The Buick Encore GX spans 2020–2026 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2020, 2021, 2022 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2026, 2025, 2023. It delivers up to 31 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Buick Encore GX is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2020 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Buick Encore GX VIN — every digit explained
Every Buick Encore GX carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Buick and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Encore GX.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Encore GX, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Buick Encore GX have?
The Buick Encore GX has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2020–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2024 Buick Encore GX recalls 1
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
What's wrong. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.
Risk. A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2023. 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 A232424320.
2022 Buick Encore GX recalls 1
Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift:stand
What's wrong. 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. A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. 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.
2021 Buick Encore GX recalls 2
Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift:stand
What's wrong. 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. A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. 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.
Service Brakes
What's wrong. 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. 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.
Fix. 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.
2020 Buick Encore GX recalls 2
Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift:stand
What's wrong. 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. A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. 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.
Service Brakes
What's wrong. 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. 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.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Buick Encore GX
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 2020, 2021, 2022 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2026, 2025, 2023.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Encore GX | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 2021 Encore GX | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2022 Encore GX | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2023 Encore GX | Electrical System | Best | |
| 2024 Encore GX | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2025 Encore GX | Electrical System | Best | |
| 2026 Encore GX | — | Best |
What are the most common Buick Encore GX problems?
The most-reported Buick Encore GX problems are Seats (3 reports), Engine (37 reports) and Wheels (2 reports) — out of 204 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Buick Encore GX specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Buick Encore GX. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Buick Encore GX window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Buick Encore GX cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Encore GX holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 94 cu ft of passenger volume and 24 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Buick Encore GX tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Buick Encore GX get?
The Buick Encore GX returns up to 31 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,000/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Buick Encore GX (1.3L 3-cyl) gets 30 mpg combined and costs about $2,100/yr to fuel, emitting 297 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10) — that's about $500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore GX | 29 | 31 | $2,100 | 297 | — | 1.3L 3-cyl | |
| 2025 Encore GX | 29 | 31 | $2,100 | 297 | 6/10 | 1.3L 3-cyl | |
| 2024 Encore GX | 29 | 31 | $2,100 | 297 | 7/10 | 1.3L 3-cyl | |
| 2023 Encore GX | 29 | 31 | $2,100 | 296 | 7/10 | 1.2L 3-cyl | |
| 2022 Encore GX | 29 | 31 | $2,100 | 296 | 7/10 | 1.2L 3-cyl | |
| 2021 Encore GX | 30 | 32 | $2,000 | 288 | 7/10 | 1.3L 3-cyl | |
| 2020 Encore GX | 30 | 32 | $2,000 | 288 | 7/10 | 1.3L 3-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Encore GX stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Encore GX's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Buick Encore GX have? Power & range
The Buick Encore GX is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.3L 3-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-cyl | 1.3L · 3-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Buick Encore GX tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Buick Encore GX is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Encore GX's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Buick Encore GX cost to own?
A used Buick Encore GX sells for a median of about $24,918 for a 2026 — most listed between $16,950 and $30,900, from 110 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore GX | $16,950–$30,900 | 6 | |
| 2025 Encore GX | $14,500–$24,995 | 16 | |
| 2024 Encore GX | $15,990–$24,999 | 20 | |
| 2023 Encore GX | $8,300–$23,871 | 16 | |
| 2022 Encore GX | $8,500–$17,995 | 12 | |
| 2021 Encore GX | $7,899–$18,000 | 20 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Encore GX is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Buick Encore GX tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Encore GX loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $10,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Encore GX ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Buick Encore GX to insure?
A Buick Encore GX costs about $1,408 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 2% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (98, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Encore GX's HLDI loss index. See Buick insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Buick Encore GX safe?
The Buick Encore GX earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore GX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2025 Encore GX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2024 Encore GX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2023 Encore GX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2022 Encore GX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2021 Encore GX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2020 Encore GX | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars and SUVs.
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How many miles does a Buick Encore GX last?
A well-maintained Buick Encore GX typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Buick Encore GX’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Encore GX’s VIN free →All Buick Encore GX model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Buick Encore GX — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore GX | 0 | ★★★★★ | |
| 2025 Encore GX | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2024 Encore GX | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2023 Encore GX | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2022 Encore GX | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2021 Encore GX | 2 recalls | ★★★★★ | |
| 2020 Encore GX | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Encore GX?
By owner-complaint volume, 2020, 2021, 2022 drew the most reports. 2026, 2025, 2023 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Encore GX have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2020–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Encore GX get?
Up to 31 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Encore GX safe?
The Encore GX earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Encore GX last?
A well-maintained Encore GX typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Encore GX reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Encore GX is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Buick Encore GX warranty?
New Buick models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Buick dealer.
Where is the Buick Encore GX made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Encore GX's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Buick may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Encore GX have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.