2020 Buick Encore Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 24,500miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Buick Encore (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2020 Buick Encore. The part named most often is engine, with 7 complaints (37% of the total), followed by electrical system (4) and fuel system (4). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 24,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 655 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 63 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 134 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine7 37%
- Electrical system4 21%
- Fuel system4 21%
- Brakes3 16%
- Other or unknown3 16%
- Air bags1 5.3%
- Steering1 5.3%
Also reported: Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Purchased new Buick Encore 2020 on 05/22/2000. Previous vehicle was honda civic. Encore never seemed to have enough power & would downshift. On 10/19/20 there was an issue action requested) detected by Buick but I was not notified. Then on 10/28/2020, we were diving the vehicle when it seemed to loose power & an 18 wheeler almost hit us. Encore has 5,302 miles on it. 10/28/20 3:41 p.m. Message from Buick dx. The engine and transmission system is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the air induction system which monitors and controls air intake to the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11367020, filed 2020-10, 5,240 milesElectrical system: “I was driving on the interstate and the vehicle was in cruise control. It acted as it was accelerating and then the cruise control quit and I lost speed. I regained speed and then it lurched again; the cruise control again went off. When I applied the brake to pull to the side of the road, the engine started to throttle up and accelerate, I had to brake harder to come to a full stop.”
NHTSA complaint #11353102, filed 2020-09, 9,500 milesFuel system: “On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #11656756, filed 2025-04Transmission and drivetrain: “Engine light is on and vehicle is sluggish on hills and keeping up in traffic. Rpms run high if I try. Error code p0299 shows on scanning device- turbo under boost. I have 112,000 miles and need turbo replaced already. this vehicle is very well maintained. I did see a special notice for the GX version of this vehicle. But dealer says my vin does not qualify”
NHTSA complaint #11584659, filed 2024-04Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 9,500 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Buick Encore. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Encore · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Buick Encore version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Encore FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Buick Encore 2019–2020, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC…
- 20V537000Sep 3, 2020Seats › Critical fastenersCovers: Buick Encore 2020, Chevrolet Trailblazer 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
Recall details for the 2020 Buick Encore → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 655 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- 11027697Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
- 11027701Jan 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered vehicles and advises of warranty direction.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Buick Encore
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 26,630 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 9 | 38,000 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 19 | 24,500 | 2 | 5 | 27 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 88 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 59 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 74 | 19,667 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 90 | 41,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 80 | 32,251 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 124 | 33,200 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 78 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 60 | 50,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 28 | 36 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 52 | 21,693 | 6 | 4–5 | 28 | 65 · More | Rising |
All Buick Encore model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Buick Encore have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2020 Buick Encore as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Buick Encore is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 7 complaints (37% of the total), followed by electrical system with 4.
Has the 2020 Buick Encore been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Buick Encore do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Buick Encore 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Buick Encore get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Buick Encore (Encore FWD, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 25 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Buick Encore reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 24,500 miles and the middle half falls between 9,500 and 60,000 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.