Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission and engine. The 7 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/7 checked
2021 Buick Encore: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2021's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Buick Encore. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2L 3-cyl | FWD | 29 mpg |
| 1.3L 3-cyl | AWD, FWD | 28–31 mpg |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 26–27 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Turbocharger failure shows up in most reports, and it cuts power without warning. Drivers describe sudden power loss on hills at highway speeds and while passing a semi, which nearly caused a head-on collision. The check engine light may come on, with code P0299 cited, and one failure gave no symptoms beforehand. A replacement turbo was on backorder in one case, so a used part was installed. Another report pairs intermittent power loss with a Service Brake Assist light and a very hard brake pedal, mostly on rainy days.
Check engine lights and exhaust faults make up most reports. A recurring light traced to the purge sensor keeps returning after two repair visits and causes failed emissions tests. Another case involves a melted flex pipe with oxygen sensors stuck in it, and the repair was not covered by warranty. The most serious report describes overheating with the temperature gauge at the 3/4 mark, the AC shutting off, smoke from the tailpipe, and loss of power. In that case, at 121530 miles, a shop recommended replacing the engine and turbo.
Excerpts from complaints Encore owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Intermittent Service Brake Assist Light with very hard brake pedal and almost no breaks backing up. Have had it to several shops who said it was a turbo booster issue so scheduled service with Patriot GMC Boyertown Pa. Also intermittently has little to no power causing driving hazard suddenly especially uphill. Seems to mostly happen during rainy days.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2026
Took to the dealership. They stated my flex pipe had melted and the o2 sensors are stuck in the pipe need replacement as well. They have to replace flex pipe and everything leading to the 2nd o2 sensor. They stated there was no damage or tampering to the flex pipe. This should not have happened in this new of a vehicle. This is a dangerous and costly repair that falls on a faulty flex pipe and not covered by the warranty.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
I have continuously had my check engine light pop on. I have took it in twice for them fix the issue which is the purge sensor. It did not fix the issue because the light just pops back on. This has caused issues with me passing emissions and has been an headache shortly street I obtained the vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 5 Encore years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the ninth model year of the Encore's first generation (2013–2022).
It includes the 2017 update.
What changed for 2017
Cars shoppers compare with the Buick Encore, with their own 2021 checklists.
2021 owner complaints, side by side
