Platform Heritage
The Buick Encore is a subcompact crossover SUV built by General Motors from 2012 to 2022. It is a subcompact crossover SUV marketed by Buick and its fourth SUV overall after the Rendezvous, Rainier, and Enclave.
The "Encore" designation was previously used by American Motors Corporation (AMC) for the subcompact two and four-door hatchback variants of the U.S.-built front-wheel drive Renault Alliance from 1984 to 1987.
Source: Wikipedia intro extract · as of Aug 04, 2026
Key facts for this model year
19NHTSA owner complaints
2Safety recalls on file
2Top issue reports · Power Train
$0Typical OEM recall remedy cost to you
Verify the data — open primary sources · as of Aug 04, 2026
System Defect Summaries & Field Data
Active safety recalls on file: 2 (source: NHTSA Recalls API · as of Aug 04, 2026)
Top NHTSA complaint categories
- POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — 2 reports (source: NHTSA Complaints API · as of Aug 04, 2026)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — 2 reports (source: NHTSA Complaints API · as of Aug 04, 2026)
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — 1 reports (source: NHTSA Complaints API · as of Aug 04, 2026)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — 1 reports (source: NHTSA Complaints API · as of Aug 04, 2026)
- ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — 1 reports (source: NHTSA Complaints API · as of Aug 04, 2026)
Recent recall summaries
Campaign 20V537000 · SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS · API record
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.
Campaign 20V668000 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · API record
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.
YouTube voice themes below are research hints only — verify against NHTSA data before citing.
On-Site Buick Encore Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Verify OBD-II readiness monitors are complete (not recently cleared) using a full protocol scan.
- Compare dashboard mileage to ECU-stored odometer modules where accessible.
- Pull permanent and pending DTCs — not only stored codes visible on the dash.
- Inspect systems related to POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
- Inspect systems related to ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
- Inspect systems related to SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
- Inspect systems related to UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
- Inspect systems related to ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (NHTSA complaint cluster — verify during test drive and PPI).
- Confirm recall remedy completed for SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS (campaign 20V537000).
- Confirm recall remedy completed for POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (campaign 20V668000).
- Run a MotoMetrics on-site scan for Buick Encore before signing the bill of sale.
Buick OBD-II trouble code quick reference
- P0420 — Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — top long-tail code across most makes
- P0171 — Fuel system too lean — vacuum leaks and fuel trim diagnostics
- P0300 — Engine misfire detected — inspect coils, plugs, and compression
Generic diagnostic context only — confirm stored, pending, and permanent codes with a full-protocol scan before purchase.