Last updated: 2026-07-25

Buick Encore GX
76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

Buick Encore GX Reliability by Year

The Buick Encore GX averages 76/100 across 7 model years, rated good.

6 recalls210 complaintsBest year: 2026

Buick Encore GX Reliability Overview

The Buick Encore GX, covering model years 2020 to 2026, shows an average reliability score of 76 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include power train and electrical system problems, particularly in earlier models, with the "Shift to Park" error being a notable concern. Repair costs are rated at 3.5 out of 5, and while complaint rates have decreased over the years, potential buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the vehicle's suitability for their needs.

Current generation: 1st gen (2020–2023), facelifted 2024.

Best & Worst Buick Encore GX Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Buick Encore GX Years to Buy

The best Buick Encore GX year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (79/100) and 2023 (79/100).

Buick Encore GX Years to Avoid

The worst Buick Encore GX year is 2020 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to power train (16) issues.

Buick Encore GX Reliability Score Trend

Buick Encore GX reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 73/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better.

Buick Encore GX reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202070/100Good
202174/100Good
202274/100Good
202379/100Good
202477/100Good
202579/100Good
202682/100Excellent

Year-by-Year Reliability

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2026 Buick Encore GX

0 recalls · 1 complaints

The 2026 Buick Encore GX has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (1).

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Buick Encore GX

0 recalls · 14 complaints

The 2025 Buick Encore GX has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Buick Encore GX. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (6), Power Train (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (1).

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Buick Encore GX

1 recalls · 27 complaints

The 2024 Buick Encore GX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 27 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Buick Encore GX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (15), Power Train (3), Unknown Or Other (3).

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Buick Encore GX

0 recalls · 23 complaints

The 2023 Buick Encore GX has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Buick Encore GX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Steering (4), Unknown Or Other (3).

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Buick Encore GX

1 recalls · 29 complaints

The 2022 Buick Encore GX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 29 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Buick Encore GX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (12), Unknown Or Other (5), Electrical System (3).

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Buick Encore GX

2 recalls · 50 complaints

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 50 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Buick Encore GX. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (11), Power Train (10), Unknown Or Other (6).

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Buick Encore GX

2 recalls · 66 complaints

The 2020 Buick Encore GX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 66 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Buick Encore GX. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (16), Unknown Or Other (11), Electrical System (10).

VIN History Report

Found Your Buick Encore GX? Check Its History

Every Buick Encore GX has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

Buick Encore GX Repair Costs

Reliability Rating

3.5/5

Compare Buick Encore GX With Similar SUVs

The Buick Encore GX competes with other compact suvs such as Buick Encore, Toyota C-HR, and Mazda CX-30.

Compare Buick vs Toyota

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Buick Encore GX reliable?
The Buick Encore GX has good reliability with an average score of 76/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
What is the best year for the Buick Encore GX?
The best year for the Buick Encore GX is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints on record. See full 2026 Buick Encore GXanalysis →
What are the Buick Encore GX years to avoid?
The Buick Encore GX years to avoid include 2020 (70/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
How much does it cost to maintain a Buick Encore GX?
Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Buick Encore GX. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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