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2020 Buick Encore Gx Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Buick Encore Gx carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering service brakes and stand. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Shift to Park dashboard warning preventing engine shutoff.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign #20V588000 · Sep 24, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 number for this recall is A202307260.

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

Campaign #21V440000 · Oct 6, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.

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 customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Buick Encore Gx.

Reported to NHTSA

Shift to Park dashboard warning preventing engine shutoff

POWER TRAIN

23 NHTSA complaints · 2024-05 → 2026-04

“To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2020 Buick Encore GX (VIN: [XXX] ) related to the “Shift to Park” defect, which is documented in GM’s Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-119”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695563
“The gear shift when placed in park and the car ignition turned off would cause an alarm to go off and a message to show up on the dash that the gear shift should be placed in parks (which it was in already)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652618
“The vehicle will flash a message “Shift to park” when the car is already parked. This is a known issue across multiple GM brands including Chevy and Buick. The dealer diagnosed the issue and said that it needed a new shifter and wiring harness”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619189

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of engine power and turbocharger failure

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2026-02

“pulling out of a service station, my check engine light illuminated, and message on cluster stated: Engine Power Reduced. I loss throttle response for accelerating. Accelerator pedal was pushed to the floor and no acceleration. Vehicle entered limp mode”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718640
“I was driving on the interstate on June 7, 2023 heading to work doing the speed limit of 60 MPH and all of a sudden the check engine light came on and a message stated "Engine Power Reduced" and the engine literally dropped engine power immediately and thankfully there was nobody”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528407
“My vehicle is undrivable. Multiple times per trip the check engine light comes on and I see multiple messages come on the driver information center”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631056

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake noise and caliper component wear

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2025-05

“The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse on several occasions, the brake was depressed and there was an abnormal foghorn sound coming from the driver’s side rear wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660619
“The contact’s fiancé owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle was unable to stop while the brake pedal was depressed and the parking brake was activated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11472783
“Dealership, fixed brakes due to previous recall. Brakes continue to squeal and grind with every stop. Was informed by dealership that they can do no further repair because it is considered a noise and not a safety issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441901

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure requiring replacement

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2026-07

“Transmission would not connect with the engine. La Fontaine dealership in Saint Clair. Said I need a new transmission cost $14,000. It has 59823 miles under the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745442
“THE DEALER FOUND 3 PIECES OF RUBBER INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION WHEN IT WAS TAKEN APART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,529”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415408
“On multiple occasions the vehicle feels like it is slipping gears (more often when the autostop feature is turned on). On multiple occasions the vehicle has stalled out and would not do anything when pressing on gas- didn't even rev, did absolutely nothing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461685

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failing to stop the vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2025-04

“GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN CERTAIN 2020 MODEL YEAR CADILLAC CT4, CT5 AND XT4 VEHICLES, 2020MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES, 2020 ' 2021 MODEL YEAR BUICK ENCORE GX VEHICLES, AND 2021 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET TRAILBLA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366809
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A U-TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363178
“The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and it traveled to the floorboard causing the brakes to fail to stop the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455501

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system shutdown and wiring harness failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2022-04

“While driving this 2020 Buick Encore GX with around 7,000 miles on the odometer, the entire electrical/electronic system shut down. Windows were inoperative, the AC stopped, the radio failed, the flashers did not work, etc. The only things that worked were the engine and brakes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460179
“STARTED HAVING TROUBLE LAST WEEK WITH THE FUEL GAUGE AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND THEY FOUND THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE HARNESS LOCATED BY THE FUEL. COST $850 TO REPAIR WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403516
“THE VEHICLE HAS A SOFTWARE ANAMOLY ACCORDING THE THE DEALER THAT HAS MY SES LIGHT ON AND MY PRE-COLLISION ALTERS SEEM TO NOT BE WORKING SINCE THIS OCCURRED. THE SES LIGHT CAME ON 4/9/21 AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407881

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration overriding brake input

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2025-02

“I was at a stop light and the light turned green, I preceded to press the accelerator, I was just starting to move forward and the, peddle seemed to take over with my assistance went all the way down and began speeding up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645021
“2/3/2021 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER TODAY. SHE WAS DRIVING AND WE WERE APPROACHING A LEFT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. WE HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND I COULD SEE THAT HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. SHE STARTED THE TURN WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11394553
“I WAS DRIVING HOME APPROX 6:00 PM AS I WAS STARTING ON L75 MY BUICK 2020GX WITH LESS THAN 300 MILES STARTED TO SPEED UP TO A VERY FAST MY BRAKES DID NOT SLOW ME DOWN THE CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP I WAS VERY SCARED WHEN THE CAR KEPT GOING FASTER NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT THERE WAS AL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389607

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags failing to deploy in rear-end collision

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2022-10

“Rear end accident. Distracted driver hit the back of my car at least at 40 mph. No airbags deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487793
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN SHE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING HER TO SHOOT FORWARD AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11375090

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 14, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 14, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

35 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Buick Encore Gx reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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