Is the 2021 Buick ENCORE reliable?

The 2021 Buick ENCORE has 11 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Buick ENCORE?

Top problems: ENGINE (3 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (3 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Buick ENCORE?

No recalls have been issued for the 2021 Buick ENCORE.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Buick ENCORE?

The 2021 Buick ENCORE gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2021 Buick ENCORE often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Buick ENCORE: low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Buick ENCORE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Buick ENCORE is approximately $1,561/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Buick ENCORE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Buick ENCORE has 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 105. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, ac shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really h.

2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

ENGINE

3 complaints

27%

• Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really h
• Took to the dealership. They stated my flex pipe had melted and the o2 sensors are stuck in the pipe need replacement as well. They have to replace flex pipe and everything leading to the 2nd o2 sensor. They stated there was no damage or tampering to the flex pipe. This should not have happened in t
• I have continuously had my check engine light pop on. I have took it in twice for them fix the issue which is the purge sensor. It did not fix the issue because the light just pops back on. This has caused issues with me passing emissions and has been an headache shortly street I obtained the vehicl

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really h”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Buick ENCORE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/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

Show:

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

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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,561

Full coverage / month

$130

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-7%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk0.90x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1561

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, 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 11 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really h
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: Already had turbo go on this car once back in July 2022. Mechanic replaced turbo with another one (used with 20,000 miles on it) due to the turbo for this car being on backorder. Now my car is throwing P0299 after about 20,000 more miles being put on the used turbo and a P0420 code. Changed rear cat
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 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 sev
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: 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 WI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)