2022 Buick Encore Gx Safety Report

2022 Buick Encore GX: Excellent crash safety, but persistent 'Shift to Park' and power train issues raise functional reliability concerns.

25Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Power Train (6)Unknown Or Other (5)Engine (3)Power Train,Electrical System (3)Engine And Engine Cooling (2)Fuel/Propulsion System (2)Electrical System (1)Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Wheels (1)Seats (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Buick Encore Gx

The 2022 Buick Encore GX presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 25 total complaints, the most frequent issues revolve around the power train and electrical system, particularly the 'Shift to Park' malfunction. This issue, reported by multiple owners, prevents the vehicle from shutting off properly, leading to accessory mode remaining active, chimes, and inability to lock the vehicle. This is a significant inconvenience and potential battery drain, and in some cases, has rendered the vehicle undrivable while awaiting parts. Beyond the 'Shift to Park' issue, other power train and engine-related complaints include instances of the vehicle stalling at highway speeds, failing to accelerate, and abnormal loud sounds. One owner reported the vehicle dying without warning on a major freeway at only 273 miles. Exhaust system bolts breaking off and turbo replacement needs also appear in the complaint data. The single recall for this model addresses a fractured emergency jack, which, if not positioned correctly, could cause vehicle collapse and injury. While this recall is important, it does not address the more prevalent operational issues reported by owners. Overall, the 2022 Buick Encore GX demonstrates strong passive safety in crash scenarios. However, the recurring 'Shift to Park' problem, along with other power train and engine malfunctions, indicates potential reliability and functional safety concerns that could impact driver experience and, in some cases, lead to hazardous situations like unexpected stalling. The low number of total complaints (25) for a relatively new model year should be considered in context with the severity and repetitive nature of the reported issues, especially the 'Shift to Park' problem which appears to be a widespread design or manufacturing flaw.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Buick Encore Gx receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2022 Buick Encore Gx

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Buick Encore Gx:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Shift To Park Malfunction
Vehicle fails to recognize it's in park, preventing shut-off, leaving accessories on, and disabling locking. Requires repeated attempts to shift or restart. Parts often on backorder.		 High Common 0-30000 miles
Unexpected Vehicle Stalling/Loss Of Power
Vehicle stalls at various speeds, including highway, leading to loss of power steering and brakes. Reported as early as 273 miles.		 High Occasional 0-30000 miles
Exhaust System Bolt Failure
Bolts connecting exhaust sections broke off, requiring replacement of entire exhaust sections due to integrated bolt design.		 Medium Rare 18 months+ miles
Latch Anchor Missing/Unlocatable
Owners reported inability to find or use lower LATCH hooks for child seats despite being described in the owner's manual.		 Medium Rare 0-1000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Buick Encore Gx:

Power Train 24% of complaints

Includes 'Shift to Park' issues, vehicle stalling, and transmission-related malfunctions.

Electrical System 16% of complaints

Related to 'Shift to Park' warnings, lights staying on, and general electronic malfunctions.

Engine 12% of complaints

Issues such as check engine lights, emission purge pump replacement, and unexpected power loss.

Unknown Or Other 20% of complaints

General complaints not fitting specific categories, sometimes overlapping with other systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Buick Encore Gx

Is the 2022 Buick Encore GX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Buick Encore GX received a 5-star overall safety rating, performing excellently in crash tests (5 stars frontal, 5 stars side, 4 stars rollover). However, there are functional safety concerns, particularly with the recurring 'Shift to Park' malfunction and reports of unexpected stalling, which could pose risks.

What are common problems with the 2022 Buick Encore GX?

The most reported issues for the 2022 Buick Encore GX are related to the POWER TRAIN (24% of complaints) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16%), primarily the 'Shift to Park' malfunction that prevents the vehicle from shutting off. Other problems include unexpected stalling, engine issues, and a recall for an emergency jack.

Has the 2022 Buick Encore GX been recalled?

Yes, the 2022 Buick Encore GX has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 22V700000) concerning the emergency jack. If not positioned as directed, the jack can fracture, increasing the risk of injury if the vehicle collapses.

How does the 'Shift to Park' issue affect the 2022 Buick Encore GX?

The 'Shift to Park' issue causes the vehicle to display a warning even when in park, preventing it from fully shutting off. This leaves the radio and accessories on, triggers chimes, and can prevent the doors from locking. Owners often have to repeatedly jiggle the shifter or restart the car to resolve it, and parts for repair have been on backorder.

Are there any engine problems with the 2022 Buick Encore GX?

Yes, engine-related complaints (12% of total) include instances of the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, failing to accelerate beyond certain speeds, and check engine lights requiring repairs like emission purge pump replacement. One complaint also mentioned a turbo replacement due to a known issue.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2022 Buick Encore GX offers strong crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the persistent 'Shift to Park' issue and other power train concerns; thoroughly test the vehicle's ability to shut off and inquire about any related service bulletins or fixes before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Buick Encore Gx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Buick Encore Gx. The data includes 25 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Buick Encore Gx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.