Last updated: 2026-07-25
2022 Buick Encore GX Reliability Report
The 2022 Buick Encore GX scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 29 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
29
Complaint Rate
8.7per 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 (12)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- ENGINE (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 3 of the First generation (2020-present).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2024.
- 1st generation Encore GX (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2020: First generation (2020-present) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is year 3 of the First generation (2020-present).
2024: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2022 Buick Encore GX?
At 74/100, the 2022 Buick Encore GX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is year 3 of the First generation (2020-present).
Owners log 29 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 (12). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 Buick Encore GX, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2021 Buick Encore GX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (12 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (5 complaints)
Compare 2022 Buick Encore GX With
2022 Buick Encore
Reliability: 80/100
2022 Toyota C-HR
Reliability: 80/100
2022 Mazda CX-30
Reliability: 67/100
2022 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 83/100
2022 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 64/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (12)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2022 Buick Encore GX carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 13.5
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Buick Encore GX Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2022 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.
Buying a used 2022 Buick Encore GX? Check its history first
Every 2022 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
2022 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 2022 Buick Encore GX.
Test gear shifter for 'Shift to Park' message when in park
Inspect fuel system for signs of pump failure or limp mode
Check engine for stalling issues and exhaust system integrity
Verify presence of LATCH anchors for child seats
Ensure all warning lights are off during a test drive
Confirm recall repairs have proper documentation
2022 Buick Encore GX Common Problems by Component
29 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
12 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Buick Encore GX frequently report issues with the gear shifter not recognizing when the vehicle is in park. Typical symptoms include a "Shift to Park" message on the dashboard, the vehicle failing to shut off, and the radio and warning chimes continuing to operate. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from approximately 10,150 to 60,000 miles. Some owners express concerns about potential safety risks, such as the vehicle rolling unexpectedly or remaining in accessory mode, which could lead to unintended movement. Parts to address the issue, such as the shifter and connector, are often on backorder, complicating timely repairs.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Buick Encore GX frequently report issues with the "Shift To Park" message appearing even when the vehicle is in park, preventing the car from shutting off. This issue often requires jiggling the gear shift or cycling through gears to resolve temporarily. Complaints suggest this problem persists beyond the bumper-to-bumper warranty period and may not be covered under the powertrain warranty. Additionally, one owner reports the absence of LATCH anchors for car seats, which are expected to be standard in new vehicles, raising potential safety concerns for families needing to secure child seats. Another owner mentions a structural issue where exhaust system bolts broke off after 18 months, necessitating the replacement of an entire exhaust section. These complaints do not indicate crashes or fires but highlight potential inconveniences and safety considerations for prospective buyers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the "Shift to Park" message on the 2022 Buick Encore GX, where the vehicle does not recognize it is in park despite the gear shifter being in the correct position. This problem typically appears around 34,000 miles and requires multiple attempts to restart and reposition the gear shifter before the vehicle will shut off. Another reported issue involves the check engine light illuminating due to mass air flow sensor errors, leading to significant performance problems such as sudden deceleration and failure to start. Safety implications include the potential for the vehicle to roll if it incorrectly registers as not being in park. These issues may pose challenges for potential buyers, particularly concerning the vehicle's reliability and safety at moderate mileage.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Buick Encore GX frequently report issues related to the engine, particularly involving the check engine light illuminating and engine performance problems. Symptoms described include activation of the check engine light, a reduction in engine power, and specific error messages related to the Engine Control Module (ECM) and oil pressure sensor. Issues have been reported at relatively low mileages, around 7,350 miles, and within the first few months of ownership. Some complaints highlight potential safety concerns due to sudden power loss while driving. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially in vehicles that may have undergone recall-related repairs without proper documentation.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Buick Encore GX report issues related to engine stalling and exhaust system problems. One complaint describes the vehicle stalling at approximately 70 MPH, accompanied by difficulty operating power steering and brakes, and a "Battery in Safe Mode" message, with occurrences around 108,000 miles. Another owner reports a failure to accelerate beyond 35 MPH and a loud noise due to an exhaust leak, with the exhaust pipe detaching at around 31,000 miles. These issues highlight potential safety concerns, such as loss of control due to stalling at high speeds and compromised vehicle performance. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these reported problems, particularly at higher mileages.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Buick Encore GX report issues with the fuel propulsion system, specifically related to the fuel pump. Complaints frequently mention the car unexpectedly entering a "limp" mode or completely losing power while driving. Symptoms include warning lights indicating steering and engine performance issues, and in one case, a complete engine shutdown occurred on a freeway. These problems are reported at low mileages, with one incident occurring at just 273 miles and another at 9,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one owner describes narrowly avoiding a freeway accident due to sudden power loss. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering the 2022 Buick Encore GX, especially those prioritizing reliability and safety.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintWithin first couple months of ownership we had a wheel insert come off. We had it replaced at dealer Dec 2022 and noted it was two small bolts holding on the insert to actual wheel. The screws (2) appeared to have sheared off and are in line with brake rotors, calipers, and wheel itself when dislodging. The actual insert goes forward and can hit other cars and damage finish and other items as a projectile. We then had another do the same thing on different wheel 12 months later. Same issue. Same resolve as metal screws/bolts go directly into plastic insert which has no metal lining and no protection against breaking from stress, cleaning, and high speed turbulence thru this area. Less than a year later and we now have one missing insert that came off during highway, one loose we removed and found one bolt missing and sheered plastic, and a third one that is loose. Dealer will repair and replace under warranty but would not put on lift and check all inserts. There are approx 5 inserts per 18 inch wheel. This is a safety issue as the bolt will come out of fall into the wheel brake system. It could get lodged into calipers or pads and cause harm at least. These screw bolts are small but larger than anything nominal.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaint2022 Buick Encore GX Does not have Lower LATCH hooks for child seat. Hooks are described in Owner''s Manual and marked on rear seats but there are no hooks.
When Do 2022 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.
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 2022 Buick Encore GX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Buick Encore GX?
How many recalls does the 2022 Buick Encore GX have?
Is the 2022 Buick Encore GX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 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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