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2021 Buick Encore GX powertrain problems

moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →

Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500

When does it fail?

Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2021 Buick Encore GX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
1 (100%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

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

Among the 5 model years of Buick Encore GX in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.

Powertrain accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 3 categories tracked.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.

Service Bulletin 23-NA-119 Sep 2025

This service bulletin provides service procedure information to correct a customer concern of Shift to Park Displayed on DIC When Vehicle is in- Park, No Start - DTC B000A Set.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin PI0281L Apr 2025

This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 19-NA-200 Mar 2025

This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of start/stop inoperative, MIL illuminated w/DTC P2797.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin PIP5975A Feb 2025

This Preliminary information communicates information on what dealer technicians should due if they encounter a broken chain on a CVT transmission

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin PIP6032A Jan 2025

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on possible sources of transmission fluid leaks from the transmission oil filter or cooler line seals .

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

powertrain · filed 12/11/2023

I bought my vehicle the later part of 2021 and the transmission and engine no longer work and need to be replaced. When I first purchased the vehicle the battery completely died in less than 6 months. Numerous repairs and now the warranty won't work since I am over 60000 miles even though I have not met the expiration date on my warranty. They want to charge me between 8000-12000 for repairs.

powertrain · filed 10/02/2024

I went off the road after my check engine light came on and my vehicle decided to jerk and wouldn’t go over 66 miles. It happened randomly

powertrain · 61,000 mi · filed 09/23/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message to shift to park(P) was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact removed the key from the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to turn off. The battery had to be disconnected to turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed;…

powertrain · filed 09/01/2025

When I put my car into Park, a bell alarm sounds and a message shows up to put the car into Park. While it’s already in Park. I then push the stick shift forward and the bell alarms stops and message disappears.

Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2021 Buick Encore GX?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?

Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 48,375 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?

No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
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