2020 Buick Encore GX Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/04/2026

Transmission would not connect with the engine. La Fontaine dealership in Saint Clair. Said I need a new transmission cost $14,000. It has 59823 miles under the vehicle.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/16/2026

My 2020 Buick Encore GX which has only 30,600 had the "Shift to Park" message appear on the dashboard screen and my car was not turning off properly. I read online that it is a widespread known issue: however, I had to pay 630.14 to fix the GM well know widespread issue so I can turn off my vehicle. This should be covered FREE of charge by GM as they are aware of the issue affecting the 2020 Buick Encore GX.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/23/2026

I am writing to formally report a serious mechanical failure involving my vehicle and to request further review and assistance. While operating my vehicle, it unexpectedly stalled in the middle of an intersection, creating a significant safety hazard. At the time of the incident, the check engine light illuminated and the RPMs surged to a range between 6 and 8. I was able to safely move the vehicle to the side of the road, place it in park, and have it towed to a dealership for inspection. Following their evaluation, I was informed that the transmission requires replacement. I have since become aware of a recall related to transmission issues; however, I was advised by a Buick representative that my VIN is not included in the recall. Given that my vehicle is experiencing the same or a substantially similar failure, this determination raises concerns and warrants further review. I have consistently adhered to all recommended maintenance schedules and have taken proper care of my vehicle. Based on the circumstances, I respectfully request a thorough reassessment of my case, including reconsideration for coverage or assistance with the necessary repairs. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/19/2026

My 2020 Buick Encore GX is showing a message with accompanying ding ding sounds "Shift to Park" after I put my car in park. This malfunction will not allow the car to be locked. I see there are many complaints and lawsuits that GM has not attended to. How do we get GM to initiate a recall on something they are and were well aware of.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 02/16/2026

2020 Buick Encore GX; pulling out of a service station, my check engine light illuminated, and message on cluster stated: Engine Power Reduced. I loss throttle response for accelerating. Accelerator pedal was pushed to the floor and no acceleration. Vehicle entered limp mode. Drove 15 miles from service station to my home, in limp mode, unable to accelerate. Called a technician mechanic who check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes; DTC P0299 Turbocharge/Supercharge "A" Under boost condition; is Confirmed, Pending, and Permanent code. Loss of power to Power Train, unable to accelerate.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/03/2025

SHIFT INTO PARK WARNING WHEN CAR IS IN PARK

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/15/2025

Powder Train When parking the car in garage, placed vehicle in park, then turned vehicle off, received a message on dash "SHIP TO PARK". The car was in park. Even thought the engine was off, it would now allow radio or lights to shut off util message goes off. Some times several minutes for it to go out. Taken it to the GM dealer ship was told shifter assembly needs replaced. I have learned their currently is a a class action suit for this issue at this time. My car was under warranty for 5 years and was still under the warranty when this happened to me. I don't feel I should have to pay $491.00 out of my pocket.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 10/25/2025

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2020 Buick Encore GX (VIN: [XXX] ) related to the “Shift to Park” defect, which is documented in GM’s Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-119. My vehicle intermittently fails to recognize when it is in park, preventing me from turning off the engine and causing safety and usability concerns. Despite following GM’s recommended steps and scheduling an appointment through Buick Customer Care, I was charged $195 for a diagnostic fee and quoted $495 to replace the shifter assembly. The dealership confirmed the issue matched the bulletin, yet refused to offer goodwill coverage or reimbursement. This expense is a significant hardship. I am still making payments on this vehicle, which is barely five years old. I previously owned a Honda for 20 years without encountering issues like this. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I’ve faced a manufacturer-documented defect with no support. My previous vehicle, a Mitsubishi Outlander, suffered from a known transmission issue that was later part of a class action lawsuit. Despite experiencing the same symptoms, my VIN was excluded. The cost of repair outweighed the value of the vehicle, and I ultimately had to walk away from it as a total loss—leaving me without a car. I am deeply disappointed to now face a similar situation with Buick. I chose this vehicle expecting reliability and support, and I’ve done everything asked of me to address this issue responsibly. I believe GM should be held accountable for this known defect and the financial burden it places on consumers. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 10/22/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake with abnormal sounds coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 51,220.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/11/2025

I am getting a shift to park message on my Buick. I have to shift through heats multiple times to get it to stop.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/28/2025

When I put the car in park and go to turn off the car, I'm getting a "Shift to Park" error when the car is already in park. This error will not allow the car to shut off. I have to shift it back out of gear and then back to park several times before it will recognize that it's in park and allow me to turn off the car.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/15/2025

Getting a shift to park error when placing the gear in park. It’s not recognizing the car is already in park and I have to make several attempts until it finally goes away each time.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 12/30/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse on several occasions, the brake was depressed and there was an abnormal foghorn sound coming from the driver’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the rear driver’s side wheel was removed. The caliper was removed, and the contact became aware that piston inside the caliper had fractured in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/01/2025

I have started to receive multiple 'Shift to Park' messages when attempting to turn off my vehicle after already being placed in park. To get the car to register that it is indeed in park, I have to re-shift or slam the gear shift into place. I was advised that the issue was with the shifter assembly which prevents the vehicle from recognizing whether or not it is in gear. I had no issues with the vehicle prior to the message and I get my vehicle serviced regularly. This malfunction can lead to battery drain, failure of a vehicle to shut off completely, or difficulty starting it.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/05/2025

I was traveling to school when my breaks didn’t work I tried them twice and I crashed into another vehicle. And the month or march I took it into to Buick for break issues and they said everything was fine.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/17/2025

Shifter malfunction not allowing transmission to shift to park without multiple attempts. Car lurches at times while attempting to resolve problem.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/07/2025

The gear shift when placed in park and the car ignition turned off would cause an alarm to go off and a message to show up on the dash that the gear shift should be placed in parks (which it was in already). When I contacted the GM in CA dealer and talked to him he advised me it was a common problem and the was a shortage of parts to repair but bring it in because the alarm would where down the battery. After jamming the gear shift in park many times I was able to stop the alarm. Them I drove from CA to NV to the Buick dealer there and told me the same thing that the GM dealer tome about a shortage of parts because of this being a common problem and that he would try and get GM to pay for repairs. When I picked up the car I was advised that although this was a common problem GM was not going to be a recall so I had to pay the $558.40 to repair the gear shift. The recipt shows: "SHIFT CONTROL ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - found intermittent failure to register shifter position of park - Need to replace shifter assembly "

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 02/25/2025

I was at a stop light and the light turned green, I preceded to press the accelerator, I was just starting to move forward and the, peddle seemed to take over with my assistance went all the way down and began speeding up. I tried breaking and the car just kept going and not wanting to slow down and kept gaining speed, I had to put car in neutral and turn engine off. Same day, same trip about 4 miles down the road, I began to slow down (35mph) due to a turning vehicle and when I was clear to accelerate once again, it happened again, again, I tried the breaks, and the car kept fighting the break and kept gaining speed, once again I had to put the car in neutral and turn off the engine, the speeds reached 65 mph. before I was able to place in neutral and turn off the engine. No warning lights, car ran normally until those terrifying moments, no check engine lights on before or after the above experiences. My husband and I's safety was put at risk due to the road's travelers and Deadmans curves and cross sections, it put us at risk with a higher chance of crashing into a vehicle or accelerating before being able to make a turn safely. As soon as I made it home, I called the Buick service center and delivered the car the following morning to the service technician. It is at the Ross Downing Service Station today.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 01/17/2025

I purchased a car from Carvana , a few days later the airbag light came on , I was instructed by Carvana to call the warranty place and let them no there was a problem. They instructed me to go to Levanders body shop in GrandIsland Ne . The body shop ran a diagnostic and could not find why the light was going off so they removed the passenger knee panel to which they found the wires were taped and the airbags and wire harness were missing , they decided to further check and found ALL the airbags in the car were missing and so were the wire harnesses.This obviously was not stated in the purchase of the car. Had that light not came on I still would not know. I drove it for a week with my child in the car thankgoodness i didnt get an a accident . i have pictures but it wont allow me to upload for some reason

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 01/18/2025

This is a new issue. Upon exiting my car last night. My car would not shift into park. Everytime I cycled the engine and shift to different gears then park. The car stated it need to be shifted into park still. Without it being in park The car could possibly roll down the hill. Also without it being able to be shifted into park. It continued to flash and keep lights and warning sign on. If not being able to shift into park. I could not leave my car until it recognized the car was in park. The car battery would have drained.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/15/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unstated part in the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,643.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/29/2022

Rear end accident. Distracted driver hit the back of my car at least at 40 mph. No airbags deployed.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/04/2022

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to stop, the brake pedal was depressed and it traveled to the floorboard causing the brakes to fail to stop the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact residence however, the brakes failed again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was unaware if a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/03/2021

2/3/2021 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER TODAY. SHE WAS DRIVING AND WE WERE APPROACHING A LEFT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. WE HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND I COULD SEE THAT HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. SHE STARTED THE TURN WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE STEERING WASN'T RESPONDING. WE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO AND HAS LESS THAN 115 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/13/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN SHE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING HER TO SHOOT FORWARD AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A HEAD FRACTURE WHEN SHE WAS IMPACTED AND HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A NEAR HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT VEHICLE'S DRIVER DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR UNKNOWN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER CARLISLE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC (1701 US-287 BYP, WAXAHACHIE, TX 75165; (972) 938-8000) AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.