Special Coverage. Certain 2021 model year Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles, equipped with a 1.2L engine, may have a condition that could cause the turbocharger to fail. If this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) will illuminate, and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally, a message may be displayed indicating the vehicle’s available engine power is reduced. This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 15 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, al
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Buick Encore GX engine problems
moderate 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 15 engine complaints filed for the 2021 Buick Encore GX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure to fix an oil leak from a porous area at the cylinder head and how to fix it so that the engine does not have to be replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Buick Encore GX has accumulated 15 complaints centered on engine failures that create genuine safety hazards. The most common issue is sudden engine power loss or "limp mode," where the vehicle suddenly drops to 25 mph or half power, usually triggered by a check engine light reading "turbo under boost." Owners report this happens without warning at highway speeds—one driver lost power on an interstate with family aboard; another was stuck in heavy traffic unable to merge safely. Multiple owners took vehicles to dealers repeatedly for the same failure, with some repairs involving intercooler or solenoid replacement that didn't stick.
A subset of complaints involve complete engine shutdown while driving with zero warning—one driver stalled in the middle lane of busy US 1 during rush hour. In one case, fuel pump and fuel module failure was identified; another involved a turbocharger that failed twice within a couple years of ownership. That failed turbo shed metal fragments that destroyed the engine, then the transmission—the owner reports GM is trying to bill them for both despite the turbo being the root cause.
Other reported failures include exhaust manifold detachment at 52,500 miles and coolant control valve failure causing overheating and power loss. GM responded to power-loss complaints with two advisory letters in 2024 instead of a recall, telling owners to carry them in the glove box and avoid driving unless the issue was obvious—after it became obvious, repair backlogs and part shortages left some vehicles out of service for weeks or months. One owner notes 2022 models are covered for evap pump failure but the 2021 is not.
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Power Loss / Limp Mode
Engine suddenly reduces power or goes into reduced-power limp mode, typically triggered by check engine light. Owners report the vehicle is limited to 25 mph or half power, making highway driving and merging unsafe. Often occurs without warning. Multiple owners report this becomes a recurring issue.
When: Between 31,000 and 43,000 miles; one case at 9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminates; Engine Power Reduced message on display; Vehicle cannot exceed 25 mph despite accelerator depressed; Loss of motive power at highway speeds; Vehicle enters limp mode; No warning before power loss occurs
Codes mentioned: Turbo under boost
Repairs/costs cited: Intercooler replacement attempted but failure recurred; some dealers replaced solenoids, later engine replacement prescribed; multiple repair attempts have not resolved issue for some owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two owner notification letters sent in 2024 instead of formal recall, advising owners to carry letters for dealership awareness and not to drive vehicle unless issue was obvious; GM has case managers involved; owners report GM reluctant to send parts freely to dealerships and may deny warranty coverage if repair timeline extends beyond warranty period
Turbocharger Failure
Turbocharger fails, causing acceleration loss and check engine light. One owner reports turbo failed twice within couple years. Metal fragments from turbo enter engine, subsequently causing transmission failure.
When: 32,500 miles; one owner reports second turbo failure after first repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate as intended when pedal depressed; Occasional jerking with check engine light; Speed odometer readings inconsistent between analog and digital displays; Check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Turbo under boost
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement attempted but failure reoccurred in one case; metal fragments from failed turbo enter engine; subsequent engine and transmission failure required replacement; owner reports repair costs of $5,600 for engine and additional $6,000 for transmission after turbo failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports GM case manager involved but wants owner to pay $5,600 and $6,000 respectively for engine and transmission despite turbo being root cause; owner researched and found multiple lawsuits against GM for turbo and transmission failures where GM allegedly instructed dealers to downplay issues
Engine Stall / Complete Shutdown
Engine completely shuts off while driving with no warning lights or messages, leaving vehicle powerless in traffic. One case involved fuel pump and fuel module failure; another involved RPM fluctuation before stall.
When: 9,000 miles; one case at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly stalls and completely shuts off; No warning lamps or messages prior to failure; RPM fluctuates from 0 to 3,000 before stall; Check engine warning light illuminates (in some cases); Vehicle unable to restart (in some cases)
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel module and fuel pump failure identified as cause in one case; unknown software needing reprogramming identified in another case; engine not receiving gasoline in another; multiple repair attempts at dealership have not fully resolved issue in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; one owner reports emergency jack recall was applied but failure persisted; undetermined diagnosis after second visit in one case
Coolant Control Valve Failure
Faulty coolant control valve causes vehicle to overheat randomly and enter reduced power mode. Owners report part is on national backorder for weeks.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheating randomly; Engine Power Reduced mode activation; Message to pull over and idle engine
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Part on national backorder for weeks; repair delayed pending part availability
Exhaust Manifold Detachment
Exhaust manifold detaches from vehicle while driving, producing loud popping and scraping sound. Vehicle remains drivable but represents significant safety hazard.
When: 52,590 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud popping and scraping sound from underneath vehicle; Loss of exhaust manifold while vehicle in operation
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was drivable but was not repaired by dealer or independent mechanic per owner report
Evap Leak Detection Pump Failure
Evap leak detection pump fails. Notably, 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect, but 2021 Encore GX is not.
When: 78,871 miles
Symptoms owners cite:
Codes mentioned:
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect; 2021 model is not covered
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, there was an abnormally loud popping and scrapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the exhaust manifold had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was…
Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.
Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.
The check engine light will come on with engine power reduced, code reads turbo under boost, The car will stay in limp mode and make it difficult to get out of traffic there is no warning before the car completely loses power and goes into limp mode!!
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the RPM was fluctuating from 0 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact mentioned the failure recurred multiple times with the vehicle being unable to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the…
I'm in need of a repair on my 2021 Buick Encore GX. It was seen at GM of Marion on July 30 for a warning light that came on as I was driving down the road after having an oil change. It stated my power was reduced. I took it in, and they told me they had just diagnosed this problem for another Encore owner, and it took two weeks to get the part in. It is now September 22, and I still do not…
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with the “Engine Power Reduced message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the loss of power had become a recurring failure and…
The contact owns 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and accelerating, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
Have had my car in the shop multiple time to be put on computer. It states under boost in the turbo. This car is barley 3 years old . And when the check engine light comes on the car goes into limp mode. This is just crazy . I've read more and more people complaining about this but buick doesn't want to do anything about it
Had engine trouble with your 2021 Buick Encore GX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 Buick Encore GX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 36,418 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Buick/Encore GX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.