The most-reported Encore GX run is KL4MMCSL2PB (2023 builds) with 7 complaints, 5× the typical run. Electrical system problems make up 22% of reports; 2021 is the worst model year at 1.5 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for Encore GX model years 2020–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Buick Encore GX has 162 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 11% of every Encore GX complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL4MMCSL2PB•••••• | 2023 | — | — | |
| KL4MMBS26LB•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| KL4MMDSL5LB•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| KL4MMBS29LB•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| KL4MMBS21MB•••••• | 2021 | — | — | |
| KL4MMDS22MB•••••• | 2021 | — | — | |
| KL4MMBS22MB•••••• | 2021 | — | — | |
| KL4MMBS27MB•••••• | 2021 | — | — | |
| KL4MMBS26MB•••••• | 2021 | — | — | |
| KL4MMDSL2LB•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| KL4MMGSL3LB•••••• | 2020 | — | — | |
| KL4MMDSL3NB•••••• | 2022 | — | — |
Each of the other 150 Encore GX runs has 3 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 68 Encore GX VINs so far, most often 2026, 2025, 2024 builds; 2 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Buick Encore GX the gap between build years is 1.1×: a 2021 car draws 1.5 complaints per run, a 2020 one 1.4.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | 12 | — | |
| 2024 | 31 | 24 | — | |
| 2023 | 28 | 17 | — | |
| 2022 | 32 | 27 | — | |
| 2021 | 52 | 34 | 2 | |
| 2020 | 69 | 48 | 5 |
Heaviest year here is 2023 at 1.6 complaints per run; lightest is 2022 at 1.2. The 2025 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 22% of everything Buick Encore GX owners report: Electrical System, 60 of 226 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Unknown Or Other | — | 1 | |
| Engine | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | 3 | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | — | |
| Steering | 1 | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 4 recall campaigns on the Buick Encore GX; the 4 below cover build years 2020 to 2026. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 26V539000 | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2024–2026 |
| 21V440000 | Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift:stand | 2020–2022 |
| 20V588000 | Service Brakes | 2020–2021 |
| 23V744000 | Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel | 2024 |
26V539000 was opened in 2026 on cars built from 2024: 2 years on the road before the recall.
The Encore GX against its rivals
The Encore GX draws 1.4 complaints per production run; the Subaru Crosstrek 1.8, the GMC Terrain 2.4 and the Jeep Compass 3.7. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Encore GX | 226 | 162 | 3.1% | |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 1,130 | 637 | 5.1% | |
| GMC Terrain | 2,987 | 1,224 | 3.8% | |
| Jeep Compass | 3,767 | 1,021 | 3.8% |
How serious were they
Of the 226 reports on the Buick Encore GX, 3.1% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Buick Encore GX | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 226 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 7 (3.1%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 1 (0.4%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 10 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 47% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Buick Encore GX share of that is 226 complaints over 162 runs, 0.02% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Buick Encore GX VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 226 NHTSA complaints from 162 Encore GX runs and 4 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Encore GX production run has the most complaints?
KL4MMCSL2PB, a 2023 build, with 7 complaints. The typical Encore GX run has 1.4.
Which Encore GX years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2023 is heaviest at 1.6 complaints per run and 2022 lightest at 1.2.
Does the Encore GX get more complaints than the Subaru Crosstrek?
No: 1.4 complaints per production run for the Encore GX against 1.8 for the Subaru Crosstrek.
How many Encore GX complaints involve a crash?
3.1% of 226 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 1 involved a fire.
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