure range of 60k-80k miles indicates that owners should be particularly vigilant as they approach this mileage bracket. History often reveals that problems tend to arise around this point, signifying that preventative maintenance or early intervention may be crucial for preserving vehicle integrity and safety as it ages.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 17 of 37 complaints (46% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (24%)
20k-40k
4 reports (24%)
40k-60k
4 reports (24%)
60k-80k
5 reports (29%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SERVICE BRAKESEQUIPMENT

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service Brakes

Issue: Potential electronic communication failure leading to braking issues.

✅

Schedule an immediate inspection of brakes with a certified technician.

🔍

Thoroughly review any available service records related to brake repairs before purchasing.

Campaigns:21V31300021V314000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BUICK dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 20V588000

SERVICE BRAKES

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Campaign: 21V440000

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

37 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Encore GX.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning30%
Check Engine Light22%
Display11%
Acceleration Issues11%
Crash/Accident11%
Leak5%
Power Loss5%
Stall5%
Jerk5%
Battery5%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

Dec 12, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2021 Buick Encore with 25000 miles. Warning message “SHIFT TO PARK” while vehicle is in park. Dealership says shifter and knob need replaced at an out of pocket cost to me of nearly one thousand dollars. GM has already settled claims for this problem with Chevrolet owners.

Nov 11, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.

Oct 15, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.

Oct 15, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

When I put my car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. While it’s already in Park. I then push the stick shift forward and the bell alarms stops and message disappears.

Sep 1, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Aug 16, 2025Under Review
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Once a day sometimes twice, when I have pulled into a parking spot and put the car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. Since I already put it into Park I then jiggle the stick shift lightly and the bell alarms stops and message disappears. This started within last 6 months.

Jul 23, 2025Under Review
Visibility🔵 Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

Jul 23, 2025Under Review
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car is put on Park and a warning light comes out saying car is not on park.

Jun 28, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shifting to park(P), the vehicle failed to immediately shut off. During the failure the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 57,000.

Jun 9, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What should potential buyers know about the safety recalls on the 2021 Buick Encore GX?

Potential buyers should be aware that the 2021 Buick Encore GX has two active recalls concerning critical components such as service brakes and mechanical equipment. These issues highlight essential areas of concern that need addressing before making a purchase decision. Buyers should request detailed maintenance records or check if recall repairs have been completed on any available vehicles.

How do common problems with the Buick Encore GX compare with other compact SUVs?

'Common problems' such as those seen in the Encore GX typically revolve around electronic systems and critical mechanical components. When compared to competitors in its class—like Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-30—the frequency of reported issues could indicate either early manufacturing shortfalls or specific design flaws within this model year. It's important for consumers to assess these factors against their own expectations when evaluating similar vehicles.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified BUICK service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in BUICK's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific Encore GX year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.