Model year guide

2021 Buick Encore GX

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Buick Encore GX is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2021 Buick Encore GX — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Buick Encore GX at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints53
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined28–31 mpg
Typical price$25,612

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

2021 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.

2021 Buick Encore GX common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2021 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 2021 Buick Encore GX SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2021 Buick Encore GX MPG & running costs

Combined28–31 mpg
City28 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,283
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$583 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.

What's a 2021 Buick Encore GX worth?

Low
$22,914
Typical price
$25,612
High
$29,999

From 6 comparable 2021 Buick Encore GX listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Buick Encore GX costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,415
Fuel only$11,415
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 2021 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 675

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 675.

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 2021 model year Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer 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 Li…

Bulletin N242450640-02 · 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 dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

Bulletin PIC6551C · 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

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.

Bulletin PIT5966F · Jun 2026

PIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks

Bulletin PIP6032C · Jun 2026

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

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2021 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

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.

2021 Buick Encore GX trims & engines on record

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

2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles on record

2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GX PreferredKL4MMBS29MB167655 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GX PreferredKL4MMBS21MB168802 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GX EssenceKL4MMFSL6MB130370 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GX PreferredKL4MMBS20MB170959 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GX SelectKL4MMDSL9MB160855 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GX SelectKL4MMESL7MB059657 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GXKL4MMGSL3MB150081 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GXKL4MMESL0MB182376 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GXKL4MMDSL6MB152812 2021 Buick Encore GX 2021 Buick Encore GXKL4MMBS20NB019671

Other Buick Encore GX model years

2023 2022 2020 2017

2021 Buick Encore GX — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Buick Encore GX have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 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 2021 Buick Encore GX?

Across all 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, power train, service brakes.

What is the 2021 Buick Encore GX safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2021 Buick Encore GX an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Buick Encore GX get?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has U.S. EPA estimates of 28–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 2021 Buick Encore GX worth?

Comparable 2021 Buick Encore GX listings run roughly $22,914–$29,999, typically around $25,612 (from 6 vehicles).

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