Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick Encore GX vs Nissan Kicks: Reliability Compared
Buick Encore GX
Nissan Kicks
Choosing between the Buick Encore GX and the Nissan Kicks? 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 Nissan Kicks currently leads with an average score of 78/100 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 Nissan Kicks Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Nissan Kicks is more reliable than the Buick Encore GX, scoring 78/100 vs 76/100.
The Nissan Kicks edges out the Buick Encore GX in terms of reliability with a slightly higher average reliability score of 78/100 compared to the Encore GX's 76/100. While the Kicks has a higher total number of recalls at 10 over nine years, it compensates with a lower owner complaint rate of 8.3 per 10,000 sold versus the Encore GX's 6.4 per 10,000. Both models face common issues related to the electrical system and power train, but the Encore GX has a slightly lower recall frequency, which can be a consideration for some buyers. Overall, the Nissan Kicks offers a marginally better reliability profile, particularly in terms of owner satisfaction.
Key Differences
- 1Buick Encore GX has 4 fewer total recalls
- 2Nissan Kicks scores 2 points higher in reliability
- 3Buick Encore GX has 1.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Buick Encore GX vs Nissan Kicks: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Buick Encore GX | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 78/100 |
| Years Tracked | 7 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 6 | 10 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.4 | 8.3 |
| 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 Nissan Kicks?
The Nissan Kicks and Buick Encore GX exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Kicks having a higher total number of complaints at 439 compared to the Encore GX's 210. The Nissan Kicks shows significant issues in the electrical system with 96 complaints, including three linked to crashes, and also reports notable concerns in the power train and service brakes, both with crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Buick Encore GX's most frequent issues are related to the power train and electrical system, but it has fewer crash-linked complaints, with only the service brakes and steering categories reporting such incidents. The Kicks' higher frequency of crash-linked complaints in multiple categories suggests a greater potential for safety-related concerns compared to the Encore GX.
| Component | Buick Encore GX | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.2Low | 1.8Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.4Low | 0.8Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.9Very Low | 1.2Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.7Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EQUIPMENT | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Buick Encore GX vs Nissan Kicks Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Buick Encore GX | Nissan Kicks | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/1000R / 1C | 83/1001R / 1C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2025 | 79/1000R / 14C | 78/1003R / 24C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2024 | 77/1001R / 27C | 81/1001R / 20C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2023 | 79/1000R / 23C | 80/1001R / 23C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2022 | 74/1001R / 29C | 82/1000R / 19C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2021 | 74/1002R / 50C | 78/1002R / 66C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2020 | 70/1002R / 66C | 78/1000R / 85C | Nissan Kicks |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Buick Encore GX scored 82/100 and the 2026 Nissan Kicks scored 83/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Buick Encore GX vs the Nissan Kicks?
Buick Encore GX vs Nissan Kicks: Common Questions
- Is the Buick Encore GX more reliable than the Nissan Kicks?
- Based on our data, the Nissan Kicks is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore GX or the Nissan Kicks?
- The Nissan Kicks 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 Nissan Kicks?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Encore GX has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 8.3 for the Nissan Kicks. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Buick Encore GX or Nissan Kicks 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 Nissan Kicks. 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 Nissan Kicks? 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