2021 Buick Encore GX: What to check before buying

Sudden loss of power leads these reports. The check engine light comes on, the car drops into reduced power or limp mode, and codes point to turbo underboost. Some owners report the turbo failing more than once. Others describe stalling in traffic with no warning, RPM swinging at a stop, or overheating tied to a faulty coolant control valve. Parts sometimes sit on backorder for weeks. An evap leak detection pump failure appears at 78,871 miles. Losing power on highways and merges creates a real crash risk.

Turbocharger failure drives most of these reports. The check engine light comes on, the car jerks or will not accelerate, and an "Engine Power Reduced" message can hold speed to 25 mph. Dealer repairs to the turbo or its intercooler do not always hold, and the failure returns. One turbo failure appears at 45,000 miles. Another report describes the exhaust manifold detaching with loud popping and scraping at 52,590 miles. Sudden power loss at highway speed creates crash risk.

A false "Shift to Park" message is the most common fault. The car is already in Park, but the warning and chime stay on, and the vehicle may refuse to shut off or start. Owners jiggle the shifter, restart the car repeatedly, or disconnect the battery. Most of these reports fall between 57,000 and 61,000 miles, and dealers often cannot find the cause. Other reports describe transmission slipping and lost forward gear around 66,828 miles. Losing propulsion while driving is a serious crash risk.

A hard brake pedal and brake system warnings lead these reports. Owners describe a very stiff pedal, delayed stops, and warning lights for brakes, ABS, and traction control, in one case with a 62 mph top-speed limit. Others report the car stopping abruptly under light pedal pressure, and a passenger suffered a neck injury. Dealer diagnoses name the vacuum module, master cylinder, or brake system control module. Several failures show up within the first few thousand miles. Weak or unpredictable braking raises crash risk.

Reduced engine power and complete loss of propulsion are the symptoms here. Owners describe a check engine light, sluggish driving, and heavy shaking above 35 mph. One dealer traced the fault to wiring melted by an overtightened zip tie and cited a GM service bulletin. Another report ties repeated power loss to the turbocharger and says GM refused special coverage because of a branded title. Losing power while driving raises crash risk.

No mechanical failures appear in these reports. Both owners describe a recall notice for the emergency jack with no replacement part available. They say the wait has gone on too long. In one case the dealer removed the jack, cleared the recall, and sent the car home without a replacement. The complaint here is a parts shortage at dealers, not a breakdown on the road.