2020 Buick Encore

19 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Jun 25, 2026Failure May 25, 202677,213 milesInkster, MIService brakes, Pedals and linkages, Accelerator pedal

   The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal and accelerator pedal became extremely hot to the touch. The contact became aware that the silver heat shield was missing. Additionally, the contact stated that there was electrical activity or electricity coming from the area. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,213.

   NHTSA complaint 11746471
2. Filed Apr 28, 2026Failure Apr 13, 2026Bridgeville, PAService brakes, Unknown or other

   I took my 2020 Buick Encore to an independent auto repair shop to have a brake inspection after I had contacted GM multiple times about the loss of acceleration, check engine light and stabilitrak light would come on with brake pedal stiffness and then almost needing to push it to the floor to stop. When I took it to the independent auto repair shop for the brake inspection they informed me of a PO161 code recall so I contacted my local recall service center, only to get a phone call from one of their salesman to come in and see about getting a new car. I've had other issues with this car since buying it in September of 2022 but now it's a serious safety situation and all they can either say is it doesn't match my vin so I'll have to pay out of pocket or go in debt for a new one. I don't know what to do at this point I feel at a loss.

   NHTSA complaint 11734263
3. Filed Feb 25, 2026Failure Feb 20, 2026Cottage Grove, WIEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   Defective "TURBO CHARGER" at 38,091 miles. The defective worn-out or damaged turbocharger was removed from the engine and a new one was installed at a cost of $1816.00. This part should not wear out at 38,000 miles. My mechanic informed me that this is common in the Buick Encore vehicles to experience a defective "TURBO CHARGER" at low vehicle mileage.

   NHTSA complaint 11720398
4. Filed Oct 3, 2025Failure Aug 1, 2025Medford, ORFuel/propulsion system

   I've been dealing with a frustrating car issue lately where my vehicle keeps stalling and hesitating during acceleration - whether I'm pulling away from a stop or trying to pick up speed on the road. After getting it checked out, my mechanic determined that the high pressure fuel pump control module is the culprit and needs replacement. The problem is, we're stuck waiting for the part because Buick has it on backorder indefinitely. What's particularly concerning is that GM recently issued a recall for this exact same fuel pump issue on certain models, but somehow my VIN number didn't make the cut. I strongly believe it should have been included, especially considering the safety implications here. When this fuel pump control module fails, it can completely cut off fuel flow to the engine, which creates a serious traffic safety hazard. Nobody wants their car suddenly losing power while merging onto a highway or navigating through an intersection. This isn't just an inconvenience - it's a legitimate safety concern that affects real people on real roads every day.

   NHTSA complaint 11691163
5. Filed May 11, 2025Failure May 11, 2025Harvest, ALEngine

   I am co-owner of the vehicle. My daughter was driving the SUV when the Check engine light came on. There was no warning whatsoever, and the turbocharger has gone bad . Prior to the light eliminating there was nothing wrong with the suv. I was driving the suv when the check engine light came on. I also own another 2020 Buick encore where this also happened. I was driving the vehicle when the check engine light came on with no prior warning and it was a failed turbocharger. There is something wrong with these vehicles .

   NHTSA complaint 11660287
6. Filed Apr 25, 2025Failure Apr 24, 2025San Jose, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.

   NHTSA complaint 11656756
7. Filed Jan 24, 2025Failure Jan 20, 2025Naperville, ILEngine, Power train, Vehicle speed control

   Unknown issues w/ sensors and wiring lead to turbocharger failure. This led to spontaneous acceleration issues on the highway. Less than a year after the warranty covered the replacement of the turbocharger (less than 60k miles on the car) the turbocharger again failed (64k miles on car).

   NHTSA complaint 11638444
8. Filed May 29, 2024Failure Feb 13, 202460,000 milesWalled Lake, MISun/moon roof assembly

   The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to veer over to the shoulder and discovered that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11591408
9. Filed May 10, 2024Failure Apr 5, 2024Riverside, CTElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system

   Imthe original owner and purchased the car new 4 years ago. At 89,000 miles, the check engine light came on indicating codes for emission controls not working efficiently. Later additional codes indicated problems with the fuel evaporator. The car started having problems every time I filled up the gas tank it would stall, hesitate and have problems starting shortly after the fill up. Problem also occurred if I let the fuel level run down to 1 gallon when the reserve indicator light came on the fuel tank. So now I fill up when I reach a quarter tank. Steady driving for at least 10 minutes would clear the problem temporarily. Car hesitates, stalls and misfires when going uphill, steep hills and also when coming to full stop Such as a red light. Later additional problem of car hesitating and misfiring during acceleration. I have replaced the spark plugs and ignition coil. No change noticed. Awaiting mechanic diagnosis. This problem seems very similar to another complaint filed under NHTSA ID 11548946 in October 2023

   NHTSA complaint 11588190
10. Filed Apr 23, 2024Failure Apr 2, 2024russellville, KYEngine, Power train

    Engine light is on and vehicle is sluggish on hills and keeping up in traffic. Rpms run high if I try. Error code p0299 shows on scanning device- turbo under boost. I have 112,000 miles and need turbo replaced already. this vehicle is very well maintained. I did see a special notice for the GX version of this vehicle. But dealer says my vin does not qualify

    NHTSA complaint 11584659
11. Filed Dec 20, 2023Failure Nov 13, 2023Bloomfield Hills, MIService brakes

    I currently own a 2020 Buick Encore since new with only 18,389 miles on it. Recently, I noticed on the Buick Encore that it lacked stopping power. Upon checking the air in the tires for winter I noticed that the rear brake rotors were severely rusted. And then I decided to further inspect the rotor surfaces. I removed the left rear tire and noticed that the back side surface was severely corroded therefore inhibiting the brake pad to stop with it. I remove the right rear tire and found the same condition! As I am retired, and still a ASE and Michigan master mechanic (XXX) I know this condition is abnormal for a vehicle with such low miles even in Michigan. This is my wife’s vehicle, and she noticed that the stopping distance was severely decreased over the months. With driving is treacherous as it is today she needs all the stopping distance that she can get. With the way the rotors were rusted, the rear brakes had no stopping power, and the fronts were minimal at best for surface for the pads to stop with. I checked the front and found the same thing on the inner surfaces of both front rotors. I decided it was time that I replace all the rotors and the pads as the surfaces of all rotors were beyond the point of turning them. I would never expect this to occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. I replaced the rotors and pads with all AC Delco components as I have faith in the design changes that are usually made to products in the same product family. For the rotors, I made sure that they were plated to stop any rust from occurring on the non-stopping surfaces. If anyone were to Google this vehicle, or it’s Cousin the Trax, you can see there are replacements either with coding or different material that prevents corrosion. I am glad I caught this in time as my wife’s safety was in jeopardy. One can see there is a fix for this issue, but the manufacture neglected to take any action to correct it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11561179
12. Filed Oct 24, 2023Failure Jun 3, 202320,000 milesGrand Blanc, MIAir bags, SteeringCrash1 injured

    The contact owned a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering and drove straight into a deep ditch. The contact did not recall whether a warning light illuminated. The front driver's side and passenger's side air bags exploded while deploying and propelled fragments that burned the skin near the contact left breast, hit the contact's shoulder and right wrist. The contact's wrist was bleeding. Additionally, there was powder smoke coming out of the air bags. The contact exited the vehicle with the assistance of bystanders. The police assisted the contact out of the deep ditch and transported the contact to the residence. A police report was filed. The contact's husband transported her to the hospital, where the contact was informed that her right wrist bone was dislocated, and surgery was required. The contact received the needed medical assistance. Additionally, the contact had been receiving physical therapy. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer's autobody repair shop, where it was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.

    NHTSA complaint 11551560
13. Filed Sep 16, 2023Failure Aug 1, 2023Warner Robins, GAElectrical system

    I have to constantly jump start my vehicle. Took it to the dealers and they stated there is nothing wrong with the battery.

    NHTSA complaint 11544897
14. Filed Aug 31, 2023Failure Aug 20, 2023Watauga, TXEngine, Power train

    I was told there was a recall on my engine. My check engine light is on. My car doesn't speed up pass 75. When I try to speed up I can feel the gears change.and the car jerks

    NHTSA complaint 11541919
15. Filed May 5, 2022Failure Apr 27, 202229,000 milesCharlotte, NCLatch

    The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the "Trunk Open" light was illuminated and the trunk raised up. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence and attempted to close the trunk. The contact had to push the trunk release button several times for the trunk to lock securely. The contact had taken not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11463543
16. Filed Mar 22, 2022Failure Mar 1, 2022Racine, WIElectrical system

    The horn goes off automatically when the car is started. The fuse must be pulled out to stop it. Dash radio and phone not working properly. Cruise control not working.

    NHTSA complaint 11457922
17. Filed Nov 24, 2021Failure May 1, 2021Riverside, CTTires, Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

    Tire suddenly developed a large bubble after about 18,000 miles of driving from new. Tire came new from manufacturer of my 2020 Buick Encore. I didn't hot any thing with this tire that could have contributed to the bublle. I think its a manufacturing defect

    NHTSA complaint 11441607
18. Filed Oct 29, 2020Failure Oct 28, 20205,240 milesTupelo, MSEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

    PURCHASED NEW BUICK ENCORE 2020 ON 05/22/2000. PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS HONDA CIVIC. ENCORE NEVER SEEMED TO HAVE ENOUGH POWER & WOULD DOWNSHIFT. ON 10/19/20 THERE WAS AN ISSUE ACTION REQUESTED) DETECTED BY BUICK BUT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THEN ON 10/28/2020, WE WERE DIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SEEMED TO LOOSE POWER & AN 18 WHEELER ALMOST HIT US. ENCORE HAS 5,302 MILES ON IT. 10/28/20 3:41 P.M. MESSAGE FROM BUICK DX. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IS NOT PERFORMING AS EXPECTED. AN ISSUE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM WHICH MONITORS AND CONTROLS AIR INTAKE TO THE ENGINE. WE WERE TRAVELING FROM MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS & ALMOST DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. THE VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS & IS AT THE DEALER NOW. I AM SEVERELY DISABLED & ILL AND BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS OUT OF TOWN. IT HAS CLEARLY HAD A PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. I WILL NOT PICK UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP NO MATTER HOW THEY TRY TO FIX IT AT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN LOOSING POWER. WE WERE ON AN INTERSTATE WHEN THIS STARTED HAPPENING. THANK YOU.

    NHTSA complaint 11367020
19. Filed Sep 4, 2020Failure Sep 3, 20209,500 milesBurlington, NCElectrical system, Vehicle speed control

    I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. IT ACTED AS IT WAS ACCELERATING AND THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT AND I LOST SPEED. I REGAINED SPEED AND THEN IT LURCHED AGAIN; THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN WENT OFF. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE ENGINE STARTED TO THROTTLE UP AND ACCELERATE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARDER TO COME TO A FULL STOP.

    NHTSA complaint 11353102