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Buick · Known Issues

2022 Buick Encore GX Problems: 7 Known Issues

2022 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2022 Buick Encore GX has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Plastic Coolant Control Valve / Water Pump Assembly Failure Causing Overheating (P3075) ($600-$1,500 repair), VT40 CVT Pressure Control Solenoid Failure - Complete Loss of Motive Power (P2714 / P0700) ($4,500-$7,800 repair), Encore GX CVT / 9-Speed Hesitation and Shudder ($0-$3,500 repair) and Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Failure Causing "Engine Power Is Reduced" and Underboost (P0299) ($900-$2,400 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $7,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Encore GX Transmission2
  • Encore GX Cooling1
  • Encore GX Engine1
  • Encore GX Emissions1
  • Encore GX Safety/Recalls1
  • Encore GX Electrical1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission2
  • Cooling1
  • Engine1
  • Emissions1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls4
  • FAQ

All 7 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS202520242023202220212020

On the 2020-2025 Buick Encore GX LIH 1.2L Turbo I3 with VT40 CVT, separate from the well-known low-speed shudder, the VT40 continuously variable transmission suffers hard failures of the line-pressure control solenoid circuit. When the solenoid sticks off, the belt-and-pulley set loses clamping pressure, the transmission cannot transmit torque, and the vehicle abruptly stops accelerating - owners describe engine RPM climbing with no forward motion, or being unable to exceed 20 mph with the pedal floored, sometimes on a highway. Failures are reported between roughly 40,000 and 83,000 miles, and multiple NHTSA complaints describe a second failure after an earlier transmission replacement. Some units have been found with essentially no fluid in the sealed case at teardown.

This issue also affects: Buick Enclave, Buick Envision, Buick Regal

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle will not accelerate past ~20 mph with pedal fully depressed
  • Engine revs but vehicle does not move
  • Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse
  • Loud whine or mechanical noise from the transaxle
  • Sudden jerk followed by loss of drive at highway speed
  • Speedometer rising and falling erratically

How to Fix

Do not clear the code and keep driving; continued operation with low line pressure destroys the belt and pulleys. Retrieve P2714/P0700 and check line pressure and fluid condition. In GM practice this is almost always resolved by transmission replacement or a remanufactured unit rather than a solenoid-only repair, because by the time the code sets the variator surfaces are already damaged. Insist on documentation of the fluid fill and level check on the replacement unit, since dry-at-delivery units have been reported. Verify powertrain warranty coverage (5yr/60,000 mi) before authorizing repair.

Typical repair cost:$4,500 - $7,800

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2024 Buick Encore GX, the 2020+ Encore GX uses either the VT40 CVT (FWD 1.2L) or the GM 9T50 9-speed (AWD 1.3L). Both have reported issues: CVT hesitates from a stop, jerks on tip-in, and growls. 9-speed has been the subject of multiple TSBs covering harsh shifts, flares, and torque converter shudder.

This issue also affects: Buick Envision, Buick Regal, Cadillac CT6

Common Symptoms

  • hesitation from stop
  • jerk on tip-in
  • shudder at light throttle
  • harsh shifts

How to Fix

CVT: software update via dealer (TSB 21-NA-141 and successors). 9-speed: ATF flush + reprogramming if persistent shudder; valve body or torque converter if not resolved. Many fixes were under GM's "PI" (Product Investigation) bulletins — check for active campaigns on your VIN.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,500

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Manually Verified
Medium Confidence

On the 2020-2024 Buick Encore GX, the three-cylinder turbo cooling system uses an electrically actuated multi-port coolant control valve with a plastic housing and rotor that directs flow between the block, heater core, turbo and radiator circuits. The plastic rotor binds or the housing cracks, and the integrated water pump module can fail alongside it. Because the ECM cannot achieve commanded coolant flow, it sets a coolant-flow-low fault and the engine overheats, typically after 20-25 minutes of continuous driving. Owners describe an erratic temperature gauge that swings before the overheat warning appears. Because the valve sits in a tight three-cylinder bay, labor is a large share of the bill.

This issue also affects: Cadillac Allante, Cadillac Catera, Cadillac DeVille

Common Symptoms

  • Engine overheats after 20-25 minutes of driving
  • Temperature gauge reads erratically or swings high then normal
  • Engine overheat / idle engine warning message
  • Heater blows cold or only warm at idle
  • Coolant loss with no obvious external puddle
  • Check engine light

How to Fix

Verify with a scan tool that the coolant control valve is being commanded and is actually moving, and pressure-test the system for the cracked housing. The repair is replacement of the coolant control valve assembly (and the water pump if it is leaking or noisy), followed by a full vacuum-fill and bleed of the cooling system. A partial or air-locked fill will reproduce the overheat symptom, so the vacuum fill is not optional. Do not simply top off coolant and keep driving; sustained overheating on an aluminum three-cylinder head risks head gasket and head damage.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,500

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2025 Buick Encore GX, the single-scroll turbocharger used on both the 1.2L LIH and 1.3L L3T three-cylinder engines suffers wastegate actuator and internal turbo failures. The electric wastegate actuator loses calibration or the linkage binds from heat cycling and carbon, so the ECM can no longer hold commanded boost. The module sets an underboost fault, drops the vehicle into a reduced-power limp mode, and in the worst cases the turbo center section itself fails. NHTSA complaints on the Encore GX and its platform twin (Chevrolet Trailblazer) repeatedly describe the failure recurring after a first turbo replacement, indicating the replacement part shares the same weakness. Owners commonly report it first appearing under highway load or when merging.

This issue also affects: Buick Cascada, Buick Encore, Cadillac CT6

Common Symptoms

  • "Engine Power Is Reduced" message on the driver information center
  • Check engine light with sudden loss of acceleration
  • Vehicle will not exceed roughly 35 mph in limp mode
  • Shaking or trembling under load above 35 mph
  • Whistling or siren-like noise from the engine bay under boost
  • Repeat failure after a prior turbo replacement

How to Fix

Scan for P0299 and check actual vs. commanded boost with a scan tool before parts are thrown at it. Inspect the charge-air piping and intercooler couplers for split boots and the PCV/oil separator for excessive crankcase pressure, which drives oil into the turbo. If the wastegate actuator is out of calibration, GM's remedy is actuator/turbo assembly replacement and a relearn; a leaking or shaft-play turbo requires the full turbocharger assembly. Address any charge-pipe leak first, since a boost leak throws the same code far more cheaply.

Typical repair cost:$900 - $2,400

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2024 Buick Encore GX, unlike older vacuum-driven purge systems, the GM three-cylinder turbo platform uses an electric EVAP purge pump to draw fuel vapor from the charcoal canister into the intake during boost, when there is no manifold vacuum available. The pump's motor and control circuit fail, and the pump can also stick, which lets raw vapor slug the intake. Owners report the check engine light, gasoline smell in and around the vehicle, and in a subset of cases the engine stalling outright while driving. Failures cluster in the roughly 30,000-65,000 mile range on both the Encore GX and the platform-twin Trailblazer.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light with fuel/gasoline odor
  • Engine stalls without warning while driving
  • Rough idle immediately after refueling
  • Emissions readiness monitors will not set
  • Vehicle fails state emissions inspection

How to Fix

Retrieve the exact code before condemning parts, since a loose or cracked fuel cap and canister vent valve faults mimic the symptom. Confirm the purge pump's electrical supply and command state with a scan tool. The real fix is replacement of the electric EVAP purge pump assembly and associated hoses, followed by an EVAP system leak test and a drive cycle to reset readiness monitors. The 8yr/80,000 mile federal emissions warranty often covers this component, so check coverage before paying out of pocket.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $850

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX, gM recalled 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX (and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer) vehicles because the supplied emergency scissor jack can fracture while in use if it is not positioned exactly as the owner's manual directs. The jack's load-bearing structure is not tolerant of off-nominal placement on the pinch weld, and a fracture drops the vehicle. This is a genuinely dangerous defect precisely because it only manifests when someone is already beside or under the vehicle changing a tire on the roadside. Many owners never discover the jack is defective because they have never had to use it, so the remedy completion rate on this campaign is low.

Common Symptoms

  • Jack bends, buckles or cracks while raising the vehicle
  • Vehicle drops or shifts during a tire change
  • Visible deformation of the scissor jack screw or arms

How to Fix

Check your VIN against NHTSA recall 21V440000. The dealer replaces the emergency jack free of charge - it is a parts hand-off, not a repair, so it can usually be picked up in a single short visit. Until it is replaced, do not use the original jack: use roadside assistance or a proper floor jack and jack stands. If you do use any jack on this vehicle, place it only on the reinforced pinch-weld jack points identified in the owner's manual, on level ground, with the vehicle in Park and the wheels chocked.

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Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2020-2023 Buick Encore GX, a widely reported defect across 2020-2023 Encore GX vehicles is a false "Shift to Park" message that appears even when the vehicle is already in Park, caused by a faulty park switch inside the shifter assembly with spread or damaged electrical terminals. The fault can keep the vehicle in accessory mode, prevent a clean shutdown, and drain the battery. GM addressed it with TSB 23-NA-119 (also covering Chevrolet Trailblazer and Malibu), and owners have filed class-action litigation seeking a recall.

Common Symptoms

  • "Shift to Park" message displayed while already in Park
  • Vehicle won't fully shut off / stays in accessory mode
  • Dead or drained battery
  • Intermittent no-start or stalling

How to Fix

Per GM TSB 23-NA-119, the fix is inspecting the park-switch terminals and, if no harness damage is found, replacing the shifter control assembly. Confirm a clean shutdown afterward to prevent parasitic battery drain. Repair may be covered under bumper-to-bumper warranty.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Campaign #20V58800024/09/2020

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

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.

Campaign #21V44000010/06/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

Campaign #26V53900020/08/2026
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Other Buick Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Encore GX problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2022 Buick Encore GX has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Plastic Coolant Control Valve / Water Pump Assembly Failure Causing Overheating (P3075), VT40 CVT Pressure Control Solenoid Failure - Complete Loss of Motive Power (P2714 / P0700), Encore GX CVT / 9-Speed Hesitation and Shudder. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Encore GX reliable?

The 2022 Buick Encore GX has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Plastic Coolant Control Valve / Water Pump Assembly Failure Causing Overheating (P3075) and VT40 CVT Pressure Control Solenoid Failure - Complete Loss of Motive Power (P2714 / P0700) and Encore GX CVT / 9-Speed Hesitation and Shudder and Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Failure Causing "Engine Power Is Reduced" and Underboost (P0299). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick Encore GX problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Encore GX issues range from $0 to $7,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Plastic Coolant Control Valve / Water Pump Assembly Failure Causing Overheating (P3075), typically costs $600-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2024 Buick Encore GX Plastic Coolant Control Valve / Water Pump Assembly Failure Causing Overheating (P3075)?

The three-cylinder turbo cooling system uses an electrically actuated multi-port coolant control valve with a plastic housing and rotor that directs flow between the block, heater core, turbo and radiator circuits. The plastic rotor binds or the housing cracks, and the integrated… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.

Campaign #23V74400006/11/2023

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2020-2025 Buick Encore GX VT40 CVT Pressure Control Solenoid Failure - Complete Loss of Motive Power (P2714 / P0700)?

Separate from the well-known low-speed shudder, the VT40 continuously variable transmission suffers hard failures of the line-pressure control solenoid circuit. When the solenoid sticks off, the belt-and-pulley set loses clamping pressure, the transmission cannot transmit torque,… Repairs typically run $4,500-$7,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2024 Buick Encore GX Encore GX CVT / 9-Speed Hesitation and Shudder?

The 2020+ Encore GX uses either the VT40 CVT (FWD 1.2L) or the GM 9T50 9-speed (AWD 1.3L). Both have reported issues: CVT hesitates from a stop, jerks on tip-in, and growls. 9-speed has been the subject of multiple TSBs covering harsh shifts, flares, and torque converter shudder. Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2025 Buick Encore GX Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Failure Causing "Engine Power Is Reduced" and Underboost (P0299)?

The single-scroll turbocharger used on both the 1.2L LIH and 1.3L L3T three-cylinder engines suffers wastegate actuator and internal turbo failures. The electric wastegate actuator loses calibration or the linkage binds from heat cycling and carbon, so the ECM can no longer hold… Repairs typically run $900-$2,400. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2024 Buick Encore GX Electric EVAP Purge Pump Failure Causing Stalling, Fuel Odor and Emissions Faults?

Unlike older vacuum-driven purge systems, the GM three-cylinder turbo platform uses an electric EVAP purge pump to draw fuel vapor from the charcoal canister into the intake during boost, when there is no manifold vacuum available. The pump's motor and control circuit fail, and t… Repairs typically run $400-$850. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX Emergency Scissor Jack Fractures Under Load - Recall 21V440000?

GM recalled 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX (and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer) vehicles because the supplied emergency scissor jack can fracture while in use if it is not positioned exactly as the owner's manual directs. The jack's load-bearing structure is not tolerant of off-nomin… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2023 Buick Encore GX False "Shift to Park" Warning / Park Switch Failure (TSB 23-NA-119)?

A widely reported defect across 2020-2023 Encore GX vehicles is a false "Shift to Park" message that appears even when the vehicle is already in Park, caused by a faulty park switch inside the shifter assembly with spread or damaged electrical terminals. The fault can keep the ve… Severity: medium.