2023 Buick Encore Gx Safety Report
2023 Buick Encore GX: Strong Crash Ratings, But Early-Life Power Train and Steering Issues Reported
AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Buick Encore Gx
Reliability Score
The 2023 Buick Encore Gx receives a reliability score of 65 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 2023 Buick Encore Gx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Buick Encore Gx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudden Vehicle Shutdown/No Restart Vehicle repeatedly shuts off while driving and doesn’t restart when auto stop is on, leaving drivers stranded in traffic. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Transmission Failure/Lack Of Acceleration Vehicle makes mechanical noises and won't accelerate above low speeds, confirmed as transmission failure. Also, vehicle struggles to accelerate after slowing down. |
High | Occasional | 15000-25000 miles |
| Shifter Assembly Failure Shifter fails to recognize 'Park' position, preventing the car from being turned off or locked. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Steering Difficulties/Unstable Handling Vehicle bounces left/right, steering wheel pulls, making it difficult to steer. Also, rattling in front end and steering wheel at low speeds. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Brake Issues (Squeaking, Grabbing, Pedal Stuck) Brakes squeak, squeal, screech, and 'grab' unexpectedly. Brake pedal can become locked, preventing vehicle start. |
Medium | Occasional | 8000+ miles |
| Engine Reduced Power/Purge Pump Failure Check engine light due to evaporative emissions purge pump failure or ECM calibration fault code P0521. Engine reduces power light comes on. |
Medium | Occasional | 15000+ miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions (Headlights, Display, Esc/Power Steering Errors) Headlights randomly dimming, center display intermittent issues (unresponsive, turns on backup camera while driving, corrupted screen), 'Service ESC' and 'Service Power Steering' error messages. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Unintended Violent Acceleration Vehicle violently accelerated forward when accelerator pedal was lightly depressed while shifting into Drive, resulting in a crash. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Buick Encore Gx:
Issues include transmission failure, lack of acceleration, and sudden vehicle shutdowns while driving.
Problems such as engine reducing power, purge pump failure, and vehicle struggling to stay running in heat with AC on.
Malfunctions affecting headlights, display screens, and generating various service error messages like 'Service ESC' and 'Service Power Steering'.
Complaints about squeaking, squealing, grabbing brakes, and brake pedal issues including getting stuck.
Reports of the vehicle bouncing, pulling, and rattling in the front end and steering wheel.
Includes issues like missing federal safety certification label, shifter assembly failure, and interior chrome trim causing blinding glare.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Buick Encore Gx
Is the 2023 Buick Encore GX safe?
The 2023 Buick Encore GX received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has accumulated 22 complaints, including 3 injuries, with issues ranging from sudden vehicle shutdowns and transmission failures to steering problems and unintended acceleration, which raise concerns about its operational safety and reliability despite strong crash performance.
What are common problems with the 2023 Buick Encore GX?
The most reported issues for the 2023 Buick Encore GX include power train problems (9% of complaints) like transmission failure and lack of acceleration, engine issues (9%) such as reduced power and purge pump failure, and electrical system malfunctions (14%) affecting headlights and display screens. Other notable problems involve service brakes (9%) and steering (5%).
Has the 2023 Buick Encore GX had any recalls?
As of the provided data, the 2023 Buick Encore GX has had 0 recalls issued by NHTSA.
How does the 2023 Buick Encore GX perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Buick Encore GX performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for frontal crash and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Are there any specific safety concerns with the 2023 Buick Encore GX's engine or transmission?
Yes, there are specific safety concerns related to the engine and power train. Complaints include the vehicle repeatedly shutting off while driving, failing to restart, making mechanical noises and not accelerating above low speeds (confirmed as transmission failure), and instances of the engine reducing power or struggling to run in hot weather with the AC on. One severe complaint also reported violent unintended acceleration.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2023 Buick Encore GX boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the reported early-life power train, engine, and steering issues; thoroughly test drive the vehicle and consider an extended warranty.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Buick Encore Gx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Buick Encore Gx. The data includes 22 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.