Is the Buick Encore GX more reliable than the Honda HR-V?

Based on our data, the Honda HR-V is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore GX or the Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V has more recalls (27) compared to the Buick Encore GX (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Buick Encore GX or the Honda HR-V?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Encore GX has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 11.3 for the Honda HR-V. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Buick Encore GX or Honda HR-V safer?

Both the Buick Encore GX and Honda HR-V received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V: Reliability Compared

Buick Encore GX

Good

More Reliable

Honda HR-V

Excellent

Choosing between the Buick Encore GX and the Honda HR-V? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Honda HR-V currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Buick Encore GX and Honda HR-V Generations Compare?

The Honda HR-V is currently in its third generation, introduced in 2023, following the second generation (2016-2022) which had a mid-cycle refresh in 2019. Being early in its generation cycle, the new HR-V might face typical first-year issues that are common with newer platforms as manufacturers work out initial production kinks. In contrast, the Buick Encore GX is in its first generation, launched in 2020, and had a significant refresh in 2024. As a more mature platform, the Encore GX is likely to have fewer reliability issues compared to a newly introduced model, as the manufacturer has had time to address earlier production challenges.

Verdict

The Honda HR-V is more reliable than the Buick Encore GX, scoring 83/100 vs 76/100.

The Honda HR-V demonstrates a slightly higher average reliability score of 83/100 compared to the Buick Encore GX's 76/100. However, the Encore GX has a lower owner complaint rate of 6.4 per 10,000 sold versus the HR-V's 11.3, and significantly fewer recalls over its shorter production span. Despite the Honda HR-V's lower estimated annual repair cost of $301, the Buick Encore GX's fewer recalls and complaints suggest a more consistent reliability profile. Both models have distinct common issues, but the HR-V's visibility and wiper problems are less severe than the power train and engine concerns noted in the Encore GX.

Key Differences

1Buick Encore GX has 21 fewer total recalls
2Honda HR-V scores 7 points higher in reliability
3Buick Encore GX has 4.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Buick Encore GX

—

1Honda HR-V

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V: Which Is More Reliable?

Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Buick Encore GX	Honda HR-V
Reliability Score	76/100	83/100
Years Tracked	7	9
Total Recalls	6	27
Complaints per 10k Sold	6.4	11.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	1	6

What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Encore GX and Honda HR-V?

The Honda HR-V exhibits a higher volume of complaints overall, particularly in the visibility/wiper and steering categories, which include a notable number of crash-linked incidents in the steering system. In contrast, the Buick Encore GX has significantly fewer complaints, with its most reported issues in the power train and electrical system categories, yet it also shows a concern in service brakes with crash-linked complaints. Both vehicles share common issues in the electrical system and steering, but the HR-V's steering problems are more severe with a higher number of crash-linked reports. The Encore GX, while having fewer complaints, does highlight power train issues as a primary concern.

Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V common problem areas comparison
Component	Buick Encore GX	Honda HR-V
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.9Very Low	2Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.2Low	1.5Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	2.3Low
POWER TRAIN	1.4Low	0.4Very Low
STEERING	0.2Very Low	1.2Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	0.3Very Low
ENGINE	0.7Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.7Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.7Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.3Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.3Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.2Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.2Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	—None
EQUIPMENT	0.1Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick Encore GX or Honda HR-V?

Independent repair cost data shows that the Honda HR-V has an annual repair cost of $301, with an average of 0.1 repair visits per year and a 5% chance of needing a major repair. While specific data for the Buick Encore GX is not provided, the HR-V's low repair frequency and moderate major repair risk suggest it is a reliable and cost-effective choice for maintenance. For cost-conscious buyers, the HR-V presents a clear advantage. Its predictable repair expenses and lower likelihood of requiring major repairs make it a more budget-friendly option compared to the less-documented Encore GX. Over five years, the HR-V's predictable costs help ensure financial peace of mind.

How Does Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V Reliability Compare by Year?

Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Buick Encore GX	Honda HR-V	Edge
2026	82/1000R / 1C	100/1000R / 5C	Honda HR-V
2025	79/1000R / 14C	88/1001R / 26C	Honda HR-V
2024	77/1001R / 27C	83/1004R / 94C	Honda HR-V
2023	79/1000R / 23C	73/1003R / 673C	Buick Encore GX
2022	74/1001R / 29C	83/1003R / 62C	Honda HR-V
2021	74/1002R / 50C	86/1003R / 52C	Honda HR-V
2020	70/1002R / 66C	80/1004R / 71C	Honda HR-V

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Buick Encore GX scored 82/100 and the 2026 Honda HR-V scored 100/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Buick Encore GX vs the Honda HR-V?

If you prioritize low running costs and reliability, the Honda HR-V might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 83/100, it edges out the Buick Encore GX in terms of dependability. The HR-V's estimated annual repair cost is a modest $301, and it has a low repair frequency of 0.1 per year, suggesting fewer trips to the shop. However, it's important to note that the HR-V has experienced a higher number of recalls (27) and owner complaints (11.3 per 10,000 sold), which could be a factor if recall inconvenience is a concern for you. On the other hand, if you're more focused on fewer recalls and potentially fewer complaints, the Buick Encore GX could be more appealing. It has only 6 recalls and a lower rate of owner complaints at 6.4 per 10,000 sold. While its reliability score is slightly lower at 76/100, these figures suggest a more stable ownership experience in terms of manufacturer issues. Ultimately, your choice should weigh the importance of repair costs against the frequency and nature of recalls and complaints.

Buick Encore GX vs Honda HR-V: Common Questions

Is the Buick Encore GX more reliable than the Honda HR-V?: Based on our data, the Honda HR-V is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore GX or the Honda HR-V?: The Honda HR-V has more recalls (27) compared to the Buick Encore GX (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Buick Encore GX or the Honda HR-V?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Encore GX has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 11.3 for the Honda HR-V. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Buick Encore GX or Honda HR-V safer?: Both the Buick Encore GX and Honda HR-V received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Buick Encore GX comparisons

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More Honda HR-V comparisons

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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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