Engine
1.3L 3-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 70 of 70 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
21 complaint records3 crash reports
"When I park the vehicle doesn’t recognize that I switched my gear to park and it won’t let me turn my vehicle off and when I have my foot on the brake it feels like sponginess..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Power train
18 complaint records
"The cluster display shows "shift to park" even while vehicle is stopped, gear shift in park position, and engine is off...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
16 complaint records
"I WAS DRIVING HOME APPROX 6:00 PM AS I WAS STARTING ON L75 MY BUICK 2020GX WITH LESS THAN 300 MILES STARTED TO SPEED UP TO A VERY FAST MY BRAKES DID NOT SLOW ME DOWN THE CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP I WAS VERY SCARED WHEN THE CAR KEPT GOING FASTER NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT THERE WAS......"- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21V440000 | Equipment | General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. | Normally free |
| 20V588000 | Service Brakes | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021365 2021-06-10 | Accessories | 14,781 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the emergency spare tire jack could break if it is not properly positioned under the vehicle. If this happens, the jack could collapse and the vehicle could fall suddenly. |
| 2020520 2020-10-29 | Powertrain | 22,911 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the start-stop accumulator in the transmission may be missing bolts. As a result, transmission fluid could leak and eventually cause the transmission to stop working. |
| 2020452 2020-09-24 | Brakes | 404 | Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor in the electronic brake boost system may have a bad connection. Under certain driving conditions, this could cause a loss of brake assist. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22-NA-244 May 2024 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period. |
| N232407740-02 Oct 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | Special Coverage. Certain 2020 model year Buick Encore GX vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. |
| N232407740-03 Sep 2026 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Engine | Special Coverage. Certain 2020 model year Buick Encore GX vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. |
| PIT5698F Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it. | |
| PIT5995B Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information provides the dealer information of the location of the rear seat child anchors. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4902W Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIT6196A Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information provides a diagnostic tip for diagnosing an issue with Cruise Control, Adaptive Cruise and Lane Keep Assist Turns Off or Inoperative. | |
| PIC6548B Jul 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the direction needed when encountering an issue with switching between adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control or an issue with automatic high beam feature after the front camera was replaced. | |
| PIT5099J Jul 2026 | Unknown Or Other | PI to help diagnose A/C concern | |
| PIP6032C Jun 2026 | Unknown Or Other | PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks | |
| PIP6029A Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI instructs dealers to install foam around the shifter cable to stop rattling | |
| PIT3271Q Apr 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available. | |
| PIC6553B Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin communicates to a dealer the repair direction that should be taken if they encounter a vibration from the engine when the vehicle is parked facing downhill. | |
| PIP4902V Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIP6104 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect. | |
| PIT6425D Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss | |
| PIP5929G Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the dealers diagnostic tips related to MIL on with P219A. | |
| PIT6425C Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's | |
| PIP6098 Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This PI advised dealer technicians of possible causes of diesel fuel contamination in gasoline powered vehicles and advises of warranty direction. | |
| PIP4902U Jan 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIC6632 Dec 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin communicates to the dealer actions to take when a customer has no or reduced air flow from HVAC vents. | |
| PIT5214G Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | 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 General Motors Technical... | |
| PIP5975B Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI advises to get a session log for transmissions with broken chains | |
| PIT6425B Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's | |
| PIT6425A Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's | |
| PIP5929F Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the dealers diagnostic tips related to MIL on with P219A. | |
| PIP5929E Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the dealers diagnostic tips related to MIL on with P219A. | |
| PIT6440 Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | The Driver Information Center may display a message of Transport Mode On after the ignition is cycled. | |
| 13598 Sep 2025 | Unknown Or Other | New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH | |
| 23-NA-119 Sep 2025 | Power Train | This service bulletin provides service procedure information to correct a customer concern of Shift to Park Displayed on DIC When Vehicle is in- Park, No Start - DTC B000A Set. | |
| PIP4902T Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| PIP5929D Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the dealers diagnostic tips related to MIL on with P219A. | |
| PIC5650M Aug 2025 | Unknown Or Other | 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. | |
| PIP5601B Jul 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC. | |
| PIP5929C Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates to the dealers diagnostic tips related to MIL on with P219A. | |
| N252494770-01 Jun 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Unknown Or Other | 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. |
| PIP6032B Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks | |
| PIC6086J Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This PI communicates a procedure to clean oil leaking from the rain sensor. | |
| N252494770 Jun 2025 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Unknown Or Other | 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. |
| PIT6180A Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates assistance in locating the Rear seat belt comfort guides in the parts catalog. | |
| PIP4902S Jun 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance. | |
| 25-NA-156 Jun 2025 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities. | |
| 00-06-01-026R Jun 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage. | |
| PIT5074R May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | 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. | |
| 23-NA-153 May 2025 | Engine | 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. | |
| 23-NA-122 May 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides a procedure to fix an oil leak from a porous area at the cylinder head and how to fix it so that the engine does not have to be replaced. | |
| 25-NA-118 May 2025 | Forward Collision Avoidance | 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. | |
| 15-NA-010 May 2025 | Engine | 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. | |
| PIP5958B Apr 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary information communicates the process for recording transmission noises using the PicoScope For review. | |
| 25-NA-100 Apr 2025 | Engine | 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 Component Limited Warranty. | |
| PI0281L Apr 2025 | Steering | This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. | |
| 24-NA-229 Apr 2025 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| 07-00-89-037W Apr 2025 | Unknown Or Other | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs. | |
| 25-NA-087 Apr 2025 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| 20-NA-084 Apr 2025 | Engine | This service bulletin provides information on normal engine characteristics/noise produced by the LIH or LBP engine. | |
| 13-08-116-001K Mar 2025 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| 25-NA-052 Mar 2025 | Engine | 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. | |
| 25-NA-065 Mar 2025 | Steering | This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis. | |
| 24-NA-098 Mar 2025 | Unknown Or Other | 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. | |
| 23-NA-164 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Lock and Unlock (Active Functions Work) but Will Not Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions Do Not Work). |
Showing 60 of 607 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 3 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Buick Encore GX →