2021 Buick Encore Safety Report
2021 Buick Encore Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Buick Encore
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Buick Encore. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (8) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Buick Encore with 8 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Buick Encore before buying across this generation. |
Buick Encore Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Buick Encore years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Buick Encore | 8 | 0 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2020 Buick Encore | 17 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Buick Encore | 74 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Buick Encore | 69 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Buick Encore | 83 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Buick Encore | 77 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Buick Encore Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Buick Encore, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Buick onlyPower Train
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Buick onlyService Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Buick onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Buick onlyElectrical System,Air Bags
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Air Bags issues Buick onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Buick Encore
Reliability Score
The 2021 Buick Encore 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Buick Encore
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Buick Encore
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Buick Encore:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaporative Emission Purge Pump The NHTSA has listed this model with a recall for the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, which may affect emissions and fuel efficiency. |
Medium | Common | 30k-40k miles |
| Turbocharger Failure A turbocharger failure has been reported, leading to a severe lack of power and nearly causing a collision. |
High | Rare | 20k-30k miles |
| Brake System Issues Firm brake pedal issues have been reported, indicating potential problems with the brake system. |
Medium | Common | 20k-40k miles |
| Check Engine Light The check engine light has been reported to frequently appear, often due to the purge sensor needing replacement. |
Medium | Common | 20k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Buick Encore:
Engine issues, including the check engine light and purge sensor problems, are common.
Brake pedal firmness issues have been reported, indicating potential problems with the braking system.
Turbocharger failures have been reported, leading to severe power loss.
An air bag deployment issue has been reported, causing significant injury.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Buick Encore
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Buick Encore with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I have continuously had my check engine light pop on. I have took it in twice for them fix the issue which is the purge sensor. It did not fix the issue because the light just pops back on. This has caused issues with me passing emissions and has been an headache shortly street I obtained the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The contact had to slam on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the Hill Assist message was displayed. The brake pedal was pumped several times before the brake pedal released. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who de...
Took to the dealership. They stated my flex pipe had melted and the o2 sensors are stuck in the pipe need replacement as well. They have to replace flex pipe and everything leading to the 2nd o2 sensor. They stated there was no damage or tampering to the flex pipe. This should not have happened in this new of a vehicle. This is a dangerous and costly repair that falls on a faulty flex pipe and not...
Turbo Charger failed while passing a semi-trailer truck causing a severe lack of power and almost causing a head on collision with on-coming traffic. I had 3 passengers at the time. The problem has been confirmed by a independent service center and I am getting a second opinion from a dealer on 2/3. The check engine light did come on when it happened. There were no symptoms prior to failure. I hav...
The 2021 Buick Encore was listed by the NHTSA as having a parts recall with the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, yet when I look up my VIN and talk to the dealer, I’m told the vehicle is not recalled, even though I’m having the exact same issue that was described in the recall. I’ve been delaying servicing because I was told the part was on back order but now they have it in stock and I’m hoping I...
NOTHING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT STARTED WENT TO DRIVE OFF !! BANG 2000 BOUNDS OF PRESSURE IN MY FACE! MY WHOLE BODY!! IT WAS A RENTAL !! LOOK INTO THIS VECHICAIL !HAIR BURNT! FRIED WIRE SMELL STILL ON MY BURNT JACKET!! LOOK INTO THIS WITH GREAT CONCERN AS IAM REACHING OUT WITH SHOCK AND AWE ABOUT THIS WHOLE SITUATION THAT ACCURED** THERE IS VIDEO OF ACCURANCE IN PARKING L...
Already had turbo go on this car once back in July 2022. Mechanic replaced turbo with another one (used with 20,000 miles on it) due to the turbo for this car being on backorder. Now my car is throwing P0299 after about 20,000 more miles being put on the used turbo and a P0420 code. Changed rear catalytic. Changed upstream O2 sensor, changed wastegate solenoid, turbo seems to be working fine, no n...
Had an oil change done 6/13/22. 6/21/22 Temp gauge rose to 3/4 mark, AC shut off, car really hot under hood, loss of power, car threw crankshaft position sensor code which we replaced. Had the temp gauge do it few more times from 6/21/22 to 8/13/22 when temp gauge did the same thing and car really hot under hood, smoke from tailpipe and loss of power. Took to repair shop, they want to replace engi...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Buick Encore
Has the 2021 BUICK ENCORE been recalled?
No, the 2021 BUICK ENCORE has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2021 BUICK ENCORE have?
The 2021 BUICK ENCORE has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
The 2021 BUICK ENCORE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 BUICK ENCORE involve engine (3 complaints), power train (2 complaints), service brakes (1 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, electrical system,air bags.
How many crash reports does the 2021 BUICK ENCORE have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 BUICK ENCORE in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 BUICK ENCORE have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 BUICK ENCORE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 BUICK ENCORE is generally recommended. It has 8 complaints, 0 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 BUICK ENCORE are: 1. ENGINE (3 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 3. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
Be cautious of engine and brake system issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards. The 2021 BUICK ENCORE has 8 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
The 2021 BUICK ENCORE receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 8 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Evaporative Emission Purge Pump and Turbocharger Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2021 BUICK ENCORE?
Known issues with the 2021 BUICK ENCORE include: Evaporative Emission Purge Pump, Turbocharger Failure, Brake System Issues, Check Engine Light. These are based on patterns found across 8 NHTSA complaints.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Buick Encore?
Yes, there is a recall for the Evaporative Emission Purge Pump.
What are the common issues with the brakes?
Brake pedal firmness issues have been reported, indicating potential problems with the brake system.
Has the turbocharger caused any serious problems?
Yes, a turbocharger failure has been reported, leading to a severe lack of power and nearly causing a collision.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and brake system issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Buick Encore
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Buick Encore. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Buick Encore 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13