2021 Buick Encore GX engine problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Buick Encore GX — 29% of all complaints for this model 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…”
filed Jul 8, 2026
“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…”
filed May 3, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Special Coverage. Certain 2021 model year Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. If this condition occurs, the…
N242450640-02 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Sep 1, 2026
Engine problems in other Encore GX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Encore GX | 3 | 10% |
| 2023 Encore GX | 5 | 20% |
| 2022 Encore GX | 4 | 13% |
| 2020 Encore GX | 13 | 19% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Buick Encore GX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.