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 ↗2022 Buick Encore GX powertrain problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain complaints filed for the 2022 Buick Encore GX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 5 model years of Buick Encore GX in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
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 ↗This Preliminary information communicates diagnostic aids for a surge or fishbite concern
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The core complaint across these 10 reports is a transmission control failure centered on the shifter assembly and its connector. When owners place the vehicle in Park, the transmission control module frequently fails to register the shift, leaving the vehicle in accessory mode with the engine running, radio playing, and a persistent "Shift to Park" warning on the dash accompanied by chiming and honking.
Owners describe a workaround pattern: repeatedly shifting the vehicle into Reverse and Drive, then back to Park—sometimes requiring 10-15 attempts—until the system finally recognizes Park. One owner reported the vehicle occasionally shuts itself off after extended running in accessory mode. Several also mention rough idle and transmission warning lights displayed alongside the shifter malfunction.
Door locks fail to engage when Park is not recognized, leaving vehicles unlocked and unshutterable. One owner reported the related failure to shift into Reverse when commanded at normal mileage. Start-up issues also appear: one complaint describes needing 10-15 minutes of repeated ignition attempts before the engine fires.
Dealers consistently report the shifter and connector assembly as the failed component requiring replacement at approximately $560, with parts chronically on backorder. One dealer mentioned repairing multiple Encore GX vehicles with the identical failure. Despite a referenced Technical Service Bulletin (23/NA/119), manufacturers confirmed no recall exists, and repair costs remain the owner's responsibility.
Same Buick Encore GX powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Shift to Park Recognition Failure
The transmission control module fails to register that the vehicle is in Park despite the shifter being fully moved into the Park position. This causes the vehicle to remain in accessory mode with the engine running, radio on, and persistent warning messages and chimes. Owners report needing to repeatedly shift back and forth or restart the vehicle multiple times before Park is finally recognized.
When: Between 24,000 and 43,132 miles; some reports as early as very low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: "Shift to Park" message displayed on instrument panel when vehicle is already in Park; Engine remains running after attempting to turn off; Radio continues playing and chiming; Door locks fail to engage automatically; Vehicle honks when door opened to alert driver it is still running; Shifter requires repeated forward/backward manipulation to achieve recognition; Vehicle occasionally shuts off on its own after prolonged running in accessory mode
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report the shifter and connector assembly require replacement; parts are consistently on backorder with no estimated arrival dates. Repair cost cited as approximately $560. Multiple dealer locations report this is a recurring problem affecting many vehicles of this model.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 23/NA/119 referenced in one complaint but manufacturer confirmed VIN was not covered under warranty, TSB, or recall. Repair costs are the owner's responsibility. Manufacturer opened cases but has not issued a recall.
Transmission Start/Shift Control Malfunction
The vehicle intermittently fails to start immediately or fails to respond to shift commands during normal operation. One owner reported the vehicle would not shift into reverse as intended, requiring neutral-to-drive manipulation. Another reported prolonged no-start conditions requiring 10-15 minutes of repeated ignition attempts before starting.
When: Approximately 10,150 miles and 43,132 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to start immediately; multiple start attempts required; Prolonged cranking period (10-15 minutes) before engine fires; Failure to shift into reverse when commanded; vehicle remains stationary; Rough idle reported alongside shifter issues; Transmission warning light illuminated on instrument cluster
Codes mentioned: TSB 23/NA/119
Repairs/costs cited: One complaint referenced TSB 23/NA/119; dealer-level diagnosis identified the gearbox may need replacement, though parts were on backorder. One case could not be duplicated at the dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23/NA/119 referenced; however, vehicles were confirmed not covered under warranty or recall. No repair completed in reported cases due to parts unavailability.
Door Lock and Electrical Integration Failure
The vehicle's door locking system fails to operate properly in conjunction with transmission control issues. Doors will not lock automatically when Park is not recognized, and manual door unlock is required.
When: Concurrent with Shift to Park recognition failure; 24,000 to 43,132 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic door unlock occurs when Park is not recognized; Doors will not lock when vehicle is in accessory mode; Door locking mechanism requires manual operation; Doors fail to lock properly; electronics malfunction reported
Synthesized from 11 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 2022 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth between drive(D) and reverse (R) and then shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized; however, on several occasions, the vehicle intermittently…
2022 Buick Encore GX - Reported this already via #11618957 or 9-13811484283 with Buick. Shifter and connector were stating "Place car in park" even when car was turned off. Radio would not shut off & would continue to beep. The part was on back order for over 1 month. Car could not be driven. Transmission light would be on display. Friday, Nov 29th received call part was finally in. Car has been…
My SUV states shift to park, but I already have it in park and it will not shut off. I have to keep starting it up for it to shut-off. Also when I go to the gas station to fill my SUV up with gas and try to start it up it will not start. I keep trying to start it up and after about 10 to 15 minutes it finally starts.
Get shift to park worning when in part. Lights stay on and worning signal sounds. Have to keep fooling with shifter to stop. GM seems not willing to do anything with this problem and parts to fix are on back order with no time for availability. Repair is around $560.00. From what I can find out , this has been an on going problem with GM autos. Please help
Place car in park, turn off car. On your screen in front of you it shows “shift to park” and the radio does not shut off. It continues to chime and the radio and chime does not shut off. Dealership states it is the shifter and the connector that is a problem. Shifter is on backorder for undetermined time.
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into neutral(N) and then shifted into drive (D). The vehicle was then parked at the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The…
Shift to park warning on dash board. Electronics malfunction with doors not locking, warning buzzer and lights blinking.
For the last week or so, my car, a 2022 Buick Encore GX Sport, that I bought brand new and currently only has 30,000 miles, does not acknowledge being in Park when I park the vehicle and try to turn it off. This causes the car to remain on and radio playing and it beeping that it needs attention and to shift it to Park. if you try to close the door, it honks letting you know the car is still on,…
I get an error "shift to park" when I put my vehicle in "park" and shut it off. It goes into accessory mode and beeps. If I try to leave the vehicle, it will honk to alert me about the issue and I can't lock the vehicle and it stays in accessory mode. To alleviate this issue, I have to put the vehicle in reverse for a few feet and then drive forward and put it into park again, which can take…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 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 2022 Buick Encore GX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 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 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 26,641 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/2022/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.