Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 77/100 (GOOD)

2024 Buick Encore GX Reliability Report

The 2024 Buick Encore GX rates good for reliability, but its digital instrument cluster can go black while driving.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

4.6per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity75/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity84/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Mid-pack among its model years and above average for 2024 SUVs, with one electrical recall and instrument cluster blackouts as the main complaint.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
POWER TRAIN (3)
ENGINE (2)

Should You Buy the 2024 Buick Encore GX?

Reliability is good for this model year, and it ranks above average among 2024 SUVs. Within the Encore GX's seven scored years it sits in the middle. The 2023 and 2025 models rate about the same. It holds a 5 of 5 federal crash-test rating. Owners filed 27 complaints, or 4.6 per 10,000 sold.

Electrical faults make up most of the trouble, with 15 complaints. The digital instrument cluster goes black, often while driving, leaving no speedometer, fuel gauge, or warning lights. Two reports put the failure near 54,000 to 55,300 miles. The center screen can blank or glitch and drop CarPlay. Dealers often find nothing wrong. One federal recall covers the electrical system. A few owners also describe jerking or failed shifts at 60 to 65 mph, and engines that misfire and stall.

Ask for proof that the electrical recall was completed, and for any repair records on the cluster or screen. Test drive at highway speed. The 2023 and 2025 years are fair alternatives.

Compared to the 2025 Buick Encore GX, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2023 Buick Encore GX for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low recall count
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Digital instrument cluster goes black, often while driving, leaving no... (15 complaints)
−POWER TRAIN issues reported (3 complaints)

Compare 2024 Buick Encore GX With

2024 Mazda CX-30

Reliability: 68/100

Good

2024 Hyundai Kona

Reliability: 68/100

Good

2024 Honda HR-V

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Reliability: 69/100

Good

2024 Chevrolet Trax

Reliability: 80/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)
POWER TRAIN (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2024 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

4.6

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 6.9

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2024 Buick Encore GX Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2024 Buick Encore GX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V7440002023-11-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.

Consequence

A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2023. 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 A232424320.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2024 Buick Encore GX? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2024 Buick Encore GX, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2024 Buick Encore GX NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 18.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver/Roof)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Buick Encore GXRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based 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 2024 Buick Encore GX.

Start the car several times and confirm the instrument cluster lights up fully every time without flickering or distortion.
Drive at least 30 minutes and watch both screens for blackouts, glitches, or dropped CarPlay and phone calls.
Feel the instrument panel and radio area after a long drive for unusual heat.
Test every door lock with the switches and the key fob, and confirm the doors lock while driving.
Accelerate at 60 to 65 mph on a highway and feel for shuddering, jerking, or missed shifts.
Shift into drive from a cold start and confirm the car moves right away.
Ask for service records showing repeat cluster, transmission, door lock, or fuel pump repairs, and run the VIN for open recalls.
Refuel during the test drive, then restart and listen for misfires or rough running.

2024 Buick Encore GX Common Problems by Component

27 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (15)POWER TRAIN (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)ENGINE (2)BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)STEERING (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)STRUCTURE (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 complaints

The digital instrument cluster goes black, often while driving, leaving no speedometer, fuel gauge, or warning lights. The center screen also blanks or glitches, dropping calls and CarPlay, and some owners say both panels run very hot. Two reports put the cluster failure near 54,000 to 55,300 miles, with dealers calling for major repairs such as a VCU module. Other reports describe door locks that stop working and keep cars at the dealer for weeks, headlights and taillights shutting off at random, and a back-ordered cluster part. Dealers often find nothing wrong.

15 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Jerking, shuddering, and failed shifts at highway speeds of 60 to 65 mph lead the reports, with no warning lights beforehand. In the worst case the transmission fails outright: the car loses speed on the freeway and then will not move. Other reports describe the car refusing to move when put in drive, then slowing on its own before returning to normal. Dealers have been unable to duplicate some failures, and these cases carry a clear loss-of-control risk in traffic.

3 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Blackouts of the digital driver display at startup or while driving make up most of these reports, matching the electrical complaints. The screen may glitch and distort before going dark, hiding speed and fuel level. The navigation and phone screen also cuts in and out. Software updates and repeated dealer visits do not always fix it, and the problem can appear within the first month of ownership. A separate report describes a side detection system service warning followed by the mirror alert lights going dark.

3 complaints total

ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Misfiring, violent shaking, and stalling are the reported failures. In some cases the engine misfires and shuts off with no check engine light, sometimes right after refueling, and the dealer finds nothing and blames bad gas. In others the car shakes hard, the check engine light comes on, and the engine dies on busy roads, coming back after three repairs tied to the fuel pump and a sensor. Losing power in traffic creates a real crash risk.

2 complaints total

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

2025-04-10

The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blurry image, and the rear-view camera later displayed a solid red image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that there were no issues with the rear-view camera image. The failure reoccurred, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown related recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2025-09-03

The contact leased a 2024 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel was pulling to the left and to the right. The contact was able to remain in the middle lane. The contact had to use both hands while driving the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. After two months, the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,620.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2025-03-15

Noticed around 7000 miles that the brakes are squealing and grabbing at slow speeds

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2025-04-30

The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated there was an abnormally strong foul odor inside the vehicle, and there was mildew and mold inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the failure had occurred due to the design of the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that water and debris were entering the vehicle through the gap between the windshield and the cowl. The dealer was currently cleaning the vehicle with mold removal products; however, no assistance was provided to correct the gap between the windshield and the cowl. The dealer advised the contact to park the vehicle in a garage. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that her daughter was asthmatic and was taken to the hospital because her asthma might have been triggered by the mold and mildew inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.

Best & Worst Buick Encore GX Years

Best Buick Encore GX Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2023

0Recalls

23Complaints

Good

2024

(Current Model)

1Recalls

27Complaints

Good

Buick Encore GX Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Buick Encore GX reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	82/100	+3	Excellent	0	1
2025	79/100	+2	Good	0	14
2024(selected)	77/100	-2	Good	1	27
2023	79/100	+5	Good	0	23
2022	74/100	0	Good	1	29
2021	74/100	+4	Good	2	50
2020	70/100	—	Good	2	66

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Buick Encore GX reliable?

Yes, it has a good reliability standing and is above average among 2024 SUVs. Within the Encore GX's seven scored model years it lands in the middle. Owners filed 27 complaints, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The main weakness is the electrical system.

What are the most common problems with the 2024 Buick Encore GX?

Electrical problems lead, with 15 of 27 complaints. The instrument cluster goes black, the center screen blanks or glitches, and door locks and exterior lights have failed. Power train complaints (3) involve jerking and failed shifts. Engine complaints (2) involve misfires, shaking, and stalling.

Does the 2024 Buick Encore GX have instrument cluster problems?

Yes, it is the most detailed complaint. The digital cluster goes black, often while driving, so the speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights disappear. Two reports place it near 54,000 to 55,300 miles. Some dealers found nothing wrong, and one owner faced a back-ordered cluster part.

Does the 2024 Buick Encore GX have any recalls?

Federal records list one recall for this model year, in the electrical system. The record does not say more here, so check the VIN with Buick or the federal recall database. Ask the seller to confirm the repair was done before you buy.

Is the 2024 Buick Encore GX better than the 2023 or 2025?

Not clearly. Both neighboring years also rate good and about the same. The 2023 has 23 complaints and no recalls. The 2025 has 14 complaints and no recalls, but it has had less time to collect them. The 2024 has 27 complaints and one recall.

Don’t buy a 2024 Buick Encore GX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2024 Buick Encore GX

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2024 Buick Encore GX does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Buick Encore GX.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.