Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 80/100 (EXCELLENT)

2021 Buick Encore Reliability Report

The 2021 Buick Encore has excellent reliability and no recalls. Turbocharger failure with sudden power loss is the main problem to watch.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

4.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$466

Annual Fuel Cost

$1,950–$2,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity77/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Excellent standing with no recalls, unlike the 2020, though turbocharger failure and sudden power loss are the main owner complaints.

Top Issues to Watch

POWER TRAIN (3)
ENGINE (3)
SERVICE BRAKES (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2021 is 4 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.

Year 9 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.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is 4 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.

Should You Buy the 2021 Buick Encore?

Buyers get a solid used compact SUV here. Owner complaints and federal recall records put this year at an excellent standing, well above other 2021 SUVs and among the stronger of the five scored Encore years. It has no recalls. The 2020 rates worse, with 19 complaints and 2 recalls. The 2022 rates about the same.

Turbocharger failure is the problem to know. Owners describe power that drops without warning on hills and while passing a semi, which nearly caused a head-on collision in one report. The check engine light may show code P0299, and one failure gave no warning at all. Engine reports include a purge sensor light that returned after two repair visits and a melted flex pipe that warranty did not cover. The worst case involved overheating and smoke from the tailpipe. At 121530 miles, a shop recommended replacing the engine and turbo.

Ask for service records on the turbo and exhaust, and check for stored engine codes. The 2022 is a fair alternative.

Compared to the 2022 Buick Encore, which scored the same. See also the 2020 Buick Encore for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Strong reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (12%)
+No recalls issued
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−POWER TRAIN: Turbocharger failure shows up in most reports, and it cuts power without warning (3 complaints)

Compare 2021 Buick Encore With

2021 Buick Encore GX

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Reliability: 63/100

Good

2021 Chevrolet Trax

Reliability: 81/100

Excellent

2021 Hyundai Kona

Reliability: 63/100

Good

2021 Toyota C-HR

Reliability: 77/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK

POWER TRAIN (3)
ENGINE (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2021 Buick Encore — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

4.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Buick Encore? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore, and 0 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Buick Encore NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 17.9%

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 (Not Available)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

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 2021 model year.

Value Retained: 55.4%
Depreciation: 44.6%
Listings Analyzed: 187

Listings observed in May 2021. 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

23–30 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 2021 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 FWD 1.2L 3-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (variable gear ratios)	28	31	29	$2,050
Encore GX AWD 1.3L 3-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 9-spd	26	29	28	$2,150
Encore FWD 1.4L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	25	30	27	$2,200
Encore FWD 1.4L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	24	32	27	$2,200
Encore AWD 1.4L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	24	29	26	$2,300
Encore AWD 1.4L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	23	30	26	$2,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Buick Encore.

Accelerate up a highway grade and confirm the engine pulls steadily without sudden power loss.
Scan for stored codes, especially P0299 and P0420, and ask whether the turbo was ever replaced.
Ask for records of purge sensor repairs and confirm the check engine light stays off.
Watch the temperature gauge on a long drive and check for smoke from the tailpipe.
Inspect the exhaust flex pipe and oxygen sensors for melting or damage with the car on a lift.
Back up slowly and check for a hard brake pedal or a Service Brake Assist warning light.
Ask for proof of recent passed emissions inspections.

2021 Buick Encore Common Problems by Component

9 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

POWER TRAIN (3)ENGINE (3)SERVICE BRAKES (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Turbocharger failure shows up in most reports, and it cuts power without warning. Drivers describe sudden power loss on hills at highway speeds and while passing a semi, which nearly caused a head-on collision. The check engine light may come on, with code P0299 cited, and one failure gave no symptoms beforehand. A replacement turbo was on backorder in one case, so a used part was installed. Another report pairs intermittent power loss with a Service Brake Assist light and a very hard brake pedal, mostly on rainy days.

3 complaints total

ENGINE

3 complaints

Check engine lights and exhaust faults make up most reports. A recurring light traced to the purge sensor keeps returning after two repair visits and causes failed emissions tests. Another case involves a melted flex pipe with oxygen sensors stuck in it, and the repair was not covered by warranty. The most serious report describes overheating with the temperature gauge at the 3/4 mark, the AC shutting off, smoke from the tailpipe, and loss of power. In that case, at 121530 miles, a shop recommended replacing the engine and turbo.

3 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2024-10-01

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the Hill Assist message was displayed. The brake pedal was pumped several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer and another dealer, Mangino Chevrolet, INC. (4447 NY-30, Amsterdam, NY 12010); were made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V588000 (Service Brakes); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2023-09-01

The 2021 Buick Encore was listed by the NHTSA as having a parts recall with the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, yet when I look up my VIN and talk to the dealer, I’m told the vehicle is not recalled, even though I’m having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. I’ve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and I’m hoping I don’t have to pay for it since my issue is the same one that was listed in the recall.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2023-11-021 injury

NOTHING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT STARTED WENT TO DRIVE OFF !! BANG 2000 BOUNDS OF PRESSURE IN MY FACE! MY WHOLE BODY!! IT WAS A RENTAL !! LOOK INTO THIS VECHICAIL !HAIR BURNT! FRIED WIRE SMELL STILL ON MY BURNT JACKET!! LOOK INTO THIS WITH GREAT CONCERN AS IAM REACHING OUT WITH SHOCK AND AWE ABOUT THIS WHOLE SITUATION THAT ACCURED** THERE IS VIDEO OF ACCURANCE IN PARKING LOT * THINK THE OWNER IS GOING TO TRY TO COVER UP WHAT EVER HE CAN , SAYING THAT FOR REASON'S OF MY OWN! PLEASE SOMEONE'S JOB TO INVESTAGTE RIGHT ! BLACK BOX DATA SPEED WHICH 2 MILES A HOUR WAS SPEED .. COULDNT SEE * AIR BAGS EVEN CAME UP FROM THE PEDDLES?? WHY ?? SO CANT PUT THE BREAKS ON? LIKE IWAS TRAPPED HURT DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON .

Best & Worst Buick Encore Years

Best Buick Encore Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Excellent

2022

0Recalls

8Complaints

Excellent

2021

(Current Model)

0Recalls

9Complaints

Excellent

2018

0Recalls

72Complaints

Buick Encore Years to Avoid

No Buick Encore years are statistical outliers in our data.

Scores stay between 76 and 80 across 5 scored model years.

See full Buick Encore years-to-avoid analysis

Buick Encore Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Buick Encore reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2022	80/100	0	Excellent	0	8
2021(selected)	80/100	+3	Excellent	0	9
2020	77/100	+1	Good	2	19
2019	76/100	-4	Good	2	82
2018	80/100	—	Excellent	0	72

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Buick Encore reliable?

Yes. It has an excellent reliability standing and sits well above average among 2021 SUVs. It is also one of the stronger years of the five scored Encore years. Only 9 owner complaints were filed, and federal records show no recalls. The main risk is turbocharger trouble.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Buick Encore?

Owner complaints split between the power train and the engine. Power train reports mostly involve turbocharger failure and sudden power loss. Engine reports involve check engine lights, exhaust faults, a purge sensor that kept failing, a melted flex pipe, and one case of overheating.

Does the 2021 Buick Encore have turbocharger problems?

Some owners report them. Turbo failure appears in most power train complaints, with sudden power loss on hills and while passing. Code P0299 was cited, and one failure gave no warning. One owner waited on a backordered turbo and got a used part.

Does the 2021 Buick Encore have any recalls?

No. Federal recall records list no recalls for this model year. The 2020 Encore has 2 recalls, so the 2021 is cleaner on that count. Still, ask the seller for repair history, since owners did report turbo and engine failures.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore better than the 2020 or 2022?

It beats the 2020, which rates worse and has 19 complaints and 2 recalls. The 2022 rates about the same, with 8 complaints and no recalls. Between 2021 and 2022, pick on condition and service records, not model year alone.

Don’t buy a 2021 Buick Encore without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2021 Buick Encore

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Buick Encore does best on recall impact (100/100) and worst on complaint severity (71/100). 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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