2020 Buick Encore problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Buick Encore, filed between 2020-09-04 and 2026-06-25. The most common problem areas are the engine (7, 37%), electrical system (4, 21%) and fuel/propulsion system (4, 21%). Owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2020 Buick Encore complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 37% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 19 (37%) name the engine.
- 4 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Buick Encore covers this system.
Electrical system: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 19 (21%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Buick Encore covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 19 (21%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 2 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Buick Encore covers this system.
Power train: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 19 (21%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2020 Buick Encore; the recall, campaign 20V668000, says: “The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.”
Vehicle speed control: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 19 (16%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Buick Encore covers this system.
Service brakes: 2 complaints
- 2 complaints of 19 (11%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Buick Encore covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ENCORE, model year 2020. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2020 Buick Encore recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick Encore?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2020 Buick Encore's most common problem areas are the engine (7 of 19 complaints), electrical system (4 of 19 complaints) and fuel/propulsion system (4 of 19 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2020 Buick Encore have?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Buick Encore, including 1 reported crash.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Buick Encore's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Buick Encore; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.