Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Trailblazer: Reliability Compared
Buick Encore
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Choosing between the Buick Encore and the Chevrolet Trailblazer? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Buick Encore currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trailblazer Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Buick Encore is more reliable than the Chevrolet Trailblazer, scoring 79/100 vs 73/100.
The Buick Encore outperforms the Chevrolet Trailblazer in reliability, boasting an average reliability score of 82/100 compared to the Trailblazer's 73/100. With only 1.3 owner complaints per 10,000 sold versus the Trailblazer's 8.6, the Encore demonstrates better long-term dependability. Additionally, the Encore's estimated annual repair cost is significantly lower at $466, compared to the Trailblazer's $784. While both models face issues with their power trains and electrical systems, the Encore's lower recall count and complaint rate make it the more reliable choice among compact SUVs.
Key Differences
- 1Buick Encore costs $318 less per year to repair
- 2Buick Encore scores 6 points higher in reliability
- 3Buick Encore has 1.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Trailblazer: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Buick Encore | Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 79/100 | 73/100 |
| Years Tracked | 5 | 6 |
| Total Recalls | 4 | 5 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.9 | 8.6 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $466/yr | $784/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.1/yr | 0.4/yr |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2022 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 2 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The Chevrolet Trailblazer experiences a higher volume of total complaints, particularly in the power train and electrical system categories, with these areas accounting for a notable share of crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Buick Encore has a significant issue with the air bags, with over half of its complaints in this category linked to crashes, highlighting a critical safety concern. Both vehicles report issues with the power train and electrical systems, though the Trailblazer shows a broader distribution of problems across various systems. The Trailblazer's air bag complaints, while fewer, also show a high crash-linked ratio, suggesting a similar safety vulnerability as the Encore.
| Component | Buick Encore | Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 1Very Low | 1.8Low |
| ENGINE | 1.5Low | 0.8Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | 1.6Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | 1.6Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.4Very Low | 0.9Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.7Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.3Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.3Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick Encore or Chevrolet Trailblazer?
How Does Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Trailblazer Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Buick Encore | Chevrolet Trailblazer | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 80/1000R / 8C | 68/1001R / 102C | Buick Encore |
| 2021 | 80/1000R / 9C | 63/1004R / 182C | Buick Encore |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Buick Encore scored 80/100 and the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer scored 68/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Buick Encore vs the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Buick Encore vs Chevrolet Trailblazer: Common Questions
- Is the Buick Encore more reliable than the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- Based on our data, the Buick Encore is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 73/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Buick Encore or the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- The Chevrolet Trailblazer has more recalls (5) compared to the Buick Encore (4). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Buick Encore or the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Buick Encore has a lower complaint rate at 6.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 8.6 for the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Buick Encore or the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Buick Encore is cheaper to maintain at $466/year versus $784/year for the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
- Is the Buick Encore or Chevrolet Trailblazer safer?
- Both the Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trailblazer received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Buick Encore comparisons
More Chevrolet Trailblazer comparisons
Decided between Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trailblazer? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue