Model year

2021 Buick Encore

SUV, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in South Korea. Owner complaints on file from Sep 7, 2022 to May 27, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints9Below the median 2021 suv
Severity index11.12021 suvs average 6.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore peaked in 2025, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01234202220232024202542026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
3
Powertrain
3
Brakes
2
Airbags
1
Electrical system
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2021 Buick Encore

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 Buick Encore

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed May 27, 2026Failure May 26, 2026Ashland, PAPower train, Service brakes

    Intermittent Service Brake Assist Light with very hard brake pedal and almost no breaks backing up. Have had it to several shops who said it was a turbo booster issue so scheduled service with Patriot GMC Boyertown Pa. Also intermittently has little to no power causing driving hazard suddenly especially uphill. Seems to mostly happen during rainy days.

    NHTSA complaint 11740366
  2. Filed Nov 11, 2025Failure Jan 9, 2024Milwaukee, WIEngine

    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 vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11698861
  3. Filed Aug 21, 2025Failure Oct 1, 202438,000 milesFonda, NYService 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 several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer and another dealer, Mangino Chevrolet, INC. (4447 NY-30, Amsterdam, NY 12010); were made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V588000 (Service Brakes); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11682080
  4. Filed Jul 23, 2025Failure Jul 21, 2025Wixom, MIEngine

    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 this new of a vehicle. This is a dangerous and costly repair that falls on a faulty flex pipe and not covered by the warranty.

    NHTSA complaint 11675559
  5. Filed Jan 28, 2025Failure Jan 26, 2025Edgerton, WIPower train

    Turbo Charger failed while passing a semi-trailer truck causing a severe lack of power and almost causing a head on collision with on-coming traffic. I had 3 passengers at the time. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center and I am getting a second opinion from a dealer on 2/3. The check engine light did come on when it happened. There were no symptoms prior to failure. I have since researched the problem and found that Turbo Charger failure is the #1 issue with this make and year.

    NHTSA complaint 11639039
  6. Filed Jun 17, 2024Failure Sep 1, 2023Maple Grove, MNUnknown or other

    The 2021 Buick Encore was listed by the NHTSA as having a parts recall with the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, yet when I look up my VIN and talk to the dealer, I’m told the vehicle is not recalled, even though I’m having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. I’ve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and I’m hoping I don’t have to pay for it since my issue is the same one that was listed in the recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11594871
  7. Filed Nov 28, 2023Failure Nov 2, 2023Norwood, MAAir bags, Electrical system1 injured

    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 WITH SHOCK AND AWE ABOUT THIS WHOLE SITUATION THAT ACCURED** THERE IS VIDEO OF ACCURANCE IN PARKING LOT * THINK THE OWNER IS GOING TO TRY TO COVER UP WHAT EVER HE CAN , SAYING THAT FOR REASON'S OF MY OWN! PLEASE SOMEONE'S JOB TO INVESTAGTE RIGHT ! BLACK BOX DATA SPEED WHICH 2 MILES A HOUR WAS SPEED .. COULDNT SEE * AIR BAGS EVEN CAME UP FROM THE PEDDLES?? WHY ?? SO CANT PUT THE BREAKS ON? LIKE IWAS TRAPPED HURT DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON .

    NHTSA complaint 11557296
  8. Filed Feb 4, 2023Failure Jan 30, 2023Albion, MIPower train

    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 catalytic. Changed upstream O2 sensor, changed wastegate solenoid, turbo seems to be working fine, no noises, but losing power going up hills at highway speeds. Seriously unhappy and no recalls on this vehicle but it has the same turbo as other vehicles that has had recalls!!! I think this should be a recall!!!

    NHTSA complaint 11505585
  9. Filed Sep 7, 2022Failure Aug 13, 2022Albion, MIEngine

    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 hot under hood, smoke from tailpipe and loss of power. Took to repair shop, they want to replace engine, oil lines, turbo and gaskets. Car has 121530 miles on it.

    NHTSA complaint 11483354
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

536 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • PIT5698F Sep 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
  • PIP4902W Sep 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIC6551C Aug 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
  • PIT5099J Jul 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PI to help diagnose A/C concern
  • PIT5966F Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
  • PIC6423A May 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue
  • PIC6551B May 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
  • PIT3271Q Apr 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
  • N25-250552 Mar 21, 2026 · Over The Air
    Improvements to OnStar functionality.
  • PIP6104 Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
  • PIP4902V Mar 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT6425D Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
  • N25-250552 Feb 5, 2026 · Over The Air
    Improvements to OnStar functionality. During the update process, your radio may stay on up to 5 minutes after you exit the vehicle. This is expected behavior when an update package is onboard the vehicle. Do not service your vehicle during installation.
  • PIP6098 Jan 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered vehicles and advises of warranty direction.
  • PIT6425C Jan 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
  • PIP4902U Jan 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • 25-NA-156 Jun 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
  • 00-06-01-026R Jun 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
  • PIT5214G Nov 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of Genera…
  • 23-NA-153 May 15, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
  • PIT6425B Oct 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
  • PIC6551A Oct 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
  • PIT6425A Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
  • PIT6440 Oct 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Driver Information Center may display a message of Transport Mode On after the ignition is cycled.
  • 13598 Sep 9, 2025 · Other
    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
  • 25-NA-118 May 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for the technicians to use a Customer Concern Verification sheet to facilitate the questions needing to be answered by the customer regarding Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) issues.
  • PIP4902T Aug 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIC5650M Aug 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B306…
  • PIP5601C Jul 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
  • PIP5601B Jul 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
  • 15-NA-010 May 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
  • PIT6180A Jun 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates assistance in locating the Rear seat belt comfort guides in the parts catalog.
  • PIP4902S Jun 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • N252494770-01 Jun 20, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owne…
  • N252494770 Jun 17, 2025 · Service Campaign
    Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owne…
  • PI0281L Apr 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
  • 25-NA-100 Apr 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Comp…
  • 24-NA-139 Apr 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated – DTC P023F or P129F Set.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • PIT5074R May 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
  • 24-NA-229 Apr 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for a battery drain utilizing the Picoscope and how to measure the load on the system that may be causing a drain.
  • PIT5966E May 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
  • 07-00-89-037W Apr 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
  • 25-NA-087 Apr 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
  • 25-NA-052 Mar 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
  • 13-08-116-001K Mar 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
  • 24-NA-098 Mar 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
  • 25-NA-065 Mar 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
  • 15-06-03-001F Mar 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
  • 08-03-10-006I Mar 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
  • 25-NA-052 Mar 4, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
  • 17-NA-073 Mar 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
  • 05-03-07-009L Feb 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
  • 11-00-89-005Y Feb 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
  • 05-08-51-001L Feb 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
  • 16-NA-109 Feb 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
  • 07-00-89-037V Feb 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
  • PIP5358D Feb 20, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessm…
  • 23-NA-086 Feb 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service bulletin provides information on dark spots in the headlamp pattern when the vehicle is pulled up to a wall or garage.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.