Last updated: 2026-07-25

2020 Buick Encore Reliability Report
The 2020 Buick Encore scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 19 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
19
Complaint Rate
4.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$466
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 3 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
- Year 8 in the First generation (2013) (2013–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Encore (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2013: First generation (2013) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 3 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Buick Encore?
At 77/100, the 2020 Buick Encore lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is 3 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
Owners log 19 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (4). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Buick Encore, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2019 Buick Encore for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Cruise control failure and erratic engine behavior, such as unexpected... (4 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN: Turbocharger and transmission (4 complaints)
Compare 2020 Buick Encore With

2020 Buick Encore GX
Reliability: 70/100

2020 Toyota C-HR
Reliability: 76/100

2020 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 57/100

2020 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 81/100

2020 KIA Soul
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2020 Buick Encore carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Buick Encore Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Buick Encore. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
Consequence
If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
Buying a used 2020 Buick Encore? Check its history first
Every 2020 Buick Encore has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Buick Encore NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.8%
Safety Technologies
Buick EncoreRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$466
vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.1
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Buick Encore Resale Value
The Buick Encore is estimated to retain about 55.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Buick Encore model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.
- Value Retained
- 55.4%
- Depreciation
- 44.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 187
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Buick Encore depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–31 MPG
Running cost: $2,400–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
24–30 city / 29–32 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore GX FWD 1.3L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 | 32 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Encore GX AWD 1.3L 3-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 26 | 29 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Encore GX FWD 1.2L 3-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Encore FWD 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Encore AWD 1.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Buick Encore.
Inspect turbocharger for signs of wear or failure
Check brake rotors for rust and corrosion
Test cruise control for proper function
Verify all dashboard electronics are operational
Check for any unusual odors from the exhaust system
Test for smooth acceleration and absence of power loss
2020 Buick Encore Common Problems by Component
19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners report several power train issues with the 2020 Buick Encore, particularly related to the turbocharger and transmission. Complaints frequently mention a loss of power, sluggish acceleration, and high RPMs, especially when climbing hills or attempting to accelerate past 75 mph. Some owners experience these problems as early as 5,302 miles, while others report turbocharger failures around 60,000 to 112,000 miles. Safety implications include incidents of sudden power loss that nearly lead to accidents on highways. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly the turbo under boost error and associated drivability concerns.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving cruise control failure and erratic engine behavior, such as unexpected acceleration and difficulty stopping. Another common problem involves the horn activating automatically upon starting, necessitating the removal of the fuse to stop it, along with malfunctioning dashboard electronics. Battery-related issues are also noted, with some owners experiencing the need for frequent jump-starts despite no apparent battery faults. These problems often arise around 89,000 miles, with symptoms like stalling and hesitating occurring during refueling or when the fuel level is low. The described issues pose potential safety risks, particularly the unintended acceleration and stalling, which could lead to loss of vehicle control.
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore report issues related to the service brakes, with two distinct problems highlighted. One owner describes severe rust and corrosion on the brake rotors at approximately 18,389 miles, leading to reduced stopping power and necessitating rotor and pad replacement. Another owner reports extreme heat on the brake and accelerator pedals at around 77,213 miles, potentially linked to a missing heat shield and electrical activity, though the cause was undetermined by a dealer. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as decreased braking effectiveness and discomfort or potential hazards from pedal heat, which may be relevant for prospective buyers to consider.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Buick Encore report issues related to unpleasant odors and braking problems. One complaint describes a strong odor similar to rotten eggs, potentially linked to the catalytic converter, which leads to symptoms like nausea and headaches. Another owner details problems with brake pedal stiffness, loss of acceleration, and warning lights such as the check engine and Stabilitrak lights, alongside difficulty in braking effectively. The issues arise after approximately two years of ownership, with no specific mileage mentioned. Safety implications include potential health effects from emissions and compromised braking performance, which could affect vehicle control.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the turbocharger in the 2020 Buick Encore, with complaints frequently mentioning unexpected check engine lights as the initial symptom. Multiple owners describe the turbocharger failing without prior warning, typically around 38,000 miles. The replacement of the turbocharger is noted to be costly, with one owner citing a repair cost of $1,816. No safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints, but the recurrence of turbocharger issues in relatively low-mileage vehicles may be a consideration for potential buyers.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintI've been dealing with a frustrating car issue lately where my vehicle keeps stalling and hesitating during acceleration - whether I'm pulling away from a stop or trying to pick up speed on the road. After getting it checked out, my mechanic determined that the high pressure fuel pump control module is the culprit and needs replacement. The problem is, we're stuck waiting for the part because Buick has it on backorder indefinitely. What's particularly concerning is that GM recently issued a recall for this exact same fuel pump issue on certain models, but somehow my VIN number didn't make the cut. I strongly believe it should have been included, especially considering the safety implications here. When this fuel pump control module fails, it can completely cut off fuel flow to the engine, which creates a serious traffic safety hazard. Nobody wants their car suddenly losing power while merging onto a highway or navigating through an intersection. This isn't just an inconvenience - it's a legitimate safety concern that affects real people on real roads every day.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to veer over to the shoulder and discovered that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owned a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering and drove straight into a deep ditch. The contact did not recall whether a warning light illuminated. The front driver's side and passenger's side air bags exploded while deploying and propelled fragments that burned the skin near the contact left breast, hit the contact's shoulder and right wrist. The contact's wrist was bleeding. Additionally, there was powder smoke coming out of the air bags. The contact exited the vehicle with the assistance of bystanders. The police assisted the contact out of the deep ditch and transported the contact to the residence. A police report was filed. The contact's husband transported her to the hospital, where the contact was informed that her right wrist bone was dislocated, and surgery was required. The contact received the needed medical assistance. Additionally, the contact had been receiving physical therapy. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer's autobody repair shop, where it was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the "Trunk Open" light was illuminated and the trunk raised up. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence and attempted to close the trunk. The contact had to push the trunk release button several times for the trunk to lock securely. The contact had taken not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintTire suddenly developed a large bubble after about 18,000 miles of driving from new. Tire came new from manufacturer of my 2020 Buick Encore. I didn't hot any thing with this tire that could have contributed to the bublle. I think its a manufacturing defect
When Do 2020 Buick Encore Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Buick Encore Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Buick Encore Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Buick Encore year is 2022 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (80/100) and 2018 (80/100).
Buick Encore Years to Avoid
No Buick Encore years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Buick Encore maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Buick Encore Reliability Score Trend
Buick Encore reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 79/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Buick Encore Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Buick Encore reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Encore?
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Encore have?
Is the 2020 Buick Encore expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Buick Encore without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Buick Encore.
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