2021 Buick Encore GX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Buick › Encore GX › 2021
These records cover every 2021 Buick Encore GX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2021 Buick Encore GX. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
53 complaints2 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Back over prevention
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the radio display screen was blank. While reversing, the rear-view camera briefly displayed an image before going blank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 87,402.
- Power train
Vehicle does not recognize it is in Park even when the shifter is placed in that position. As a result, the vehicle cannot be turned off. GM has issued a technical service bulletin for this issue, but has not yet performed a recall.
- Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Lane departure › Assist · Lane departure › Warning
The Frontview camera or its software is the issue. It allows the car to drift outside of the lane on both sides of the car before warning and or pulling you back over but then it just pulls you to the other line and lets you cross it back and forth if you let it and every time crossing the line.…
The Frontview camera or its software is the issue. It allows the car to drift outside of the lane on both sides of the car before warning and or pulling you back over but then it just pulls you to the other line and lets you cross it back and forth if you let it and every time crossing the line. Extremely dangerous if you don't know that it's not functioning correctly. Also her adaptive cruise control doesn't work and I know for a fact it uses the same camera to work to be able to tell when a vehicle is ahead of you which her car does show the symbol for when a car is ahead of you but it doesn't slow down her cruise control leaving a gap between the 2 cars so again if you didn't pay attention you could smash right into the car ahead of you. I took it to one Buick dealer and they said there was nothing they could do but after research I learned it can easily be reprogrammed with the right obd2 computer and either driving it to recalibrate or doing a static calibration in a shop. I do know that there are service bulletins slightly related to this.
- Electrical system · Engine
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…
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!
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and several unknown diagnostic trouble codes were…
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and several unknown diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or 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 and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Due to defective LIN BUS 2 failure to read mass air flow sensor, vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode. This speed control issue is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) #22-NA-008 and PIP5934, 2022.
- Power train
A 2021 Buick Encore GX with 66,828 miles experienced sudden transmission failure while driving. The vehicle lost forward gear engagement and began slipping, creating an immediate safety risk to the driver and other motorists due to unexpected loss of vehicle propulsion and control. The vehicle was…
A 2021 Buick Encore GX with 66,828 miles experienced sudden transmission failure while driving. The vehicle lost forward gear engagement and began slipping, creating an immediate safety risk to the driver and other motorists due to unexpected loss of vehicle propulsion and control. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized GM dealership. Diagnostic codes P2714 (Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 4 Stuck Off) and P0700 (Transmission Control Module Request) were confirmed. The transmission fluid was found to have a burnt odor indicating severe internal damage. The check engine light was the first warning symptom, followed by slipping and loss of forward gear. General Motors previously issued Technical Service Bulletin 24-NA-009 in March 2024 specifically identifying DTC P2714 on the 2021 Buick Encore GX as a known internal defect affecting model years 2020 through 2024. This bulletin confirms GM was aware of this defect prior to this vehicle's failure. Despite issuing this bulletin, GM has not issued a recall, leaving owners of affected vehicles responsible for repairs caused by a known manufacturer defect.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
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…
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)
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Unknown or other
Shifter to park message showing on dash and Vehicle will not stop beeping and drains the battery and you can not lock the car. This is a know problem with Buick Encore 2023 and Buick has not recalled it and did not cover the cost of the repair, which cost me $659.68 plus tax.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the message to “Shift to Park” was displayed while the vehicle was already shifted in park(P). The contact stated that several attempts to shift to park were needed to clear the message. On…
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the message to “Shift to Park” was displayed while the vehicle was already shifted in park(P). The contact stated that several attempts to shift to park were needed to clear the message. On several occasions, the contact drove the vehicle and then shifted back to park(P) for the message to be cleared. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
- Electrical system · Power train
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that during a routine oil change at the local dealer, the contact informed the dealer that while in the park or shifting to park, the engine was shutting off unexpectedly. The message to “Shift to Park” was displayed and the vehicle was…
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that during a routine oil change at the local dealer, the contact informed the dealer that while in the park or shifting to park, the engine was shutting off unexpectedly. The message to “Shift to Park” was displayed and the vehicle was difficult to turn off. The contact wiggled the ignition to shut off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure persisted over time. The contact was concerned about being stranded due to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and it was determined that there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had scheduled an appointment for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.
- Electrical system · Power train
When trying to park/shut off, the vehicle gives ‘shift to park’ error message upon shifting to park and won’t shut off or when starting will give ‘shift to park’ error message and not start. This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle model…we could really use a recall
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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)
- Service brakes
Brake System Control Module Replacement - The brake system control module needs replacement due to a fault detected with 10 volts on terminal 1. Replacing this component can help maintain proper functionality of the brake system and ensure consistent performance. Why would this all of a sudden be faulty after almost 5 years?
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
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 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.
- 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.
- Engine
Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.
- Engine
Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.
- 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.
- 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.…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- Unknown or other
Car is put on Park and a warning light comes out saying car is not on park.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11012013This Preliminary information communicates to the dealers diagnostic tips related to MIL on with P219A.
- 11011996This service bulletin provides diagnostic/repair information to correct a customer concern of Cellphone not Charging or USB Receptacle Inoperative.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011904This service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011864This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on possible sources of transmission fluid leaks from the transmission oil filter or cooler line seals .
- 11011861This Preliminary information communicates to Technicians how to repair a rattle noise coming from the shift cable assembly.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011714This technical bulletin provides a procedure a squeal noise heard from the front of the vehicle during light brake pedal application.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011367This informational bulletin provides a guide on how to diagnose and test for vibrations utilizing the PicoScope.
- 11011225This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011125This technical bulletin provides a procedure a squeal noise heard from the front of the vehicle during light brake pedal application.
- 11011117This service bulletin provides information on dark spots in the headlamp pattern when the vehicle is pulled up to a wall or garage.
- 11010901This bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for a battery drain utilizing the Picoscope and how to measure the load on the system that may be causing a drain.
- 11010724This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct radio software concerns.
- 11010709This technical bulletin provides a procedure a squeal noise heard from the front of the vehicle during light brake pedal application.
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010493This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11010037Special Coverage. Certain vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. If this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally, a message may be displayed indicating the vehicles available engine power is reduced. Dealers are to replace the turbocharger as necessary. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009760This service bulletin provides information on the Transport Mode Feature, also known as Logistics mode, which is used to increase the 12V Battery stand time of the vehicle during transit and or long period of stand time at the dealerships.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009103This service bulletin provides service procedure information to correct a customer concern of Shift to Park Displayed on DIC When Vehicle is in- Park, No Start - DTC B000A Set.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11009021This Preliminary information communicates to dealer that GM is aware of the issue and is working on a resolution.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
Every Buick Encore GX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.