Buick Encore GX problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The largest Encore GX recall is 26V-539: on 2024–2026 models the rearview camera may show a distorted or blank image, and dealers inspect and replace the camera. 2024 models also had a software recall for a blank instrument display, and 2020–2022 models a recall for an emergency jack that can fracture.

CarWhere lists 5 documented Encore GX issues, including 5 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Encore GX generations at a glance

Buick Encore GX generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
First generation2020–presentRearview camera may show a distorted or blank image (recall 26V-539) · Instrument display may go blank (recall 23V-744) · Emergency jack can fracture (recall 21V-440) · Brake boost sensor contamination (recall 20V-588) · Front seat rear bolts may be missing (recall 20V-537)

First generation Encore GX problems (2020–present)

Rearview camera may show a distorted or blank image (recall 26V-539) (2024–2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2020–present) – 2024–2026
Years:
2024–2026
Powertrain:
All

Recall 26V-539 covers 2024–2026 Encore GX, 2024–2025 Envista, Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2025 Trax models, about 306,511 vehicles, because the rearview camera image may be distorted or blank. Dealers inspect and replace the camera as needed. Owner letters were mailed September 30, 2026.

Symptoms

  • Distorted, flickering or black rear camera image when reversing

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V539 (2026-08) · 306,511 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

Instrument display may go blank (recall 23V-744) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2020–present) – 2024
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All

Software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit module may cause the instrument panel display to go blank intermittently at startup or while driving. The campaign covers 2024 Encore GX, Envista and Chevrolet Trax models, about 60,154 vehicles. The software is updated by a dealer or over the air.

Symptoms

  • Driver display that goes black, then returns

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 23V744 (2023-11) · 60,154 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][2]

Emergency jack can fracture (recall 21V-440) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2020–present) – 2020–2022
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
All

The emergency jack can fracture if it is not positioned as the owner's manual directs. The campaign covers 2020–2022 Encore GX and 2021–2022 Trailblazer models, about 135,400 vehicles. Dealers replace the jack.

Symptoms

  • None while driving; the risk is when using the jack

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 21V440 (2021-06) · 135,400 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][2]

Brake boost sensor contamination (recall 20V-588) (2020–2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2020–present) – 2020–2021
Years:
2020–2021
Powertrain:
All

Contamination at a sensor connection in the electronic brake boost system may interrupt communication with the boost module. The campaign covers 2020–2021 Encore GX and several other GM models, about 3,677 vehicles. Dealers replace the electronic brake boost module.

Symptoms

  • Brake warning message
  • Firmer brake pedal than normal

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V588 (2020-09) · 3,677 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][2]

Front seat rear bolts may be missing (recall 20V-537) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2020–present) – 2020
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed on certain 2020 Encore GX and 2021 Trailblazer models, about 105 vehicles. Dealers inspect both front seats and install bolts as needed.

Symptoms

  • Front seat that rocks or moves at the rear

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V537 (2020-09) · 105 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6][2]

Related Encore GX research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Encore GX was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Buick build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Buick build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Buick Encore GX problems?

The documented issues are safety recalls: the 2024–2026 rearview camera recall (26V-539), the 2024 blank instrument display software recall (23V-744) and the 2020–2022 emergency jack recall (21V-440).

Is there a recall on the Encore GX backup camera?

Yes. Recall 26V-539 covers 2024–2026 Encore GX models whose rearview camera may display a distorted or blank image. Dealers inspect and replace the camera as needed.

Does the 2024 Encore GX have a screen recall?

Yes. Recall 23V-744 covers 2024 models whose instrument display may go blank intermittently. The fix is a software update by a dealer or over the air.

Which Encore GX years have the fewest recalls?

In the DOT recall dataset, 2023 models appear in the fewest Encore GX campaigns: only the 2020–2022 jack recall stops before them and the 2024–2026 campaigns start after.

How do I check an Encore GX for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Buick dealer, and ask the seller for repair orders for any completed recall work.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-539 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Encore GX — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  3. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 23V-744 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  4. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-440 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  5. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-588 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  6. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-537 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Buick or General Motors. Buick, Avenir and the model names are trademarks of General Motors.