2021 Buick Encore GX problems & reliability
50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Encore GX, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (4 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles were involved in 15 fatal crashes with 5 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine → | 15 | 30% |
| Power Train → | 10 | 20% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 | 14% |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 14% |
| Unknown OR Other | 6 | 12% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 8% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 8% |
| Equipment | 2 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 1 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 18 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Engine · filed Jul 8, 2026
“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…”
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Jun 29, 2026
“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.”
Vehicle Speed Control · filed Jun 8, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
669 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Encore GX. The 10 most recent:
This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the direction needed when encountering an issue with switching between adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control or an issue with automatic high beam…
PIC6548B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIT5099J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
PIT5966F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2026
PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks
PIP6032C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2026
Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue
PIC6423A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 11, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
PIC6551B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 11, 2026
This PI instructs dealers to install foam around the shifter cable to stop rattling
PIP6029A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2026
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIT3271Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2026
This bulletin communicates to a dealer the repair direction that should be taken if they encounter a vibration from the engine when the vehicle is parked facing downhill.
PIC6553B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 30, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIP6104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 Buick Encore GX has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.