2020-2025 Buick Encore GX Problems: 11 Known Issues

On the 1.2L engine, wear in the turbocharger wastegate linkage can cause a rattle on cold start and set code P0299 (engine underboost). When the turbocharger fails, the check-engine light comes on and a message may say the engine power is reduced. Applies to: 2020-2023 Buick Encore GX with the 1.2L LIH engine (bulletin 23-NA-058). GM special coverages N232407740 (2020), N242450640 (2021) and N242484750 (2022) cover turbocharger failure on 1.2L cars; involvement is by VIN. The 1.3L L3T is not listed in these documents.

On 2024 Encore GX models with the 1.2L turbo engine, the engine control module may not properly control ignition timing following certain Auto Engine Stop/Start events. This can illuminate the check engine light and cause the engine to run rough or knock; continued driving with engine knock can lead to internal engine damage. GM issued a voluntary emissions recall (GM program number A242435780; bulletin copy posted by NHTSA as document 11006392), also covering the 2024 Buick Envista, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Trax with the 1.2L engine.

On 2024 Encore GX models, a software fault in the Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) Module can cause the digital instrument panel to intermittently go blank at startup or while driving. A blank cluster fails to show speed, warning lights, and other critical information, increasing crash risk. GM recalled the Encore GX along with the Buick Envista and Chevrolet Trax (recall 23V744, GM program number A232424320), covering more than 60,000 vehicles.

A malfunctioning park switch inside the shifter assembly can make the driver information center show "Shift to Park" while the vehicle is already in Park, and can cause a no-start. Owners report the vehicle then will not shut off fully. Applies to: 2020-2023 Buick Encore GX (bulletin 23-NA-119, which also covers the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Malibu).

On later Encore GX models the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning system applies an inappropriate steering torque that pulls the vehicle across the centerline rather than back into the lane. An NHTSA complaint on the 2025 model describes a sudden, forceful takeover of the steering wheel toward oncoming traffic, requiring the driver to fight the system. CarComplaints lists Lane Assist as the leading reported problem on the 2025 model year, though from only a handful of reports. The behavior appears tied to camera misinterpretation of lane markings - faded lines, tar seams, construction striping, shadows and crest transitions - compounded by camera calibration that was never performed or was performed incorrectly after a windshield replacement.

The emergency jack, if not positioned as the owner's manual directs, could fracture and fail to support the vehicle. If it fractures under load, the vehicle could collapse, potentially injuring people near or under it. Applies to: 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX built March 23, 2020 to June 3, 2021 (55,996 vehicles in the recall report); involvement is by VIN.

The VT40 CVT can lose forward gear, slip or lose propulsion with the check-engine light on. GM lists a pressure regulator or clutch regulator valve sticking in the valve body, forward clutch piston damage, or wear in the primary pulley bearing bore as causes; running in this state can damage the drive chain and pulleys. Applies to: 2020-2024 Buick Encore GX with the VT40 CVT (bulletin 21-NA-003) and 2020-2025 (bulletin 24-NA-009): front-wheel-drive models with the 1.2L LIH or 1.3L L3T. Not the AWD 9-speed automatic.

Material in a sensor connection of the electronic brake boost system may have been contaminated, which can interrupt communication between the sensor and the brake boost system. Brake assist could then be lost, so extra pedal force is needed to slow and stop, increasing the risk of a crash. Applies to: Certain 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX built January 30 to September 1, 2020 (1,111 vehicles in the recall report); involvement is by VIN.

The electric evaporative-emissions purge pump can fail. When it does, the check-engine light comes on and a trouble code sets. Applies to: 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX with the 1.2L LIH or 1.3L L3T engine are listed in GM special coverage N232395310; involvement is by VIN. Owners of 2022 and 2023 Encore GX also report purge pump replacements; those years are not listed in this coverage.

Certain vehicles were assembled with an incorrect catalytic converter that may not meet emissions requirements. Its identity must be checked; an intact-looking converter does not establish whether it is the correct part. For the 2021 Select FWD 1.2L LIH shown, GM emissions recall A202317281 covers certain 2020–2021 Encore GX. The separate A232398131 campaign covers certain 2023 vehicles. Neither document covers the 1.3L or model year 2022. A Buick dealer must confirm VIN involvement in the GM campaign system.

On the 1.3L engine, the check-engine light can come on with code P3075 (engine coolant flow too low). GM bulletin 21-NA-257 says this may be caused by low coolant or air trapped in the cooling system; GM TechLink also describes P3075 and/or P0128 set by failure of the engine coolant flow control valve. Applies to: 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX with the 1.3L L3T engine (bulletin 21-NA-257); GM TechLink lists 2020-2025 Encore GX with the 1.3L for the control valve failure. The 1.2L LIH is not listed.