Last updated: 2026-07-25

2020 Buick Encore GX Reliability Report
The 2020 Buick Encore GX scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 66 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
66
Complaint Rate
15.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (16)
- SERVICE BRAKES (12)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is the first model year of the First generation (2020-present).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Refreshed in 2024.
- 1st generation Encore GX (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2020 pricing and recall counts against 2021+ before deciding.
2020: First generation (2020-present) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
At 70/100, the 2020 Buick Encore GX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Owners log 66 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (16). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Buick Encore GX, which scored 4 points higher.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN: Two primary issues with the 2020 Buick Encore GX's power train (16 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Several issues with the 2020 Buick Encore GX's brake system (12 complaints)
Compare 2020 Buick Encore GX With

2020 Buick Encore
Reliability: 77/100

2020 Toyota C-HR
Reliability: 76/100

2020 Mazda CX-30
Reliability: 64/100

2020 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 80/100

2020 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 57/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (16)
- SERVICE BRAKES (12)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2020 Buick Encore GX carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Buick Encore GX Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Buick Encore GX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
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.
Consequence
A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Consequence
If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Buying a used 2020 Buick Encore GX? Check its history first
Every 2020 Buick Encore GX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Buick Encore GX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 18.5%
Safety Technologies
Buick Encore GXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Buick Encore GX.
Test for 'Shift to Park' error by shifting in and out of park
Check for transmission issues, especially if mileage is above 9,000
Inspect for engine power loss or 'Engine Power Reduced' warning
Verify turbocharger functionality, especially if mileage is above 50,000
Ensure brakes engage properly and listen for grinding noises
Check for complete electrical system shutdowns during test drive
Test for unintended acceleration during acceleration and braking
2020 Buick Encore GX Common Problems by Component
66 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
16 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2020 Buick Encore GX's power train. The most common problem involves the "Shift to Park" message displaying even when the vehicle is already in park, preventing the car from turning off and sometimes leading to battery drain. This issue often requires shifter assembly replacement, with reports of it occurring around 24,000 to 34,643 miles. Another significant issue involves transmission failures, with symptoms such as stalling, loss of acceleration, and unintended lurching. Some owners mention that these problems have led to dangerous situations, such as stalling in intersections or rolling into traffic. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially in vehicles with mileage around 9,529 to 59,823 miles, and consider the potential safety implications and repair costs.
SERVICE BRAKES
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2020 Buick Encore GX's brake system. Complaints frequently mention brake failure, with the pedal traveling to the floor and the vehicle failing to stop, sometimes resulting in crashes. Symptoms often include grinding noises, spongy brakes, and persistent abnormal sounds, particularly when reversing. These issues are reported at various mileages, ranging from as low as 1,251 miles to over 100,000 miles. Safety implications are highlighted by two crash incidents, one involving an injury, and multiple owners express concerns about the lack of available recall remedies for the brake system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaintsOwners report a recurring issue with the 2020 Buick Encore GX involving a "Shift to Park" error message, which prevents the vehicle from recognizing when it is in park. This issue often results in the inability to turn off the vehicle properly, leading to potential battery drain. Complaints frequently mention the need to repeatedly shift the gear lever or forcefully engage the park position to resolve the error temporarily. The problem is noted across various mileages, including as low as 30,600 miles. While no crashes or loss of control have been reported, the inconvenience and potential for battery depletion are significant concerns. Additionally, there are isolated reports of software anomalies affecting engine and pre-collision systems, which could impact vehicle safety features.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore GX frequently report issues with the "Shift to Park" error, where the vehicle does not recognize it is in the park position, preventing the car from being turned off. This problem often requires repeated attempts to shift in and out of park to resolve. Additionally, multiple owners describe complete electrical system shutdowns, rendering windows, air conditioning, and other electronic components inoperative while driving. These issues are reported at various mileages, including vehicles with as few as 30 miles on the odometer. Safety implications are noted, such as being unable to exit the vehicle due to inoperative electronic door locks during system failures. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues and consider the potential impact on vehicle operability and safety.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore GX frequently report issues with steering and braking systems. Complaints describe symptoms such as the steering wheel locking unexpectedly and the vehicle accelerating while the brake is applied, which in one instance led to a crash. Additionally, owners mention the brake pedal failing to engage properly, sometimes going to the floor without applying the brakes. These problems are reported at low mileage, with one vehicle having less than 115 miles. Safety implications are evident, including loss of control and a collision, making these issues critical for potential buyers to consider.
ENGINE (4 complaints)
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Buick Encore GX engine, particularly related to loss of power and turbocharger problems. Complaints frequently mention the "Engine Power Reduced" warning and the check engine light illuminating, with occurrences happening at various speeds and often resulting in a sudden drop in engine performance. These issues appear around 26,000 to 60,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated incidents even after attempted repairs, including turbocharger replacements and software updates. Safety implications are noted as the sudden power loss occurs during highway driving, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, one complaint highlights rodent damage to soy-based wiring harnesses, causing engine failure and raising concerns about the durability of these components.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore GX report issues related to the turbocharger, with symptoms including the vehicle shaking and emitting abnormal sounds from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light frequently illuminates, and these issues have been observed at around 51,220 miles. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with these complaints. Buyers considering this model may want to be aware of potential turbocharger failures at higher mileages.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore GX report issues with unintended acceleration, with two separate complaints describing similar incidents. The typical symptoms include the vehicle accelerating on its own despite attempts to brake, with the car continuing to gain speed. One owner mentions the issue occurring twice in a single trip, while another notes it happening with less than 300 miles on the odometer. Safety implications are significant, as both reports describe difficulty in controlling the vehicle and mention near-crash situations. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore GX report issues with airbag non-deployment during rear-end collisions. In both documented incidents, airbags failed to deploy despite significant impacts, including one where the car was rear-ended and subsequently collided with another vehicle. One incident resulted in two injuries, including a head fracture when the driver hit the steering wheel. The failure occurs regardless of the vehicle's mileage, as specific mileage details are not provided in the complaints. These reports indicate potential safety implications in crash scenarios, which prospective buyers should consider.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately and stalled. Additionally, the EPC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When Do 2020 Buick Encore GX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
2020
(Current Model)
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. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Buick Encore GX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Buick Encore GX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Encore GX have?
Is the 2020 Buick Encore GX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Buick Encore GX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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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