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2021 Buick Encore problems

The most common problem on the 2021 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
94/100
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
5381 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
26-31mpg

The worst 2021 Buick Encore problems

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Buick Encore 538

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

See all 538 bulletins for the 2021 Buick Encore

2021 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

2021 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
1.2L 3‑cylFWD283129
1.3L 3‑cylAWD262928
1.4L 4‑cylFWD24-2530-3227
1.4L 4‑cylAWD23-2429-3026

What 2021 Buick Encore owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · PA

Intermittent Service Brake Assist Light with very hard brake pedal and almost no breaks backing up. Have had it to several shops who said it was a turbo booster issue so scheduled service with Patriot GMC Boyertown Pa. Also intermittently has little to no power causing driving hazard suddenly especially uphill. Seems to mostly happen during rainy days.

Filed Nov 11, 2025 · Engine · WI

I have continuously had my check engine light pop on. I have took it in twice for them fix the issue which is the purge sensor. It did not fix the issue because the light just pops back on. This has caused issues with me passing emissions and has been an headache shortly street I obtained the vehicle.

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Brakes · 38,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the Hill Assist message was displayed. The brake pedal was pumped several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer and another dealer, Mangino Chevrolet, INC. (4447 NY-30, Amsterdam, NY 12010); were made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V588000 (Service Brakes); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Engine · MI

Took to the dealership. They stated my flex pipe had melted and the o2 sensors are stuck in the pipe need replacement as well. They have to replace flex pipe and everything leading to the 2nd o2 sensor. They stated there was no damage or tampering to the flex pipe. This should not have happened in this new of a vehicle. This is a dangerous and costly repair that falls on a faulty flex pipe and not covered by the warranty.

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Transmission · WI

Turbo Charger failed while passing a semi-trailer truck causing a severe lack of power and almost causing a head on collision with on-coming traffic. I had 3 passengers at the time. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center and I am getting a second opinion from a dealer on 2/3. The check engine light did come on when it happened. There were no symptoms prior to failure. I have since researched the problem and found that Turbo Charger failure is the #1 issue with this make and year.

Filed Jun 17, 2024 · MN

The 2021 Buick Encore was listed by the federal safety agency as having a parts recall with the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, yet when I look up my VIN and talk to the dealer, I’m told the vehicle is not recalled, even though I’m having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. I’ve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and I’m hoping I don’t have to pay for it since my issue is the same one that was listed in the recall.

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · MA · 1 injury

Nothing air bags deployed was leaving a parking lot started went to drive off !! Bang 2000 bounds of pressure in my face! My whole body!! It was a rental !! Look into this vechicail !hair burnt! Fried wire smell still on my burnt jacket!! Look into this with great concern as iam reaching out with shock and awe about this whole situation that accured** there is video of accurance in parking lot * think the owner is going to try to cover up what ever he can , saying that for reason's of my own! Please someone's job to investagte right ! Black box data speed which 2 miles a hour was speed .. Couldnt see * air bags even came up from the peddles?? Why ?? So cant put the breaks on? Like iwas trapped hurt did not know what was going on .

Filed Feb 4, 2023 · Transmission · MI

Already had turbo go on this car once back in July 2022. Mechanic replaced turbo with another one (used with 20,000 miles on it) due to the turbo for this car being on backorder. Now my car is throwing P0299 after about 20,000 more miles being put on the used turbo and a P0420 code. Changed rear catalytic. Changed upstream O2 sensor, changed wastegate solenoid, turbo seems to be working fine, no noises, but losing power going up hills at highway speeds. Seriously unhappy and no recalls on this vehicle but it has the same turbo as other vehicles that has had recalls!!! I think this should be a recall!!!

Filed Sep 7, 2022 · Engine · MI

Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really hot under hood, smoke from tailpipe and loss of power. Took to repair shop, they want to replace engine, oil lines, turbo and gaskets. Car has 121530 miles on it.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Buick Encore before you buy

Compare the 2021 Buick Encore

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Questions about the 2021 Buick Encore

Is the 2021 Buick Encore reliable?

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2021 Buick Encore, fewer than a typical Encore model year.

What is the 2021 Buick Encore year score?

The 2021 Buick Encore scores 94 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 2021 Buick Encore?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is transmission (3).

How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Encore have?

No recalls on record.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2021 Buick Encore scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What year does the Buick Encore have bad engine?

The Buick Encore model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (43 complaints), 2017 (40 complaints) and 2019 (40 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Buick Encore get?

Official estimates for the 2021 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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