2020 BUICK ENCORE Complaints and Recall Information
The 2020 BUICK ENCORE has 7 complaints and 3 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to turbocharger failure accompanied by sudden acceleration. Several complaints also describe a pungent odor associated with the catalytic converter, causing adverse physical symptoms.
Common Issues
- Turbocharger failure. Multiple owners report turbochargers failing due to unknown sensor and wiring issues. Replacements under warranty failed again within a short period, sometimes before 65,000 miles.
- Sudden acceleration. Turbocharger malfunctions have caused spontaneous acceleration on highways, presenting safety risks.
- Check engine light activation. The turbocharger failure often triggers check engine warnings unexpectedly, with no prior vehicle performance degradation.
- Catalytic converter odor. Some owners report a rotten egg smell attributed to possible leaks or failures in the catalytic converter system. This odor has caused symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and eye irritation.
Three recalls affect the 2020 BUICK ENCORE, addressing seat attachments and transmission components. The recalls involve safety-critical systems including seating fasteners and transmission integrity.
Recalls
- Front seat attachments. (NHTSA Recall 20V537000) Affects 105 vehicles. Rear attachment bolts on one or both front seats may be missing, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will inspect and install missing bolts free of charge. No do not drive or park outside advisory applies.
- Critical fasteners on front seats. (NHTSA Recall 20V537000) Same issue as above affecting 105 vehicles with the rear seat bolts not installed properly. Owners will be notified for inspection and repair at no cost.
- Transmission start/stop accumulator. (NHTSA Recall 20V668000) Affects 194,105 vehicles including 2019-2020 Buick Encore. Bolts on the start/stop accumulator endcap may be missing, risking transmission oil leaks that could cause loss of propulsion or fire hazard. Dealers will inspect and replace parts as needed at no charge. No do not drive or park outside advisory applies.
Owners facing repeated turbocharger failures, sudden acceleration, or unresolved recall repairs involving critical safety systems may have rights under state lemon laws. Consulting legal advice can clarify potential remedies for persistent defects or safety concerns.
2020 BUICK ENCORE Summary
2020
Model Year
7
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
194210
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2020 BUICK ENCORE
194105 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
2020 BUICK ENCORE
105 vehicles affected
SEATS
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.
Complaints
2020 BUICK ENCORE
ID: 2090556ENGINE
I am co-owner of the vehicle. My daughter was driving the SUV when the Check engine light came on. There was no warning whatsoever, and the turbocharger has gone bad . Prior to the light eliminating there was nothing wrong with the suv. I was driving the suv when the check engine light came on. I also own another 2020 Buick encore where this also happened. I was driving the vehicle when the check engine light came on with no prior warning and it was a failed turbocharger. There is something wrong with these vehicles .
2020 BUICK ENCORE
ID: 2085533ENGINE
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 converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.
2020 BUICK ENCORE
ID: 2085532UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.
2020 BUICK ENCORE
ID: 2085531FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 converter. The emissions are making me and my kids feel sick, nauseous, headache, irritated eyes, etc.
2020 BUICK ENCORE
ID: 2059025POWER TRAIN
Unknown issues w/ sensors and wiring lead to turbocharger failure. This led to spontaneous acceleration issues on the highway. Less than a year after the warranty covered the replacement of the turbocharger (less than 60k miles on the car) the turbocharger again failed (64k miles on car).
2020 BUICK ENCORE
ID: 2059024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Unknown issues w/ sensors and wiring lead to turbocharger failure. This led to spontaneous acceleration issues on the highway. Less than a year after the warranty covered the replacement of the turbocharger (less than 60k miles on the car) the turbocharger again failed (64k miles on car).
2020 BUICK ENCORE
ID: 2059023ENGINE
Unknown issues w/ sensors and wiring lead to turbocharger failure. This led to spontaneous acceleration issues on the highway. Less than a year after the warranty covered the replacement of the turbocharger (less than 60k miles on the car) the turbocharger again failed (64k miles on car).