The 2020 Buick Encore GX is associated with 66 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 9 reports (14% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 3 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.3l 3-cyl and 1.2l 3-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 28 to 31 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 66 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (9 / 14%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 5 crash / 0 fire / 2 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 28–31 MPG (3 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Encore GX FWD | 1.3L 3-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 MPG | 32 MPG | 31 MPG | — | $2,000 / yr |
| Encore GX AWD | 1.3L 3-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 26 MPG | 29 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Encore GX FWD | 1.2L 3-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 18.5% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 17.9% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2020 Buick Encore GX models.
View complete 2020 Buick Encore GX crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2020 Buick Encore GX problems & component breakdown (32 categories) →
Affected Component: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
View all 2020 Buick Encore GX recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →