2021 BUICK Encore

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
πŸ›‘οΈExcellent Safety Record

This 2021 model shows excellent reliability, primarily driven by a clean safety record with zero recalls and minimal consumer complaints.

Key Factor:zero recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

A clean recall record is a positive signal for both safety and ownership costs. Vehicles with no known defects typically qualify for lower insurance premiums and face fewer unexpected repair expenses.

When negotiating insurance rates, a documented history of zero manufacturer recalls can support your case for preferred pricing.

Focus Area:clean safety record
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Check Engine Light
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (0.9)
    πŸ“
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

100/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-0
Complaint Impact-0.4
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BUICK Encore

Model Year2021
MakeBUICK
ModelEncore
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Sep22
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

2 complaints (25% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 8 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟑Medium
2(25%)
🟒Low
6(75%)
βœ…Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 20k-40k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 59,843 miles.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 3 of 8 complaints (38% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
2 reports (67%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (33%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

No Recalls Found

πŸ†

Clean Safety Record Verified

2021 BUICK Encore

Exceptional News! As of January 2026, the 2021 BUICK Encore has recorded 0 safety recalls.

Compared to other 2021 models which average multiple safety campaigns, this vehicle's clean sheet is a testament to its engineering integrity.

πŸ›‘οΈ Proactive Safety Maintenance Guide

Even with a perfect recall record, regular maintenance safeguards your vehicle's reliability. Our experts recommend monitoring these systems:

πŸ”§
Brake System HealthInspect pads and fluid levels every 12,000 miles to ensure stopping power.
πŸ”‹
Electrical & BatteryTest battery load annually; modern electronics are sensitive to voltage drops.
πŸ‘οΈ
Visibility ComponentsReplace wiper blades every 6-12 months and polish clouded headlights.
πŸ›ž
Tire & Wheel CheckRotate tires every 5,000 miles and check TPMS sensors for accuracy.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

8 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Encore.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Check Engine Light25%
Display13%
Stuck13%
Burn13%
Smell13%
Noise13%
Smoke13%
Power Loss13%
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

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 me passing emissions and has been an headache shortly street I obtained the vehicle.

BrakesπŸ”΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES

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 stated that the Hill Assist message was displayed. The brake pedal was pumped several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer and another dealer, Mangino Chevrolet, INC. (4447 NY-30, Amsterdam, NY 12010); were made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V588000 (Service Brakes); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

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 there was no damage or tampering to the flex pipe. This should not have happened in this new of a vehicle. This is a dangerous and costly repair that falls on a faulty flex pipe and not covered by the warranty.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”Ά Medium
POWER TRAIN

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 independent service center and I am getting a second opinion from a dealer on 2/3. The check engine light did come on when it happened. There were no symptoms prior to failure. I have since researched the problem and found that Turbo Charger failure is the #1 issue with this make and year.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The 2021 Buick Encore was listed by the NHTSA as having a parts recall with the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, yet when I look up my VIN and talk to the dealer, I’m told the vehicle is not recalled, even though I’m having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. I’ve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and I’m hoping I don’t have to pay for it since my issue is the same one that was listed in the recall.

ElectricalπŸ”Ά Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

NOTHING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT STARTED WENT TO DRIVE OFF !! BANG 2000 BOUNDS OF PRESSURE IN MY FACE! MY WHOLE BODY!! IT WAS A RENTAL !! LOOK INTO THIS VECHICAIL !HAIR BURNT! FRIED WIRE SMELL STILL ON MY BURNT JACKET!! LOOK INTO THIS WITH GREAT CONCERN AS IAM REACHING OUT WITH SHOCK AND AWE ABOUT THIS WHOLE SITUATION THAT ACCURED** THERE IS VIDEO OF ACCURANCE IN PARKING LOT * THINK THE OWNER IS GOING TO TRY TO COVER UP WHAT EVER HE CAN , SAYING THAT FOR REASON'S OF MY OWN! PLEASE SOMEONE'S JOB TO INVESTAGTE RIGHT ! BLACK BOX DATA SPEED WHICH 2 MILES A HOUR WAS SPEED .. COULDNT SEE * AIR BAGS EVEN CAME UP FROM THE PEDDLES?? WHY ?? SO CANT PUT THE BREAKS ON? LIKE IWAS TRAPPED HURT DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON .

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

Already had turbo go on this car once back in July 2022. Mechanic replaced turbo with another one (used with 20,000 miles on it) due to the turbo for this car being on backorder. Now my car is throwing P0299 after about 20,000 more miles being put on the used turbo and a P0420 code. Changed rear catalytic. Changed upstream O2 sensor, changed wastegate solenoid, turbo seems to be working fine, no noises, but losing power going up hills at highway speeds. Seriously unhappy and no recalls on this vehicle but it has the same turbo as other vehicles that has had recalls!!! I think this should be a recall!!!

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really hot under hood, smoke from tailpipe and loss of power. Took to repair shop, they want to replace engine, oil lines, turbo and gaskets. Car has 121530 miles on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 BUICK Encore?

No, the 2021 BUICK Encore currently has no recorded recalls from NHTSA.

Is the 2021 BUICK Encore safe to drive?

The 2021 BUICK Encore has no active recalls, which is a positive safety indicator. Always maintain regular service intervals for optimal safety.

Where can I check if my 2021 BUICK Encore has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BUICK dealer.

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 100%.

🧭What This Means for You

This clean safety profile is particularly valuable for risk-averse buyers and families prioritizing reliability.

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

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • No active recalls are recorded, but maintain regular service intervals and report any unusual symptoms to NHTSA.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.