Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick Encore GX vs Subaru Crosstrek: Reliability Compared
Buick Encore GX
Subaru Crosstrek
Choosing between the Buick Encore GX and the Subaru Crosstrek? 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 73/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Buick Encore GX and Subaru Crosstrek Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Buick Encore GX is more reliable than the Subaru Crosstrek, scoring 76/100 vs 73/100.
The Buick Encore GX outshines the Subaru Crosstrek in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 76/100 compared to the Crosstrek's 73/100. The Encore GX has significantly fewer recalls over its lifespan, totaling 6 compared to the Crosstrek's 19. Additionally, the Encore GX boasts a much lower owner complaint rate of 6.4 per 10,000 units versus the Crosstrek's 72.5, suggesting a more dependable ownership experience. While the Crosstrek has a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $492, the Encore GX’s superior complaint and recall metrics make it the more reliable choice.
Key Differences
- 1Buick Encore GX has 66.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 2Buick Encore GX has 13 fewer total recalls
- 3Buick Encore GX scores 3 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Buick Encore GX vs Subaru Crosstrek: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Buick Encore GX | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 76/100 | 73/100 |
| Years Tracked | 7 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 6 | 19 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.4 | 72.5 |
| Year Wins | 2 | 5 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Encore GX and Subaru Crosstrek?
The Subaru Crosstrek exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the visibility/wiper category with 239 complaints, compared to the Buick Encore GX's leading issue in the power train category with 47 complaints. Notably, the Crosstrek has a significant number of crash-linked complaints in the vehicle speed control (8) and power train (8) areas, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Encore GX has fewer crash-linked issues, with only 2 associated with the service brakes. Although the Encore GX has fewer overall complaints, both models show notable issues in the electrical system, suggesting a common area for improvement.
| Component | Buick Encore GX | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 21.8High |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.9Very Low | 11.3Above Avg |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.2Low | 8.8Above Avg |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.4Low | 4.8Average |
| ENGINE | 0.7Very Low | 3.3Average |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 3Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | 2.6Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 1.9Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | 1.5Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 1.3Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 1.1Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| EQUIPMENT | 0.1Very Low | —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 Subaru Crosstrek?
How Does Buick Encore GX vs Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Buick Encore GX | Subaru Crosstrek | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/1000R / 1C | 94/1000R / 1C | Subaru Crosstrek |
| 2025 | 79/1000R / 14C | 83/1000R / 25C | Subaru Crosstrek |
| 2024 | 77/1001R / 27C | 69/1002R / 95C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2023 | 79/1000R / 23C | 81/1000R / 28C | Subaru Crosstrek |
| 2022 | 74/1001R / 29C | 78/1001R / 28C | Subaru Crosstrek |
| 2021 | 74/1002R / 50C | 67/1002R / 97C | Buick Encore GX |
| 2020 | 70/1002R / 66C | 72/1001R / 62C | Subaru Crosstrek |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Buick Encore GX scored 82/100 and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek scored 94/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Buick Encore GX vs the Subaru Crosstrek?
Buick Encore GX vs Subaru Crosstrek: Common Questions
- Is the Buick Encore GX more reliable than the Subaru Crosstrek?
- Based on our data, the Buick Encore GX is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore GX or the Subaru Crosstrek?
- The Subaru Crosstrek has more recalls (19) 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 Subaru Crosstrek?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Encore GX has a lower complaint rate at 6.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 72.5 for the Subaru Crosstrek. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Buick Encore GX comparisons
Decided between Buick Encore GX and Subaru Crosstrek? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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