Model year guide

2020 Buick encore gx

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Buick encore gx is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 12 on record.

2020 Buick encore gx — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Buick encore gx at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints70
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined28–31 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2020 Buick encore gx recalls 2

Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift:stand NHTSA Campaign #21V440000 · manufacturer #A212335470 · 10/06/2021

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.

Fix: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet c…

Service Brakes NHTSA Campaign #20V588000 · manufacturer #A202307260 · 24/09/2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's numbe…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2020 Buick encore gx common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2020 Buick encore gx safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 17.9% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2020 Buick Encore GX SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2020 Buick encore gx MPG & running costs

Combined28–31 mpg
City27 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,317
EPA size classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios) or Automatic 9-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$417 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Buick encore gx costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,585
Fuel only$11,585
Per mile$0.15

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
171.3 in
Width
71.3 in
Height
64.2 in
Wheelbase
102.4 in
Curb weight
3,025–3,256 lb
Front track
61.0 in
Rear track
61.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2020 Buick encore gx — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 638

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 638.

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

Bulletin PIT5698F · Sep 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

This Preliminary Information provides the dealer information of the location of the rear seat child anchors.

Bulletin PIT5995B · Sep 2026

Special Coverage. Certain 2020 model year Buick Encore GX vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. If this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and…

Bulletin N232407740-03 · Engine · Sep 2026

This Preliminary Information provides a diagnostic tip for diagnosing an issue with Cruise Control, Adaptive Cruise and Lane Keep Assist Turns Off or Inoperative.

Bulletin PIT6196A · Aug 2026

This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the direction needed when encountering an issue with switching between adaptive cruise control and regular cruise control or an issue with automatic high beam feature after the front camera was replac…

Bulletin PIC6548B · Jul 2026

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Bulletin PIT5099J · Jul 2026

PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks

Bulletin PIP6032C · Jun 2026

This PI instructs dealers to install foam around the shifter cable to stop rattling

Bulletin PIP6029A · Apr 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ENCORE GX FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2020 Buick encore gx. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Accessories

Issue: On certain vehicles, the emergency spare tire jack could break if it is not properly positioned under the vehicle. If this happens, the jack could collapse and the vehicle could fall suddenly. Safety Risk: A jack that collapses could trap or injure a person who is near or under the vehicle. Corrective Action: General Motors will contact owners by mail and instruct you to…

Transport Canada #2021365 · Jun 2021

Powertrain

Issue: On certain vehicles, the start-stop accumulator in the transmission may be missing bolts. As a result, transmission fluid could leak and eventually cause the transmission to stop working. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A transmission fluid leak onto a hot surface can create the risk of a fire. Additionally, a loss of power to…

Transport Canada #2020520 · Oct 2020

Brakes

Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor in the electronic brake boost system may have a bad connection. Under certain driving conditions, this could cause a loss of brake assist. If this happens, there would be a sudden increase in brake pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: Reduced brake performance can cause extended stopping distances and increase the r…

Transport Canada #2020452 · Sep 2020

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Buick encore gx

The Buick Encore GX is a subcompact crossover SUV built by General Motors starting in 2019. Like the smaller Encore and the related Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Encore GX is manufactured by GM Korea. In China, it is manufactured by the SAIC-GM joint venture.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2020 Buick encore gx trims & engines on record

Trims
Preferred · Essence · Select
Engines
1.3L 3-cyl · 1.2L 3-cyl

2020 Buick encore gx vehicles on record

Other Buick encore gx model years

2020 Buick encore gx — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Buick encore gx have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2020 Buick encore gx. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Buick encore gx?

Across all 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, power train, electrical system.

What is the 2020 Buick encore gx safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2020 Buick encore gx an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Buick encore gx get?

The 2020 Buick encore gx has U.S. EPA estimates of 28–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.