Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick Encore GX vs Mazda CX-30: Reliability Compared
Buick Encore GX
Mazda CX-30
Choosing between the Buick Encore GX and the Mazda CX-30? 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 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Buick Encore GX and Mazda CX-30 Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Buick Encore GX is more reliable than the Mazda CX-30, scoring 76/100 vs 67/100.
The Buick Encore GX holds a higher average reliability score of 76/100 compared to the Mazda CX-30's 67/100, indicating a more dependable performance over time. With fewer recalls (6 versus 10) and a slightly higher complaint rate of 6.4 per 10,000 sold compared to the CX-30's 5.7, the Encore GX still edges out in overall reliability due to its recall history. Both vehicles share common issues in the electrical system and service brakes, but the Encore GX's better reliability score and fewer recalls make it the preferable choice for those prioritizing dependability in a compact SUV.
Key Differences
- 1Buick Encore GX scores 9 points higher in reliability
- 2Buick Encore GX has 4 fewer total recalls
- 3Mazda CX-30 has 0.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Buick Encore GX vs Mazda CX-30: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Buick Encore GX | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 67/100 |
| Years Tracked | 7 | 7 |
| Total Recalls | 6 | 10 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.4 | 5.7 |
| 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 Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 and Buick Encore GX both exhibit distinct problem profiles, with each vehicle having unique areas of concern. The CX-30 has a notable issue with its engine, accounting for 44 complaints, and its service brakes, which are linked to six crashes, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Encore GX reports a higher frequency of power train issues, with 47 complaints, and a significant number of electrical system complaints at 40, suggesting a potential reliability concern in these areas. While both vehicles have similar numbers in the "unknown or other" category, the CX-30's crash-linked complaints in service brakes and airbags highlight more severe safety implications compared to the Encore GX.
| Component | Buick Encore GX | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.2Low | 0.8Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.7Very Low | 1.2Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.4Low | 0.3Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.9Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —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 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EQUIPMENT | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEATS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Buick Encore GX vs Mazda CX-30 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Buick Encore GX | Mazda CX-30 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/1000R / 1C | 72/1000R / 0C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2025 | 79/1000R / 14C | 68/1001R / 22C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2024 | 77/1001R / 27C | 68/1002R / 23C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2023 | 79/1000R / 23C | 68/1001R / 20C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2022 | 74/1001R / 29C | 67/1001R / 28C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2021 | 74/1002R / 50C | 60/1002R / 94C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2020 | 70/1002R / 66C | 64/1003R / 31C | Buick Encore GX |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Buick Encore GX scored 82/100 and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 scored 72/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Buick Encore GX vs the Mazda CX-30?
Buick Encore GX vs Mazda CX-30: Common Questions
- Is the Buick Encore GX more reliable than the Mazda CX-30?
- Based on our data, the Buick Encore GX is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore GX or the Mazda CX-30?
- The Mazda CX-30 has more recalls (10) 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 Mazda CX-30?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Mazda CX-30 has a lower complaint rate at 5.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 6.4 for the Buick Encore GX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Buick Encore GX or Mazda CX-30 safer?
- Both the Buick Encore GX and Mazda CX-30 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.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Buick Encore GX and Mazda CX-30? 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