2020 Buick ENCORE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
19 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
24,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 19 complaints (36.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 21.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 15.8% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 10.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 10.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 5.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 5.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 7 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
Engine: 7; Electrical System: 4; Fuel/Propulsion System: 4; Power Train: 4; Unknown Or Other: 3; Service Brakes: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Air Bags: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 2; 2023: 4; 2024: 3; 2025: 4; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11353102 · 2020-09-04 (September 4, 2020)
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. IT ACTED AS IT WAS ACCELERATING AND THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT AND I LOST SPEED. I REGAINED SPEED AND THEN IT LURCHED AGAIN; THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN WENT OFF. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE ENGINE STARTED TO THROTTLE UP AND ACCELERATE, I HAD TO BRAKE HARDER TO COME TO A FULL STOP.
Owner-reported narrative. 9,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11353102 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11561179 · 2023-12-20 (December 20, 2023)
I currently own a 2020 Buick Encore since new with only 18,389 miles on it. Recently, I noticed on the Buick Encore that it lacked stopping power. Upon checking the air in the tires for winter I noticed that the rear brake rotors were severely rusted. And then I decided to further inspect the rotor surfaces. I removed the left rear tire and noticed that the back side surface was severely corroded therefore inhibiting the brake pad to stop with it. I remove the right rear tire and found the same condition! As I am retired, and still a ASE and Mi…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11561179 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11544897 · 2023-09-16 (September 16, 2023)
I have to constantly jump start my vehicle. Took it to the dealers and they stated there is nothing wrong with the battery.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11544897 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11638444 · 2025-01-24 (January 24, 2025)
Unknown issues w/ sensors and wiring lead to turbocharger failure. This led to spontaneous acceleration issues on the highway. Less than a year after the warranty covered the replacement of the turbocharger (less than 60k miles on the car) the turbocharger again failed (64k miles on car).
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11638444 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11588190 · 2024-05-10 (May 10, 2024)
Imthe original owner and purchased the car new 4 years ago. At 89,000 miles, the check engine light came on indicating codes for emission controls not working efficiently. Later additional codes indicated problems with the fuel evaporator. The car started having problems every time I filled up the gas tank it would stall, hesitate and have problems starting shortly after the fill up. Problem also occurred if I let the fuel level run down to 1 gallon when the reserve indicator light came on the fuel tank. So now I fill up when I reach a quarter …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11588190 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11691163 · 2025-10-03 (October 3, 2025)
I've been dealing with a frustrating car issue lately where my vehicle keeps stalling and hesitating during acceleration - whether I'm pulling away from a stop or trying to pick up speed on the road. After getting it checked out, my mechanic determined that the high pressure fuel pump control module is the culprit and needs replacement. The problem is, we're stuck waiting for the part because Buick has it on backorder indefinitely. What's particularly concerning is that GM recently issued a recall for this exact same fuel pump issue on certain…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11691163 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11367020 · 2020-10-29 (October 29, 2020)
PURCHASED NEW BUICK ENCORE 2020 ON 05/22/2000. PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS HONDA CIVIC. ENCORE NEVER SEEMED TO HAVE ENOUGH POWER & WOULD DOWNSHIFT. ON 10/19/20 THERE WAS AN ISSUE ACTION REQUESTED) DETECTED BY BUICK BUT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THEN ON 10/28/2020, WE WERE DIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SEEMED TO LOOSE POWER & AN 18 WHEELER ALMOST HIT US. ENCORE HAS 5,302 MILES ON IT. 10/28/20 3:41 P.M. MESSAGE FROM BUICK DX. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IS NOT PERFORMING AS EXPECTED. AN ISSUE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM WHICH MONITORS A…
Owner-reported narrative. 5,240 miles reported. Look up ODI 11367020 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11551560 · 2023-10-24 (October 24, 2023)
The contact owned a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering and drove straight into a deep ditch. The contact did not recall whether a warning light illuminated. The front driver's side and passenger's side air bags exploded while deploying and propelled fragments that burned the skin near the contact left breast, hit the contact's shoulder and right wrist. The contact's wrist was bleeding. Additionally, there was powder smoke coming out of the…
Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11551560 at NHTSA ↗