2020 Buick Encore Problems And Complaints

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Rating6.4

Ranked #7 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$23,200 - $30,800
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2020 Buick Encore

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Disliked by Users

  • BF

    Barb F

    • 12/08/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    I traded in my old CVR and purchased a Buick Encore. One week after I brought it home it started having problems - little things like the stereo cracking, and a little trouble accelerating. I thought maybe once I drove it awhile these little bugs would work themselves out. WRONG! It has been one thing afterRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • J

    Jerry

    • 14/03/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    We hit a deer 5 months ago it caused the seat belt to malfunction on the drivers side. GMC cannot get us a seat belt and has no clue when one will become available. In the meantime the dealership won't releaseRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • R

    RB123

    • 29/12/2019

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... tiny? Why is there navigation but only if I call and talk to an Onstar person? Who wants to talk to Onstar constantly!?! Why is center display features only accessible from the turn signal stick so that you have to take your hand off the wheel and fiddle with something complex that almost prevents your from using the steering wheel while driving? Why is the radio reception so very bad? It wouldn't pick up stations our ten year old car had no problem locking on to.Read More

    Source: edmunds

2020 Buick Encore Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

In an ever-augmenting subcompact SUV market, the Buick Encore is the hottest option available. Not only does it adhere to the segment standards of maneuverability and pragmatism, but the American vehicle also finds itself ranking highly in the lists of dependability as well. While it has had some troublesome years, the 2020 Buick Encore is a considerable improvement from its predecessors. It has 4 complaints registered to its name and while there are two listed recalls on the NHTSA website, the call for the front seats relates to the 2020 Buick Encore GX. The SUV scores 85 points in the J.D. Power tests of quality and reliability. The 2020 Buick Encore price starts at $22,990 and falls in a similar ballpark as the 2020 Honda HR-V, the 2020 Hyundai Kona, and the 2020 Chevrolet Trax.

2020 Buick Encore User Complaints and Problems

Electrical System Complaints

  • Underlying electrical concerns: The Buick Encore electrical problems have been a known cause of concern. While in the previous iterations these have ranged from the erratic functioning of the headlight units, radio system, and locking system, one buyer of the 2020 iteration has reported the failure of the cruise control functionality and the vehicle’s horn.

Exterior Complaints

  • Defective tires: One buyer of the 2020 Buick Encore has also reported the tire to develop a bubble, without any prior symptoms. While it is a one-off case, another instance of a defective tire was noted in one unit of 2018 MY of the SUV.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Loss of engine power: Among the 2020 Buick Encore problems, the buyers have reported the SUV losing its power, without any prior symptom or warning. The vehicle stalls inadvertently and in one case, it has almost led to a collision with an 18-wheeler. While no injuries have been reported, Buick should aim at eliminating the issue, as it has been constantly recurring over the past few iterations.
  • Vehicle lurches forward: Among other common problems with Buick Encore, complainants of the current generation have reported the SUV to lurch forward violently. While the cause for the problem is yet to be ascertained, in a couple of cases, this issue has been superseded by the vehicle picking up speed without any input.

2020 Buick Encore Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

29th Oct 2020

20V668000

Missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator

Due to missing endcaps on the start/stop accumulator, the vehicle might lose its power. Additionally, there is also a risk of a transmission oil leak, which can increase the chance of a fire.

Upon inspection, dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, if there are any missing bolts, free of cost. The recall was started on 15th Dec 2020.

Should you buy the 2020 Buick Encore?

The new 2020 Buick Encore is a delightful option for those wanting to jump onto the subcompact SUV bandwagon. It is easy to drive with agile handling and maneuverable dimensions, which makes it city-friendly. It sports an enticing and tranquil cabin and comes packed to the hilt with class-leading safety specifications. While the base engine can be termed underwhelming, the Encore makes up for the lost points with its trustworthiness. Its high-reliability quotient is evident in the number of its complaints and recalls. So, if you are looking for an affordable vehicle that delivers comprehensive performance, the Buick Encore should rank highly on your watchlist.

Also read:

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

May 11, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11660287

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11660287

Incident Date:
May 11, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KL4CJASB2LB

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
I am co-owner of the vehicle. My daughter was driving the SUV when the Check engine light came on. There ...

April 25, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11656756

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11656756

Incident Date:
April 25, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KL4CJCSB5LB

Consumer Location:
SAN JOSE, CA

Summary
On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it a...

January 24, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11638444

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11638444

Incident Date:
January 24, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KL4CJESB5LB

Consumer Location:
NAPERVILLE, IL

Summary
Unknown issues w/ sensors and wiring lead to turbocharger failure. This led to spontaneous acceleration i...

May 29, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11591408

Components: 134000 VISIBILITY

NHTSA ID Number:
11591408

Incident Date:
May 29, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
KL4CJASB3LB

Consumer Location:
WALLED LAKE, MI

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the conta...

May 10, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11588190

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11588190

Incident Date:
May 10, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
KL4CJESB7LB

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
Imthe original owner and purchased the car new 4 years ago. At 89,000 miles, the check engine light came ...

85/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

79/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

80/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

94/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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