NHTSA Complaints · Active Recalls · California Lemon Law Data
The NHTSA tracks consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, and safety investigations for every vehicle sold in the United States. These publicly available records are a critical resource for California lemon law cases because they establish patterns of recurring defects.
As of June 2026, the NHTSA has logged 42 complaints against the 2021 Buick Encore GX. Each complaint is filed by a vehicle owner or lessee through the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline or online portal at SaferCar.gov. You can review all 2021 Buick Encore GX complaints directly on the NHTSA complaint database.
The 2021 Buick Encore Gx has generated 84 NHTSA complaints and has 2 active recalls. If your 2021 Buick Encore Gx has experienced a defect that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple visits, you may qualify for a full repurchase or replacement under California lemon law. Buick pays all attorney fees when we prevail. You pay nothing.
Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Buick Encore Gx have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 14 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Evap leak detection pump failed at 78,871 miles. 2022 models and beyond are covered for this defect.” (NHTSA Complaint #11693594)
Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2021 Buick Encore Gx have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 10 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the message to “Shift to Park” was displayed wh…”
Brake defects affecting safety may qualify for California’s two-repair threshold under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, which applies to defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. The 2021 Buick Encore Gx has generated 10 NHTSA complaints related to braking, including ABS failures, grinding, reduced stopping power, and warning lights. Owner reports include: “Brake System Control Module Replacement – The brake system control module needs replacement due to a fault detected with 10 volts on terminal 1. Replacing this component can help maintain proper functionality of the brake system and ensure consistent performance. Why would this all of a sudden be faulty after almost 5 years?” (NHTSA Complaint #11708527)
Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Buick Encore Gx have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 8 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2021 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, there was an abnormally loud popping and scrapping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. Upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the exhaust manifold had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was drivable and was currently parked at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,590.” (NHTSA Complaint #11704676)
The 2021 Buick Encore Gx has generated 8 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “2021 Buick Encore with 25000 miles. Warning message “SHIFT TO PARK” while vehicle is in park. Dealership says shifter and knob need replaced at an out…”
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Buick Encore Gx by the NHTSA or Buick. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Component: SERVICE BRAKES
Defect: See NHTSA database for details.
Risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s nu
Component: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND
Defect: See NHTSA database for details.
Risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Buick Encore Gx:
Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Buick to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Buick must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.
If your 2021 Buick Encore Gx qualifies as a lemon under California law, Buick may be legally required to:
Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.
Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Buick a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Buick dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.
Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Buick pays your fees if you win.
Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Buick a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.
Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Buick is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.
Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.
California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
If your 2021 Buick Encore Gx has a recurring defect, California’s Lemon Law may entitle you to a full refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement — at no cost to you.
Our attorneys answer the questions we hear most from California vehicle owners — fully updated for 2026.
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