2021 Buick Encore GX Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 28%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Buick Encore GX, 28% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Have had my car in the shop multiple time to be put on computer. It states under boost in the turbo. This car is barley 3 years old . And when the check engine light comes on the car goes into limp mode. This is just crazy . I've read more and more people complaining about this but buick doesn't want to do anything about it”
NHTSA complaint #11607294, filed 2024-08“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 were replaced they told me the engine needed to be replaced, once the engine was put in Garber Buick told me the transmission now needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11735353, filed 2026-05“My vehicle suddenly stalled and completely shut off while I was driving. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms to alert me there was any engine issues. I was definitely put in danger as I was driving at rush hour in a 6 lane busy US 1 Federal Highway. The vehicle was stalled, without any power, in the middle lane with cars and trucks swerving around me at the last minute. I called 911 immediately and they dispatched cruisers to help push my vehicle across 4 lanes of traffic. This meant having to block 4 lanes of moving traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11732027, filed 2026-04“I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encore owner, and it took two weeks to get the part in. It is now September 22, and I still do not have this fixed. It is a safety concern and I have been calling GM about it almost weekly, trying to get some help. How is it safe for my daughter & I to be driving down the road with only half power? …”
NHTSA complaint #11485788, filed 2022-09“Vehicle overheating randomly due to faulty Coolant Control Valve. Vehicle goes into reduced power mode and also instructs you to pull over and idle engine. Part is on National backorder for weeks. The issue could cause Vehicle to become inoperable and cause a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11647875, filed 2025-03Related service bulletins
- 11036593Sep 1, 2026Special 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…
- 11024376Oct 20, 2025Special 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…
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11023481May 9, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to fix an oil leak from a porous area at the cylinder head and how to fix it so that the engine does not have to be replaced.
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017430Apr 2, 2025This service bulletin provides information on normal engine characteristics/noise produced by the LIH or LBP engine.
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Buick Encore GX
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Buick Encore GX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology