Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick Encore GX vs Hyundai Kona: Reliability Compared
Buick Encore GX
Hyundai Kona
Choosing between the Buick Encore GX and the Hyundai Kona? 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 Buick Encore GX currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Buick Encore GX and Hyundai Kona Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Buick Encore GX is more reliable than the Hyundai Kona, scoring 76/100 vs 65/100.
The Buick Encore GX demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 76/100 compared to the Hyundai Kona's 65/100. It also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 6.4 per 10,000 units sold versus the Kona's 13.4, despite both vehicles sharing common issues like power train and electrical system problems. The Encore GX's recall history is notably better, with only 6 recalls over 7 years, whereas the Kona has had 16 recalls over 9 years. These factors make the Buick Encore GX a more reliable choice in the compact SUV segment.
Key Differences
- 1Buick Encore GX scores 11 points higher in reliability
- 2Buick Encore GX has 10 fewer total recalls
- 3Buick Encore GX has 7.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Buick Encore GX vs Hyundai Kona: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Buick Encore GX | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 65/100 |
| Years Tracked | 7 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 6 | 16 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.4 | 13.4 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 7 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Encore GX and Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona exhibits a higher volume of complaints across several key areas, notably in the engine and electrical system categories, with 264 and 193 complaints respectively, and a total of 21 crash-linked issues. In contrast, the Buick Encore GX has fewer overall complaints, with the power train and electrical system being its most problematic areas, registering 47 and 40 complaints respectively, and only three crash-linked issues. The Kona's significant number of crash-linked complaints, particularly in unknown or other and vehicle speed control categories, suggests potential safety concerns not as prevalent in the Encore GX. While both models face issues in the electrical system and power train, the Kona's higher incidence of engine-related problems and crash-linked complaints may indicate a more pressing reliability challenge.
| Component | Buick Encore GX | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.7Very Low | 4.5Average |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.2Low | 3.3Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.4Low | 1.6Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.9Very Low | 1.8Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.2Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| EQUIPMENT | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Buick Encore GX vs Hyundai Kona Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Buick Encore GX | Hyundai Kona | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/1000R / 1C | 67/1002R / 4C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2025 | 79/1000R / 14C | 74/1000R / 21C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2024 | 77/1001R / 27C | 68/1003R / 50C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2023 | 79/1000R / 23C | 66/1002R / 68C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2022 | 74/1001R / 29C | 64/1002R / 115C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2021 | 74/1002R / 50C | 63/1001R / 102C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2020 | 70/1002R / 66C | 57/1002R / 140C | Buick Encore GX |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Buick Encore GX scored 82/100 and the 2025 Hyundai Kona scored 74/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Buick Encore GX vs the Hyundai Kona?
Buick Encore GX vs Hyundai Kona: Common Questions
- Is the Buick Encore GX more reliable than the Hyundai Kona?
- Based on our data, the Buick Encore GX is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 65/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore GX or the Hyundai Kona?
- The Hyundai Kona has more recalls (16) 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 Hyundai Kona?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Encore GX has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 13.4 for the Hyundai Kona. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Buick Encore GX or Hyundai Kona safer?
- Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Buick Encore GX has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Hyundai Kona. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Buick Encore GX and Hyundai Kona? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue