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2020 Buick Encore

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 6 of 19 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

19 reports
77,213 miles · Jun 25, 2026
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

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 …

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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 ODI #11746471

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2026
Service BrakesUnknown 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 indepen…

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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 ODI #11734263

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2026
EngineFuel/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"…

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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 ODI #11720398

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2025
Fuel/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 repl…

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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 ODI #11691163

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2025
Engine

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 en…

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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 ODI #11660287

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown 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 ODI #11656756

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2025
EnginePower TrainVehicle 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 ODI #11638444

60,000 miles · May 29, 2024
Visibility

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 f…

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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 ODI #11591408

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/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, hesita…

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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 ODI #11588190

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2024
EnginePower 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…

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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 ODI #11584659

Official recalls

2

20V668000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 29, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

20V537000 · Seats; Seats:critical Fasteners

Sep 3, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:critical Fasteners

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.