Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Buick
  6. /
  7. Encore
Buick · Known Issues

2023 Buick Encore Problems: 3 Known Issues

2023 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2023 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Buick Encore has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall and Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults ($300-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Encore Engine1
  • Encore Transmission1
  • Encore Electrical1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Transmission1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS20232022202120202019201820172016201520142013

On the 2020-2023 Buick Encore, the second-generation Encore GX uses 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engines and has drawn complaints of reduced engine power, stalling, and lurching. GM issued a recall in which the engine control module (ECM) could fail to clear the permanent status of DTC P0521 (engine oil pressure sensor performance), masking a real low-oil-pressure condition; the remedy is an ECM reprogram. Owners also report elevated oil consumption on these small turbo engines.

This issue also affects: Buick Envision, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche

Common Symptoms

  • Reduced engine power
  • Engine stalling
  • Lurching / jolting
  • Oil pressure warning not displaying
  • Elevated oil consumption

How to Fix

Have the ECM reprogrammed under the GM recall to ensure low-oil-pressure conditions (P0521) are properly flagged. Diagnose stalling/power-loss with a scan tool. Monitor oil level frequently given the small-displacement turbo's sensitivity to low oil.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2020-2023 Buick Encore, the Encore GX has frequent transmission complaints of shuddering, slipping, jerking, and lurching during acceleration, especially in 2021-2023 model years. Causes documented by owners and GM bulletins include defective shift solenoids producing erratic or rough shifts and failing torque converters causing shudder; some 2021 units required full transmission replacement. A separate GM fix addresses out-of-spec clutch retaining rings on certain later units.

Common Symptoms

  • Shuddering / shaking on acceleration
  • Jerking and lurching while driving
  • Slipping or hesitation
  • Rough or erratic shifting
  • Failure to engage correct gear

How to Fix

Diagnose with a scan tool for solenoid and torque-converter fault codes. Repairs range from shift-solenoid replacement and a torque-converter clutch service to torque converter or full transmission replacement in severe cases. Check for applicable GM service bulletins and lemon-law/warranty coverage on repeat failures.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $4,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2018-2023 Buick Encore, from 2018 the Encore added automatic engine stop/start, which leans on an AGM battery that is cycled far harder than a conventional battery. BuickForums carries repeated threads from 2018-2020 Encore and 2020+ Encore GX owners whose first symptom was stop/start quietly disabling itself, followed within months by a clicking no-crank, a 'Battery Saver Active' message or random warnings (StabiliTrak, power steering, infotainment resets) as voltage sagged. Several owners report needing a replacement battery before 30,000 miles, and dealers often replace it under the 3-yr/36k warranty. Because so many Encore modules are voltage-sensitive, a weak battery mimics far more expensive faults.

Common Symptoms

  • Auto Stop/Start no longer activates
  • Clicking no-crank on a cold morning
  • Battery Saver Active message
  • Random Service StabiliTrak / Service Power Steering warnings
  • Infotainment reboots at startup

How to Fix

Treat a stop/start system that stops working as a battery warning, not a feature glitch. Load-test the AGM battery and clean the negative cable/ground; replace with a correct-spec AGM (roughly $220-$350 installed, and the body control module may need a battery-state reset with a scan tool). Under warranty the dealer replaces it free. Check the battery before chasing StabiliTrak, power-steering or radio faults on these years.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $350

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Sep 2026
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Campaign #18V77400001/11/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Campaign #20V66800029/10/2020

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Campaign #20V53700003/09/2020
🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Buick Encore problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Buick Encore. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Buick Models

Buick Cascada22Buick Regal13Buick Enclave13Buick Envision12Buick Encore GX12Buick LaCrosse11

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Encore problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Buick Encore has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall, Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults, Early AGM Battery Degradation - Auto Stop/Start Disabled, Clicking No-Crank and Phantom Electrical Faults (2018+). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Encore reliable?

The 2023 Buick Encore has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall and Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults. 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 problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Encore issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2023 Buick Encore Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall?

The second-generation Encore GX uses 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engines and has drawn complaints of reduced engine power, stalling, and lurching. GM issued a recall in which the engine control module (ECM) could fail to clear the permanent status of DTC P0521 (engi… Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2023 Buick Encore Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults?

The Encore GX has frequent transmission complaints of shuddering, slipping, jerking, and lurching during acceleration, especially in 2021-2023 model years. Causes documented by owners and GM bulletins include defective shift solenoids producing erratic or rough shifts and failing… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. 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.

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

What is the 2018-2023 Buick Encore Early AGM Battery Degradation - Auto Stop/Start Disabled, Clicking No-Crank and Phantom Electrical Faults (2018+)?

From 2018 the Encore added automatic engine stop/start, which leans on an AGM battery that is cycled far harder than a conventional battery. BuickForums carries repeated threads from 2018-2020 Encore and 2020+ Encore GX owners whose first symptom was stop/start quietly disabling… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: low.