Last updated: 2026-10-10

Buick Encore GX

Buick Encore GX Years to Avoid

7 scored model years (2020–2026) · model average 76/100

Skip the 2020 model year. Owners report a false "Shift to Park" warning, brake pedals that sink to the floor, and sudden electrical shutdowns while driving. The 2023 is the year to buy, with no recalls and far fewer complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 70/100
Buy
2023 79/100
Model average
76/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Buick Encore GX Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Buick Encore GX average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202070/100Good266Power Train (16)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Buick Encore GX

Power train complaints lead. A false "Shift to Park" warning keeps the car from shutting off or locking, and shifter repairs are often quoted at $500 to $700. Brake complaints are the serious part, with pedals sinking to the floor and two crash reports. Some owners also describe a sudden electrical shutdown while driving.

2 recalls66 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (16), Unknown Or Other (11), Electrical System (10), Service Brakes (10), Steering (4), Engine (4)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Buick Encore GX Problems?

POWER TRAIN

47 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2022, 2021

2020: Most reports describe a false "Shift to Park" warning.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

40 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2020, 2025

2024: The digital instrument cluster goes black, often while driving, leaving no speedometer, fuel gauge, or warning lights.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

28 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

2020: Nearly all of these reports describe the false "Shift to Park" message.

ENGINE

22 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2020, 2022

2021: Sudden loss of power leads these reports.

SERVICE BRAKES

19 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021

2020: The brake pedal sinks to the floor and the car fails to stop, sometimes with brake, ABS and StabiliTrak warnings lit.

STEERING

8 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2020

2023: The car bounces side to side and the wheel pulls left or right at various speeds, making it hard to keep straight.

Best Buick Encore GX Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 has no recalls and a complaint rate of 3.6 per 10,000 sold, against 15.6 for the 2020 and 8.7 for the 2022. Brake failures are not among its top complaint areas, unlike the 2020. It still has shifter and electrical complaints, so test the shifter and ask about stalling before you buy.

Score: 79/100 (Good)0 recalls23 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Buick Encore GX has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Buick Encore GX Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Buick Encore GX years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2020. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. Owners report a false "Shift to Park" warning, brake pedals sinking to the floor, and electrical shutdowns while driving. The 2023 is the better choice from the years that have been on the road a while.
Which Buick Encore GX years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints are highest in the 2020 with 16, then the 2022 with 12 and the 2021 with 10. Some 2020 cars needed a full transmission replacement, with one quote at $14,000. One 2023 owner reported the CVT failing outright.
Are the 2020 Buick Encore GX brakes a problem?
Yes. The 2020 has 12 brake complaints. Owners describe the pedal sinking to the floor and the car failing to stop, with two crash reports and one injury. Failures appear as early as 3,000 miles. Federal records show 2 recalls for this year, so check the VIN.
Is the 2022 Buick Encore GX a bad year?
Not one to avoid, but it is among the lowest-rated years. It has 29 complaints, 12 of them power train, and 1 recall. Test the shifter for the false "Shift to Park" message. The 2023 has a lower complaint rate and no recalls.
Are the newer 2024 to 2026 Buick Encore GX years safe to buy?
They are too new to call safe or best. The 2024 has 15 electrical complaints and 1 recall. The 2025 has 14 complaints, including a fire report. The 2026 has one complaint, mostly because it has had little time on the road.

How we score every Buick Encore GX model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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