2021 BUICK ENCORE GX Recalls, Complaints & Safety

Shifter to park message showing on dash and Vehicle will not stop beeping and drains the battery and you can not lock the car. This is a know problem with Buick Encore 2023 and Buick has not recalled it and did not cover the cost of the repair, which cost me $659.68 plus tax.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the message to “Shift to Park” was displayed while the vehicle was already shifted in park(P). The contact stated that several attempts to shift to park were needed to clear the message. On several occasions, the contact drove the vehicle and then shifted back to park(P) for the message to be cleared. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that during a routine oil change at the local dealer, the contact informed the dealer that while in the park or shifting to park, the engine was shutting off unexpectedly. The message to “Shift to Park” was displayed and the vehicle was difficult to turn off. The contact wiggled the ignition to shut off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure persisted over time. The contact was concerned about being stranded due to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and it was determined that there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had scheduled an appointment for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.

When trying to park/shut off, the vehicle gives ‘shift to park’ error message upon shifting to park and won’t shut off or when starting will give ‘shift to park’ error message and not start. This seems to be a common issue with this vehicle model…we could really use a recall

Trying to understand why a recall was not done on an engine issue on this car and instead GMC chose to send out 2 letters in 2024 detailing the problem that "might" happen with the engine losing power while driving and for owners to "carry" the letters in the glove compartment of the vehicle so the dealership could be aware of the issue. You were told to not bring the car to be serviced unless the issue was obvious. Well it happened when I was out of state and had to immediately find a GMC dealership to fix the issue for which my car was in a dealership in [XXX] for approximately one month. If the proper recall would have been made I would NOT have driven the car out of state prior to getting it fixed. I had family members in the car with me at the time and to lose power on an interstate was very scary to say the least. I feel that GMC failed it's customers with this vehicle and I will never buy another GMC vehicle or for that another vehicle US made vehicle. The issue was fixed at GMC's expense but they are now failing to reimburse proper funds for the rental I had to use putting a burden on my finances...be that as it may I am totally disappointed with the Buick Encore GX 2021. You try to support the "american made label" and this is where it got me for trying to do the right thing...I feel no one is looking out for the consumers on this particular issue b/c I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one it has happened to...A RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS ISSUE..!! This is 2021 with fewer than 48,000 miles and up to date services by reputable GMC dealerships since I have had the car. The case # with GMC for this issue is XXXINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Brake System Control Module Replacement - The brake system control module needs replacement due to a fault detected with 10 volts on terminal 1. Replacing this component can help maintain proper functionality of the brake system and ensure consistent performance. Why would this all of a sudden be faulty after almost 5 years?

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, there was an abnormally loud popping and scrapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the exhaust manifold had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable and was currently parked at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,590.

2021 Buick Encore with 25000 miles. Warning message “SHIFT TO PARK” while vehicle is in park. Dealership says shifter and knob need replaced at an out of pocket cost to me of nearly one thousand dollars. GM has already settled claims for this problem with Chevrolet owners.

Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.

When I put my car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. While it’s already in Park. I then push the stick shift forward and the bell alarms stops and message disappears.

This is an ongoing issue that I have brought to the NHTSA's attention before, which resulted in a special coverage program being issued; however, now GM is not willing to assist me with the special coverage program due to a branded title (used vehicle), and the condition is only getting worse. Tonight, on August 16th, my vehicle experienced a complete loss of power, including engine functionality and fuel/propulsion systems. This stems from the original complaint I filed last fall (11614068) in relation to the turbocharger. I was advised by GM that they would not service my vehicle multiple times by rude supervisors, as my vehicle did not qualify under the special coverage because it's not a "safety issue:", and that the NHTSA has not issued a safety recall for this issue, when it's a safety issue. This is outrageous, and I URGE the NHTSA to look into the severity of this issue. It's only a matter of time before I am on the highway when my vehicle experiences what it did tonight. A complete loss of power, engine functionality, and the fuel/propulsion systems. I already had a near-death experience while driving on the highway when my engine power was reduced, which caused me to go from 65MPH to 40MPH in seconds on a highway, in the left lane, and I almost got rear-ended by someone going 75MPH. This is a safety issue, and it's not just impacting me. I find it so misleading that GM sent me a legal letter stating they knew there was an issue with the turbocharger and that they would take care of the repairs at no cost to me. The first line on the legal document states, ' Your satisfaction with our product is important to us," unless your car is used and has a branded title. There is nothing on that special coverage notice that explicitly states your title must be clean. I urge the NHTSA to issue a safety recall on the turbocharger so other Americans like me don't have to spend months going back and forth to get a simple repair done, an essential safety repair.

About 6 times in the last 3 months when I put the car into reverse and the reverse camera comes on the image is kind of sketchy and in weird colors - definitely not clear then it completely goes black with message at the top saying something about getting the rear camera repaired. It doesn't happen often but I can't use the rear camera when it does that so it's back to old school when in reverse looking everywhere and in mirrors before moving. It hasn't happened but once so far this month July 2025 but thought you should know.

Once a day sometimes twice, when I have pulled into a parking spot and put the car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. Since I already put it into Park I then jiggle the stick shift lightly and the bell alarms stops and message disappears. This started within last 6 months.

Car is put on Park and a warning light comes out saying car is not on park.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shifting to park(P), the vehicle failed to immediately shut off. During the failure the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 57,000.

Turbo charger has gone out 4 times since I purchased it in April 2021. I have been on the interstate driving and suddenly my car slows down and a message that says “engine power reduced” comes up and my check engine light comes on. This is dangerous as I was on the interstate with 18 wheelers and could’ve been rear ended and badly hurt or killed. My grandchildren could’ve been in the car with me. When this happens the vehicle slows down considerably and does not accelerate properly. I have to drive in the right lane at a much slower speed putting myself and others in danger. Leachman Buick in Bowling Green, KY has repaired the car twice. Campbell Chevrolet in the same city has repaired it twice and it is currently at this dealership due to the engine power situation occurring again. This has caused me severe inconvenience as I have had to drop my car at the dealership several times in the past few weeks and rearrange my schedule as a rental car has not been provided. Campbell Chevrolet repaired the vehicle a few weeks ago and the check engine light and reduce power message was back on within 6 hours of them initially completing the repair. Two weeks or less it was the waste gate actuator solenoid that was replaced but the engine message and check engine light are back on. I am VERY FRUSTRATED at having to jump through hoops regarding this vehicle. I own the Bluegrass Edition model and it is obvious that something serious is wrong with the car and Buick needs to recall the car IMMEDIATELY. It is either a lemon or something else is causing the turbo charger to repeatedly fail. I have taken the car to TWO different dealerships and neither one of them have been able to rectify the issue long term. The vehicle needs to have a TOTAL diagnostic test on EVERYTHING relating to the engine and power system. PLEASE LOOK INTO HAVING THIS VEHICLE RECALLED AS I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE MY LIFE ON THE INTERSTATE DUE TO REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY SLOWING DOWN!!

Vehicle overheating randomly due to faulty Coolant Control Valve. Vehicle goes into reduced power mode and also instructs you to pull over and idle engine. Part is on National backorder for weeks. The issue could cause Vehicle to become inoperable and cause a crash.

brakes are difficult to press (VERY HARD)

Went to install a car seat and the place to hook it to is so far Imbedded into the seat I would have to cut the seat to get to it. I need these car seats attached. I am not cutting the seats.

The contact's girlfriend owned a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at 20 MPH, an abnormal, snapping sound emitted from the vehicle as the steering wheel independently shifted to the right and crashed into two parked vehicles. The contact stated that the suspension warning light appeared on the instrument panel after the failure and later discovered that the vehicle's suspension had detached. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's girlfriend was taken to the hospital where she was treated for a laceration on her left forearm which required nine stitches. She also suffered severe bruising to both arms, elbows, and hips. No other injuries were reported. A police report was filed. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Suspension). The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard and later to an independent body shop. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; the contact was given a case number and an investigation into the failure has been started. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Crash 1 injured

The contact's girlfriend owned a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at 20 MPH, an abnormal, snapping sound emitted from the vehicle as the steering wheel independently shifted to the right and crashed into two parked vehicles. The contact stated that the suspension warning light appeared on the instrument panel after the failure and later discovered that the vehicle's suspension had detached. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's girlfriend was taken to the hospital where she was treated for a laceration on her left forearm which required nine stitches. She also suffered severe bruising to both arms, elbows, and hips. No other injuries were reported. A police report was filed. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V633000 (Suspension). The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard and later to an independent body shop. The insurance company later deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; the contact was given a case number and an investigation into the failure has been started. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Crash 1 injured

The check engine light will come on with engine power reduced, code reads turbo under boost, The car will stay in limp mode and make it difficult to get out of traffic there is no warning before the car completely loses power and goes into limp mode!!

I went off the road after my check engine light came on and my vehicle decided to jerk and wouldn’t go over 66 miles. It happened randomly

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message to shift to park(P) was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact removed the key from the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to turn off. The battery had to be disconnected to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.

The contact owns 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and accelerating, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was lightly depressed and the vehicle unintentionally came to an instant stop; the vehicle then began to shudder. The contact's mom was seated in the front passenger side of the vehicle and sustained a neck injury after the failure occurred. There was no one injured that was not in the vehicle. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was drivable and was driven to a dealer who did not provide a diagnosis but informed the contact that, the failure may have been occurring due to the Vacuum Module in the braking system needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure still occurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.

1 injured

Have had my car in the shop multiple time to be put on computer. It states under boost in the turbo. This car is barley 3 years old . And when the check engine light comes on the car goes into limp mode. This is just crazy . I've read more and more people complaining about this but buick doesn't want to do anything about it

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the speed odometer showed a different speed that the digital speed odometer reading. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer twice for the same failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.

The Turbo on vehicle has gone out once within a couple years of ownership and just recently went out again. I bought vehicle new and is a 2021 model. In researching this make and model it seems to be an ongoing issue with several owners experiencing this issue.

I recently took my vehicle into the classic Chevrolet dealership where it was purchased for the manufacture warranty on a fuel remission pump to be replaced under warranty. When I got my car back when I reverse and switch and to drive it either jumps like it’s not getting gas, and sometimes completely dies in the middle of the road, something is not right and it was not doing that before I took it in to get that manufacturer warranty taken care of

When the car is in park it will display shift to park. This has been an issue just trying to get my car int park. The car will not turn off because it thinks it is not in park when it is. I have to keep turning car on and off and trying over and over for it to stay in park.

I bought my vehicle the later part of 2021 and the transmission and engine no longer work and need to be replaced. When I first purchased the vehicle the battery completely died in less than 6 months. Numerous repairs and now the warranty won't work since I am over 60000 miles even though I have not met the expiration date on my warranty. They want to charge me between 8000-12000 for repairs.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Departure warning light on the driver’s and passenger’s side sideview mirrors failed illuminate as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encore owner, and it took two weeks to get the part in. It is now September 22, and I still do not have this fixed. It is a safety concern and I have been calling GM about it almost weekly, trying to get some help. How is it safe for my daughter & I to be driving down the road with only half power? I cannot pass anyone - the speed isn't there. I can't just pull out or even merge onto the interstate for fear of being ran over. And GM does not appear to care. I've been told by multiple dealerships that GM has them. They just will not freely send them out to dealerships to repair cars. I think if they have a car sitting on their lot that has the part, they should be allowed to use it to take care of the one that is already sold. I'm at 31,000 miles, and they told me it may not be covered if I am outside of my warranty when they decide to send the part. I need some help!

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with the “Engine Power Reduced message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the loss of power had become a recurring failure and occurred at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the intercooler on the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer multiple times for the engine failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

The contact rented a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while idled at a stop light, another vehicle driving at approximately 45-50 MPH crashed into the rear of their vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruises and thigh injuries. The front passenger sustained a chest rash from when the seat belt retracted. There was a 9-year-old occupant seated at the rear however the seat belt failed to retract causing her to jolt forward almost to the front driver’s side seat. There was no medical attention received for any of the injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Crash 2 injured

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a delay in braking before the vehicle was able to come to a complete stop. The contact mentioned that there was sensor that caused the vehicle to brake instantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,431.

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the RPM was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned the failure recurred multiple times with the vehicle being unable to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the emergency jack needed to be repaired under recall. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a second time however, the failure was undetermined. After the third failure, the vehicle was diagnosed with an unknown software needing to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was diagnosed a fourth time and the contact was informed that the engine may not be receiving gasoline and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired each time however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.

Driving at 5:10pm on aug 31, 2021 first my power steering warning comes on my dash. Then my brake light comes on in red. I was just starting to move w traffic and I turned down a side street. No brakes or steering I did slow down enough to put in park. Only 4000 miles on vehicle. Called on star They called tow truck took to dealership where I got the encore