Last updated: 2026-07-25

RELIABILITY SCORE: 80/100 (EXCELLENT)

2022 Buick Encore Reliability Report

Name: 2022 Buick Encore
Brand: Buick

The 2022 Buick Encore scores 80/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

5.7per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$466

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,000–$2,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity76/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues to Watch

POWER TRAIN (2)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
FUEL SYSTEM (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2022 is the last model year of the First generation (2013).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
5 years after the last refresh (2017).
1st generation Encore (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2013: First generation (2013) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2022: This Model Year

2022 is the last model year of the First generation (2013).

Should You Buy the 2022 Buick Encore?

The 2022 Buick Encore earns an Excellent 80/100 reliability score. 2022 is the last model year of the First generation (2013).

At 5.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.

A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.

See also the 2021 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

−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2022 Buick Encore report issues related to the Evap Purge system... (2 complaints)
−Evap Purge system issues reported at 10,000–22,786 miles

Compare 2022 Buick Encore With

2022 Buick Encore GX

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2022 Hyundai Kona

Reliability: 64/100

Good

2022 Chevrolet Trax

Reliability: 81/100

Excellent

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Reliability: 68/100

Good

2022 Toyota C-HR

Reliability: 80/100

Excellent

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK

POWER TRAIN (2)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2022 Buick Encore — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

5.7

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 13.5

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 2022 Buick Encore? Check its history first

Every 2022 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

2022 Buick Encore NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

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)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 2022 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

26–30 MPG

Running cost: $2,450–$2,750/yr

Fuel + repair

23–29 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 2022 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Encore GX FWD 1.2L 3-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (variable gear ratios)	29	31	30	$2,000
Encore GX FWD 1.3L 3-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (variable gear ratios)	29	32	30	$2,000
Encore FWD 1.4L 4-cyl	Front-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	24	32	27	$2,200
Encore GX AWD 1.3L 3-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic 9-spd	26	29	27	$2,200
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 2022 Buick Encore.

Inspect for strong gasoline odors inside and outside the vehicle
Check for frayed or unraveling seatbelts
Test for sudden power loss or vehicle lunging during a test drive
Verify if the emission pump has been replaced or requires replacement
Examine for signs of rodent infestation, such as droppings or entry points
Confirm if the Evap Purge system has been addressed or requires attention

2022 Buick Encore Common Problems by Component

8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

POWER TRAIN (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)FUEL SYSTEM (1)SEAT BELTS (1)AIR BAGS (1)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2022 Buick Encore's power train, specifically related to the EMC. Complaints frequently mention a significant loss of power, with the vehicle entering a limp mode and lunging forward violently during trips. This issue reportedly occurs during a substantial portion of drives, with a strong burning oil odor noted. Both complaints involve repeated dealership visits without resolution, and there is mention of the problem persisting even after service attempts. Safety implications include the inability to navigate inclines and near-miss accidents due to sudden power loss.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Buick Encore report issues related to the Evap Purge system and rodent infestations. One complaint highlights the illumination of the check engine light and detection of diagnostic trouble codes P1467 and P146b, which point to problems with the Evap Purge system, similar to a known issue in the 2021 model year. Another owner describes significant rodent intrusion, with mice entering through multiple points in the vehicle, leading to damage and potential health hazards from exposure to rodent waste. The reported mileage for these issues is around 10,000 miles. Safety implications include potential system damage from the Evap Purge issue and health risks from rodent infestations.

2 complaints total

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

2023-06-20

The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the GMC mobile app alerted the contact of emissions failures and advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the emission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred 9-months later. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Simms Chevrolet Co (4220 W Vienna Rd, Clio, MI 48420) where it was diagnosed that the emission pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 30,474.

FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2024-04-21

The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while parked and refueling the vehicle, the contact observed an abnormal gasoline odor. Additionally, when the contact entered the vehicle there was an abnormally strong strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,786.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2023-05-22

Seatbelts on my year old Encore with only 15k are frayed and unraveling, I am having the vehicle in for other unrelated repairs on Friday and will be certain to inform the dealership at that time but feel that this is extremely dangerous and totally unacceptable in a year old vehicle and I feel like I or my passengers could be injured or thrown from the vehicle in the event of an accident, no warning lamps or messages prior to failure.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related

2023-04-28Crash reported1 injury

None of my air bags went off in my car and my car was totalled. My insurance company has possession of the car now.

When Do 2022 Buick Encore Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

10,000–22,786 milesEvap Purge system issues

30,000–30,474 milesEmission pump failures

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 score

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).

Top Pick

Excellent

2022

(Current Model)

0Recalls

8Complaints

Excellent

2021

0Recalls

9Complaints

Excellent

2018

0Recalls

72Complaints

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.

See full Buick Encore years-to-avoid analysis

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
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(selected)	80/100	0	Excellent	0	8
2021	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 2022 Buick Encore reliable?

Yes, the 2022 Buick Encore is considered highly reliable with a score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and a complaint rate below the segment average, placing it among the more dependable vehicles in its class.

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Buick Encore?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Buick Encore include: POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints), SEAT BELTS (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2022 Buick Encore have?

The 2022 Buick Encore has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

Is the 2022 Buick Encore expensive to maintain?

The 2022 Buick Encore is expected to have below-average maintenance costs at $466/year, which matches the subcompact SUVs average. Its high reliability score of 80/100 and complaint rate below the segment average suggest that unexpected repairs are uncommon.

Don’t buy a 2022 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

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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