Last updated: 2026-07-25

2020 Buick Encore
RELIABILITY SCORE: 77/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Post-Refresh

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (4)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 20.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

20V6680002020-10-29

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.

20V5370002020-09-03

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.

VIN History Report

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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Buick Encore NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 19.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Buick EncoreRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

Encore
$466
Category Avg
$466
All Vehicles
$652

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%

after 5 years

Depreciation
44.6%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
187

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.com

MPG & 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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Encore GX FWD 1.3L 3-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)303231$1,950
Encore GX AWD 1.3L 3-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd262928$2,150
Encore GX FWD 1.2L 3-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)263028$2,150
Encore FWD 1.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)253027$2,200
Encore AWD 1.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6)242926$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.

4
4
2
2
2
2
POWER TRAIN (4)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)SERVICE BRAKES (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)ENGINE (2)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)VISIBILITY (1)STEERING (1)Other (2)

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint
2025-08-01

I'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 complaint
2024-02-13

The 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-related
2023-06-03Crash reported1 injury

The 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 complaint
2022-04-27

The 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 complaint
2021-05-01

Tire 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.

38,000–64,000 milesTurbocharger failures
18,000–18,389 milesBrake rotor corrosion
89,000 milesElectrical system failures

Best & Worst Buick Encore Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Buick Encore Years to Buy

The 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.

Buick Encore reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201880/100Excellent
201976/100Good
202077/100Good
202180/100Excellent
202280/100Excellent

Buick Encore Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202280/1000Excellent08
202180/100+3Excellent09
2020(selected)77/100+1Good219
201976/100-4Good282
201880/100Excellent072

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Buick Encore reliable?
The 2020 Buick Encore has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 77/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 19 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Encore?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Buick Encore include: POWER TRAIN (4 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), ENGINE (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Encore have?
The 2020 Buick Encore has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Buick Encore expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Buick Encore has estimated annual repair costs of $466/year, which matches the subcompact SUVs average. With a reliability score of 77/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Buick Encore without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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