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2020 Buick Encore problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Buick Encore is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical Encore model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
91/100
Owner complaints
19
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
6561 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
26-31mpg

The worst 2020 Buick Encore problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    7
  • Electrical
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Buick Encore

Check engine light 5

Recalls 2

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

Seats: critical fastenersReported September 3, 2020 · 105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 20V537000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2020 Buick Encore

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Buick Encore 656

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 656 bulletins for the 2020 Buick Encore

2020 Buick Encore crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Buick Encore SUV AWD5554
Buick Encore SUV FWD5554

2020 Buick Encore fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.3L 3‑cylFWD303231
1.3L 3‑cylAWD262928
1.2L 3‑cylFWD263028
1.4L 4‑cylFWD253027
1.4L 4‑cylAWD242926

What 2020 Buick Encore owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · 77,213 miles · MI

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.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Brakes · PA

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.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

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.

Filed Oct 3, 2025 · Fuel system · OR

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.

Filed May 11, 2025 · Engine · AL

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 .

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

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.

Filed Jan 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · IL

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).

Filed May 29, 2024 · Visibility · 60,000 miles · MI

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 federal safety agency Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed May 10, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · CT

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 the federal safety agency ID 11548946 in October 2023

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · KY

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

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2020 Buick Encore before you buy

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Questions about the 2020 Buick Encore

Is the 2020 Buick Encore reliable?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2020 Buick Encore, fewer than a typical Encore model year.

What is the 2020 Buick Encore year score?

The 2020 Buick Encore scores 91 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Encore: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Buick Encore?

Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints. Next is electrical (4).

How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Encore have?

2 recalls, covering power train and seats.

Is the 2020 Buick Encore safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2020 Buick Encore scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Buick Encore get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Buick Encore range from 26 to 31 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.3L 3-cyl, FWD) gets 30 city and 32 highway.

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