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Buick

2021 Buick ENCORE GX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Buick ENCORE GX has 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.5x the segment average of 42. The most common issue is engine problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 buick encore gx. the contact stated that while at a stop sign, the rpm was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 rpm. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle was able to be restarted. the contact mentioned the failure rec. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 3 injuries

63

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

18 complaints
29%
  • The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the RPM was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned the failure rec
  • The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with the “Engine Power Reduced message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH with the accelera
  • I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encor
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the RPM was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned the failure rec

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Buick ENCORE GX

Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 43K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
7
30-60K
6
60-100K
4
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

Later than typicalmedian 43K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
1
30-60K
4
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

SERVICE BRAKES24/09/2020

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Buick ENCORE GX

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,715
Per month
$143
Per mile
14.3¢
MPG
28
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$1,847/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Buick ENCORE GX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,735
Full coverage / month
$145
Liability only / year
$600
vs US avg
+4%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age1.05x
= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Buick New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
6 yr / 70K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
6 yr / 100K mi
Roadside assistance
6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Buick. If you're buying a used 2021 ENCORE GX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Buick dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 63 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ENGINE: The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the RPM was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned the failure rec

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: I bought my vehicle the later part of 2021 and the transmission and engine no longer work and need to be replaced. When I first purchased the vehicle the battery completely died in less than 6 months. Numerous repairs and now the warranty won't work since I am over 60000 miles even though I have not

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V440000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dea

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: The brake system failed upon pulling into a parking space. Had it happened a few, short moments before, there would have been a high probability of a crash. The vehicle was taken to Hardy Buick GMC Chevrolet. Upon reading the codes, I was told that the vehicle needs a new master cylinder. (It has o

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Buick dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Buick ENCORE GX — Year Comparison

How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
63
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
1
Injury reports
3
Segment avg
42

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2021 Buick ENCORE GX