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2020 Buick Encore
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
19 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 16, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2020 Buick Encore SUV AWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 18%
No open NHTSA defect investigations on file.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2020 Buick Encore, plotted where owners report it happening.
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
37%7 complaints · typically near 38k mi · 4 in the last 2 years
“On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic co…”
Fuel system
21%4 complaints · 3 in the last 2 years
“On 4/24/25 I noticed a pungent odor (like rotten eggs). The odor is worse today. I did research and it appears there may be a problem and or leak with the catalytic co…”
Transmission & drivetrain
21%4 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“I was told there was a recall on my engine. My check engine light is on. My car doesn't speed up pass 75. When I try to speed up I can feel the gears change.and the ca…”
Electrical system
21%4 complaints
“I have to constantly jump start my vehicle. Took it to the dealers and they stated there is nothing wrong with the battery.”
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Power Train · 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Seats · 20V537000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
Risk: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2020 Buick ENCORE beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2020? See how every Encore model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.