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2024 Buick Encore GX
The verdict
1 thing going for it, 2 to watch.
Cons
Official recall campaigns exist for this vehicle. See the Safety Recalls section for what failed and how it's fixed.
Why we say this — NHTSA — Safety Recalls
16 of 27 owner complaints are about the electrical system. Tap it in the heatmap to read the real reports.
Why we say this — NHTSA — Owner Complaints
Pros
Earned a strong overall government crash-test rating.
Why we say this — NHTSA — 5-Star Safety Ratings
Neutral
Official EPA fuel economy. We show this as a neutral fact — whether it's 'good' depends on the vehicle's class.
Why we say this — U.S. EPA / DOE — fueleconomy.gov
Take this with you:
★★★★★Crash-test safety
0Safety recalls
0Owner complaints
0% involved a crash or fire
27–30Combined MPG
ℹ️ Recalls & complaints are reported per model — the same across every trim & engine. Fuel economy (and crash ratings by body style) can vary — use the pickers in those sections.
Safety Recalls
Official recall campaigns. Tap one to see the danger and the fix.
What is a recall, really?
A recall means the government made the manufacturer admit a safety defect — and the fix is free at any dealer, forever, even for used cars. Recalls range from a software update to "the steering wheel can detach," so read the danger line on each one. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed, or have a dealer run the VIN. Recalls also have a quieter cousin worth reading: technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Campaign 23V744000
What's wrong: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.
The danger: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A232424320.
Source: NHTSA — Safety Recalls · re-checked about every 24 hours
Where Owners Report Problems
Where owners report the most trouble — based on 27 complaints. Tap a part to read the real reports.
Raw count — best-sellers naturally log more complaints than rare cars, so judge it against the peer comparison below, not on its own.
Why don't we show complaints per vehicle sold?
Because no official source publishes sales counts per model — that data is sold by private firms, and the free numbers online are guesses. A rate built on a guessed denominator is a guess wearing a lab coat, so we refuse to show one. Instead we show comparisons where fleet size cancels out or is disclosed: the same model across its own years, the crash/fire severity mix, and the peer ranking below — each with its methodology attached.
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 5 of 16):
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V744000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel displayed a blank screen. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred every 31 seconds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed VCU module. The contact was informed that the VCU module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall or warranty program. The failure mileage was approximately 55,300.
The instrument panel gets really hot. I've taken the car to a dealer to diagnose the problem but they say that that can't find anything wrong .There were no warning lights or any message. I purchased the car in 2025 and it already had a little over 10,000 miles on it. Not just the instrument panel gets hot, but, also yhe panel where the radio is.
The information screen has gone totally black and calls are cutting in and out. In my research I've seen there was a recall for this issue on this year and model but, it does not show for my particular vehicle.
door locks don't work. This is the second time in less than a year. Last time it took Buick 28 days to fix. Vehicle wont lock while driving or when parked. No warning. The dealer has had the vehicle since 10-20-25.
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 4 of 4):
this is a software issue. it’s always cutting in and out turning blank at times/ glitching / disconnecting just a bunch of stuff that gets very annoying and frustrating especially when driving.
We bought our Buick Encore in April 2024 and not even a month after we had it the screen went completely blank while I was driving down the road and I couldn’t see my speedometer to see how fast I was going or anything, so I took it to the dealership and they did a system update to supposedly solve the problem. Now, not even four months later I had to take the vehicle back because the control screen that has the mapping system, the phone, Pandora etc. goes out on and off which is a huge hazard if you’re on the interstate in an unknown area and the map goes blank or you’re driving in a hands free state and the phone goes off and you have to fiddle with your phone to switch the caller over to the speaker on your cell phone. I was at the dealer for four hours today and they acknowledged the Buick Encore has a well known Bluetooth connection issue and they said there was nothing they could do but a hard reset on the system. They did that after I’d been there four hours and ten minutes after I left the dealer the system disconnected from my phone again while I was on the interstate going 70+ mph. The sealer also said there was nothing more they could do until Buick came out with a recall on the system. My car is brand spanking new and I shouldn’t have these type of problems out of the vehicle already.
The Virtual Cockpit Unit on my Buick Encore GX ST 2024 keeps intermittently blackout at vehicle startup and or while driving. When this happens while driving, I have no way of knowing the speed, gas level, and other important information that would be displayed on the cockpit screen. At times when the screen starts to go out, it starts to glitch (images on screen are distorted). When this happens, it become very distracting while driving. My concern is this vehicle is unsafe under these conditions. I have only had this vehicle since mid OCT 2023. My vehicle has been serviced at the dealership on the above reported incident on [XXX], second time on [XXX], and the third time on [XXX]. I keep getting my car back thinking that the issue is fixed, and only to find out that it is not. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). The contact stated the vehicle virtual cockpit unit/instrument panel has failed again.
I started the Encore and dash flashed.Sevivice side detection system.Now the small lights on mirros dont show any more.It just happend today 12/17/2024 .I hope I dont have other issues with this vehicle. I would hate too use the lemon or too have to trade this in. Thank You
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 3 of 3):
When driving on the freeway 60 mph, the car jerked and locked up, no warning lights, speedometer was rising and dropping rapidly, car slowly dropped speed. Had to pull on the side of the road, when car was put to parked, neutral, or drive it went backwards until it wasn’t able to move at all. Car was towed to the GM Chevrolet in my area where it was fixed previously for transmission module issue. After inspection it was found by a mechanic that it was a transmission failure. Thankfully, we didn’t get into an accident but it was a close call.
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle was shuddering abnormally while accelerating, and the transmission failed to properly shift into gear. The contact was concerned about safety while driving the vehicle at highway speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated, or messages displayed prior to the failure. After the most recent failure, the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,500.
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into drive, the vehicle failed to move, prompting the contact to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to immediately restart. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to start. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly began to decelerate independently before returning to normal functionality. The contact also stated that previously, while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel went blank, failing to display any information. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,200. The VIN was not available.
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 3 of 3):
When driving on the freeway 60 mph, the car jerked and locked up, no warning lights, speedometer was rising and dropping rapidly, car slowly dropped speed. Had to pull on the side of the road, when car was put to parked, neutral, or drive it went backwards until it wasn’t able to move at all. Car was towed to the GM Chevrolet in my area where it was fixed previously for transmission module issue. After inspection it was found by a mechanic that it was a transmission failure. Thankfully, we didn’t get into an accident but it was a close call.
Vehicle was started and started misfiring and then shut off, no check engine lights came on. Tried to restart the car and it continued to misfire but eventually stopped. Car also misfires sometimes after refueling. Car was taken to dealership to be looked at and there were no findings of any issues, they suggested it was bad gas.
The issue has happened three times and has been "repaired" three times. While driving, the vehicle starts to shake violently. Then the check engine light comes on and the vehicle shuts off. It has happened on extremely busy roads and almost caused major accidents. It has been a problem with fuel pump and sensor. Again, it has happened three times.
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 2 of 2):
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blurry image, and the rear-view camera later displayed a solid red image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that there were no issues with the rear-view camera image. The failure reoccurred, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown related recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
I started the Encore and dash flashed.Sevivice side detection system.Now the small lights on mirros dont show any more.It just happend today 12/17/2024 .I hope I dont have other issues with this vehicle. I would hate too use the lemon or too have to trade this in. Thank You
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 2 of 2):
Vehicle was started and started misfiring and then shut off, no check engine lights came on. Tried to restart the car and it continued to misfire but eventually stopped. Car also misfires sometimes after refueling. Car was taken to dealership to be looked at and there were no findings of any issues, they suggested it was bad gas.
The issue has happened three times and has been "repaired" three times. While driving, the vehicle starts to shake violently. Then the check engine light comes on and the vehicle shuts off. It has happened on extremely busy roads and almost caused major accidents. It has been a problem with fuel pump and sensor. Again, it has happened three times.
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 2 of 2):
The display screen will glitch and completely go black while driving. I have tried turning the car off to hopefully “reset” the issue, and sometimes the entire display will not come on at all. I have taken my car in 4-5 times to my local dealership only to be blown off. Lately my headlights and taillights are going off at random times. The are a huge safety concern and it seems increasingly common for many Buick owners. The recall needs to be expanded to include my vehicle before I have an accident and I, or someone else is seriously hurt.
Upon starting up my car, the instrument panel (showing speed, mileage, warning lights, fuel level, blinkers, etc) was completely blank. The entire dashboard is displayed via illumination. This lasted about an hour. There is an open recall on this exact issue, but my VIN isn't included in the recall.
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 2 of 2):
The brakes squeak constantly and occasionally skid or lock up. The car will occasionally have all electrical power disconnected so all screens go blank for 2-3 secs (sometimes in succession for 3 times max), the car will continue to run and drive. However, the screens will blink as if starting up each time the car does this. The car will also indicate 44 miles left until tank is empty, working 10-12 more miles the car will stop as if it’s out of gas and will not start again until you put gas it (all indications on gauges show enough gas to go 25-30 miles left). Very disappointed in the car and dealership can’t figure it out.
Noticed around 7000 miles that the brakes are squealing and grabbing at slow speeds
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 1 of 1):
The contact leased a 2024 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel was pulling to the left and to the right. The contact was able to remain in the middle lane. The contact had to use both hands while driving the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. After two months, the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,620.
Real owner reports filed with NHTSA (showing 1 of 1):
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated there was an abnormally strong foul odor inside the vehicle, and there was mildew and mold inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the failure had occurred due to the design of the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that water and debris were entering the vehicle through the gap between the windshield and the cowl. The dealer was currently cleaning the vehicle with mold removal products; however, no assistance was provided to correct the gap between the windshield and the cowl. The dealer advised the contact to park the vehicle in a garage. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that her daughter was asthmatic and was taken to the hospital because her asthma might have been triggered by the mold and mildew inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.
Many crash/fire reportsSome crash/fire reportsNo crash/fire in reports
Color = how serious (crash/fire involvement) · number = how many (share of all this car's reports). Tap any part to read real owner complaints.
Source: NHTSA — Owner Complaints · re-checked about every 24 hours
Crash-Test Safety Ratings
Official U.S. government 5-star crash-test results.
How to read these stars
These come from the government physically crash-testing this vehicle — front, side, and rollover — and scoring it 1 to 5 stars. Ratings are per body style, so a sedan and its coupe twin can differ. If a vehicle shows no rating, it usually means the government never tested that exact configuration — untested is not the same as unsafe, and we'll never blur that line.
2024 Buick Encore GX SUV FWD
Source: NHTSA — 5-Star Safety Ratings · re-checked about every 24 hours
Fuel Economy (MPG)
Official EPA estimates — the real numbers, not the brochure.
27–30Combined MPG
26–30City MPG
28–31Highway MPG
$2,050–$2,300Est. fuel cost / yr
Across 3 official EPA configurations · Fuel: Regular. Pick an engine/trim above for exact numbers.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE — fueleconomy.gov · re-checked about every 24 hours