2025 Buick Encore GX problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 14 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2025 Buick Encore GX has 14 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 6 complaints, typically surfacing around 20,000 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Encore GX | 29 | 0 |
| 2023 Encore GX | 23 | 0 |
| 2024 Encore GX | 27 | 0 |
| 2025 Encore GX (this page) | 14 | 0 |
| 2026 Encore GX | 1 | 0 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2025 Buick Encore GX SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2025 Buick Encore GX? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 20,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 3 owner reports · ~$2,500 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is powertrain (~$2,500) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The vehicle has a safety-related defect involving the safety restraint system. A warning message/light appears indicating a malfunction affecting occupant protection. This defect raises concerns regarding proper airbag and restraint operation in the event of a crash. I…
The contact owned a 2025 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the GPS failed to operate properly. Additionally, the air conditioning system was inoperable. The contact stated that while driving in the heat, the contact to briefly became…
The contact owns a 2025 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds and attempting to depress icons on the infotainment system, the screen froze. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on five occasions where it was diagnosed that the…
Second complete powertrain failure on March 14, 2026 at 13,993 miles, nine days after first repair (complete transmission replacement for bone-dry sealed transmission). Symptoms: sudden loss of power on highway (unable to exceed 20 mph with accelerator fully depressed), hollow…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.8 out of 10 based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2025 Buick Encore GX is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2025 Buick Encore GX?
On the NHTSA data, the 2025 Buick Encore GX does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2025 Buick Encore GX?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 6 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 20,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2025 Buick Encore GX a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 14 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 20,000 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2025 Buick Encore GX?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 6 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 20,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 20,000 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick Encore GX has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2025 Buick Encore GX?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 14 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.