The Lemon Index
201920221st generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: electrical
Fewest complaints of its generation (1st generation).
9 owner complaints, first 3 years 26–31 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 Honda HR-V 182020 Subaru Crosstrek 462020 Hyundai Kona 140
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 20V668000 (transmission & drivetrain) and 20V537000 (seats) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Buick sent dealers 656 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This informational bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 9 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
The horn goes off automatically when the car is started. The fuse must be pulled out to stop it. Dash radio and phone not working properly. Cruise control not working.
2020 Buick Encore owner · NHTSA complaint 11457922
More owner reports
I was told there was a recall on my engine. My check engine light is on. My car doesn't speed up pass 75. When I try to speed up I can feel the gears change.and the car jerks
NHTSA complaint 11541919
I have to constantly jump start my vehicle. Took it to the dealers and they stated there is nothing wrong with the battery.
NHTSA complaint 11544897
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 7.7M views · 2013–2022 Buick Encore
- Infotainment, battery & electrical321K views
Buick Encore Key Fob Battery Replacement (2017 - 2022)FobBattery · 239K views · 5 videos - Oil changes & service208K views
How to Change Oil on 2018-2021 Buick EncoreDaniel Fliman · 139K views · 5 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door196K views
2012-2018 Buick Encore cabin air filter replacementTruckNerd · 87K views · 6 videos - Cooling system157K views
Buick Encore Thermostat Change 2013 - 2016G Mans World · 65K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Intake, EGR & engine sensors156K views
2017 Buick Encore “Shakes, Sputters & RPM Surges” P0131, P0137, P0171, P2270 DTC FIXv8pontiacvent · 38K views · 7 videos - Brakes & ABS90K views
2015 Buick Encore Rear Brake Pad ChangePilot View Productions · 33K views · 3 videos - Spark plugs & ignition coils82K views
2017-2019 BUICK ENCORE 1.4L Turbo - Bad Spark Plugs & Coil PacksPro Tips Plus · 40K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter81K views
The Fast and Easy Way To Service The Transmission On A 2015 Buick Encore with a Ecotec 1.4Hot Rod Dave · 81K views
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Buick Encore SUV 2013-2022 1st Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 109K views
Should you buy a used 2013-2016 Buick Encore/Chevy Trax? The honest truth you need to hear.Another Lap · 36K views
Review of My 2019 Buick Encore, Reliability & RecallsWitchauto · 31K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2020 is the same generation.
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 656 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Seats · recall issued 2020
The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Encore SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Encore GX SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Encore GX SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1,950–$2,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.2L 3-cyl, 1.3L 3-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl.
Every Buick Encore year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 7 Buick Encore years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-encore/?y=2020" title="Buick Encore reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="399" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-encore/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Buick Encore reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Buick Encore reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a fifth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 16; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2020 Buick Encore problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), engine (22%) and transmission & drivetrain (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Encore have?
2 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Buick Encore get?
26 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Buick Encore safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 Buick Encore have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 22% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Buick Encore cost in fuel a year?
About $1,950 to $2,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Buick Encore have?
1.2L 3-cyl, 1.3L 3-cyl, 1.4L 4-cyl.
Is there a better Buick Encore year than the 2020?
Not nearby: the 2020 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Buick Encore years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works