Own a Buick Encore GX in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Buick Encore GX for model years 2020 to 2026. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Encore GX owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 232 owner complaints on file for the Encore GX and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (62), power train (51), engine (44).
Most-Reported Buick Encore GX Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Encore GX (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 62 | 26% | |
| Power Train | 51 | 21% | |
| Engine | 44 | 18% | |
| Service Brakes | 34 | 14% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | 8% | |
| Steering | 12 | 5% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | 4% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 9 | 3% |
Electrical System
62 of the 232 complaints (26%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Power Train
51 of the 232 complaints (21%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
44 of the 232 complaints (18%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Buick Encore GX Complaints by Model Year
The Encore GX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2020, 2021, 2022. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 70 | |
| 2021 | 53 | |
| 2022 | 34 | |
| 2023 | 28 | |
| 2024 | 32 | |
| 2025 | 15 |
Most Common Buick Encore GX Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Encore GX. The most-cited is P0700 (transmission control system malfunction), mentioned in 2 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission control system malfunction The transmission computer stored its own code. A scan of the transmission module shows the real fault. | 2 |
| P2714 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P0521 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P146B | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Buick Encore GX Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Encore GX in these model years, most often involving service brakes, equipment, electrical system. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 26V539000): General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
- 2023 recall, Electrical System (campaign 23V744000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles.
- 2021 recall, Equipment (campaign 21V440000): General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
- 2020 recall, Service Brakes (campaign 20V588000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Encore GX, 7 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 10 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Buick Encore GX Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Buick will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Encore GX that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Encore GX owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Buick Encore GX, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Buick Encore GX Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Buick Encore GX repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Buick Encore GX FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Buick Encore GX?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Buick Encore GX are electrical system (62), power train (51), engine (44). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Encore GX model years have the most complaints?
The Encore GX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2020, 2021, 2022. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Buick Encore GX?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Buick Encore GX, the codes cited most often are P0700 (transmission control system malfunction), P2714 (powertrain code), P0521 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Buick Encore GX have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Buick Encore GX across model years 2020 to 2026. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Buick Encore GX in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Buick vehicles including the Encore GX, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Buick Encore GX?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Buick Encore GX in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Buick Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.