Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
When driving on the freeway 60 mph, the car jerked and locked up, no warning lights, speedometer was rising and dropping rapidly, car slowly dropped speed. Had to pull on the side of the road, when car was put to parked, neutral, or drive it went backwards until it wasn't able to move at all. Car was towed to the GM Chevrolet in my area where it was fixed previously for transmission module issue. After inspection it was found by a mechanic that it was a transmission failure. Thankfully, we didn't get into an accident but it was a close call.
The issue has happened three times and has been "repaired" three times. While driving, the vehicle starts to shake violently. Then the check engine light comes on and the vehicle shuts off. It has happened on extremely busy roads and almost caused major accidents. It has been a problem with fuel pump and sensor. Again, it has happened three times.
The contact owned a 2023 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park and shifting into the Drive position, the accelerator pedal was lightly depressed when the vehicle violently accelerated forward. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle struck several trees and crashed into an unknown concrete object in the roadway where it came to a stop. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries to the left arm that needed stitches and a fractured elbow. The front seat passenger sustained 7 fractured ribs and a fractured leg. The rear seat passenger sustained a laceration to the leg. Medical attention was sought for all 3 occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2023 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate. On several occasions while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle abruptly accelerated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while the air condition was activated. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH and made an abnormal loud sound that became louder as the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the contact was informed that there was an exhaust leak. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was drivable. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, the contact noticed that the exhaust pipe laying onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust pipe had detached. The dealer determined that the exhaust muffler needed to be replaced, and the dealer ordered the parts. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes were difficult to operate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the message "Battery in Safe Mode" was displayed. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer was able to restart the vehicle however, the dealer was unable to determine what caused the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred two more times. The contact had the vehicle towed to a different dealer, and it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator and the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the RPM was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned the failure recurred multiple times with the vehicle being unable to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the emergency jack needed to be repaired under recall. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a second time however, the failure was undetermined. After the third failure, the vehicle was diagnosed with an unknown software needing to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was diagnosed a fourth time and the contact was informed that the engine may not be receiving gasoline and needed to be repaired. …
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the speed odometer showed a different speed that the digital speed odometer reading. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer twice for the same failure. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Encore GX years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (19), 2020 (16), 2022 (7) and 2023 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 36% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for Buick Encore GX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Buick Encore GX model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Buick Encore GX engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles; 71% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline › turbo/supercharger (2 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.