2021 Buick Encore
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 22 of 61 complaints (36%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 87 in 2020 to 61 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–2,400 | 2,000–2,400 | 2,000–2,400 | 2,100–2,400 | 2,100–2,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–28 | 26–31 | 26–31 | 26–30 | 27–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 24–26 / 29–31 | 24–30 / 29–32 | 23–30 / 29–32 | 23–29 / 29–32 | 26–29 / 29–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 312–344 | 288–344 | 288–344 | 296–342 | 296–324 | |
| Complaints filed | 84 | 87 | 61 | 40 | 25 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 9 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Encore have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Buick Encore?
Engine: 22 of 61 NHTSA complaints (36%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Buick Encore get?
EPA rates it 26–31 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Buick Encore?
EPA estimates $2,000–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (7)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 3 | 1.2L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 28 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 302 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 25 mpg | 30 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 24 mpg | 29 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 344 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 3 | 1.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 30 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 31 mpg (high) | $2,000 (low) | 288 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 9-spd | 3 | 1.3L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 26 mpg | 29 mpg (low) | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 330 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 24 mpg | 32 mpg (high) | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 325 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 1.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg (low) | 30 mpg | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 338 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND · Campaign 21V440000 · Jun 10, 2021
Defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
Consequence: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
SERVICE BRAKES · Campaign 20V588000 · Sep 25, 2020
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.
Consequence: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.