Lemon Law Analysis

2023 Buick Encore GX

NHTSA Complaints · Active Recalls · California Lemon Law Data

✓ Reviewed by Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. · Updated June 2026
21
NHTSA Complaints
Active Recalls
2-4
Avg. Repair Attempts

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 21 complaints against the 2023 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 2023 Buick Encore GX complaints directly on the NHTSA complaint database.

The 2023 Buick Encore Gx has generated 44 NHTSA complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your 2023 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.

Other Systems

Moderate Claim VolumeSong-Beverly Strength: Very Strong

The 2023 Buick Encore Gx has generated 6 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: “Purge pump failure occurred at 15000 miles , no lights were active on dash prior. now have a persistent check engine light .” (NHTSA Complaint #11720196)

Powertrain

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Strong

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2023 Buick Encore Gx have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 4 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “When starting from a traffic light after the green light, the car made mechanical noises and would not accelerate above approximately 25 mph. It seemed obvious at the time that the transmission had failed, which was later confirmed after being towed to the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed; however, during the previous days, there were a few instances when the transmission “shifted” hard (this seemed odd considering it is a CVT transmission).” (NHTSA Complaint #11717276)

Engine

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2023 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 4 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “The engine reduces power light came on almost two months ago I toke it to family gmc in St. George in sc. They put is on a machine and said they said the I think turbo compassion for the air to the gas is bad. I am still waiting on them to receive a part to fix it. So I was wondering if anybody else had this problem with the 2023 buick encore gx” (NHTSA Complaint #11678725)

Fuel System

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Fuel and propulsion system defects can cause stalling, fuel leaks, or power loss — all substantial impairments of use and safety. The 2023 Buick Encore Gx has generated 2 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. Owner reports include: “the evaporative emissions purge pump or an ECM calibration fault code P0521” (NHTSA Complaint #11725215)

Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2023 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 2 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2023 Buick Encore GX that repeatedly shuts off while driving and doesn’t restart when auto stop is on, it leaves me stranded in traffic. The vehicle has been in the shop multiple times since February 13, and the issue has not been resolved. A service advisor has stated he is not comfortable putting me back in the vehicle and wants to help get me out of this car. I am requesting escalation, a case number, and immediate resolution. After having the oil changed in February, the check engine light came on soon after. Car had left me stranded prior to the battery being replaced. After 4 times in the same shop, they say a bad ground connection may now be the problem, however they also said they recharged the battery the visit prior.” (NHTSA Complaint #11725113)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Buick Encore Gx

As of the date of this review, no active recalls have been issued specifically for the 2023 Buick Encore Gx. Recall status can change at any time. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls for the most current information. The absence of a recall does not mean your vehicle is defect-free — many lemon law claims proceed without a recall on file.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

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 2023 Buick Encore Gx:

  • 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
  • 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
  • 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

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.

What You Can Recover

If your 2023 Buick Encore Gx qualifies as a lemon under California law, Buick may be legally required to:

  • Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
  • Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
  • Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Buick pays all legal fees if you prevail
  • Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Buick willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2023 Buick Encore Gx Claim

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.

2023 Buick Encore Gx Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2023 Buick Encore Gx as a lemon?

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.

Does Buick pay my attorney fees?

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.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

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.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2023 Buick Encore Gx?

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.

Think Your 2023 Encore GX Qualifies?

Get a free case evaluation. Buick pays our fees if you win — you pay nothing upfront.

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