2021 Buick Encore recalls & problems
The 2021 Buick Encore has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 9 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is engine (3 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2021 Buick Encore.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2021 Buick Encore SUV FWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2021 Buick Encore SUV AWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Encore FWD
| City / highway | 25 / 30 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel
Encore FWD
| City / highway | 24 / 32 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel
Encore AWD
| City / highway | 24 / 29 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel
Encore AWD
| City / highway | 23 / 30 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | — |
| Power train | 3 | — |
| Service brakes | 2 | — |
| Air bags | 1 | — |
| Electrical system | 1 | — |
| Unknown or other | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- May 26, 2026Service brakes
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. Also intermittently has little to no power causing driving hazard suddenly especially uphill. Seems to mostly happen during rainy days. - Jan 9, 2024Engine
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. - Oct 1, 2024 · 38,000 milesService 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… - Jul 21, 2025Engine
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. - Jan 26, 2025Power 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. - Sep 1, 2023Unknown 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, Iâm told the vehicle is not recalled, even though Iâm having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. Iâve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and Iâm hoping I donât have to pay for it since my issue is the same one that was listed in the recall. - Nov 2, 2023 · 1 injuryAir 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… - Jan 30, 2023Power 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!!!
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.