NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Buick Encore GX Safety Ratings
The 2020 Buick Encore GX scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 65 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Buick Encore GX earned a perfect 5-star rating in the NHTSA's side-impact crash test. This strong performance contributes to its 4-star overall NHTSA rating. Standard crash avoidance technology is present across all trims for this model year. The Encore GX achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band for its class.
The 2020 Buick Encore GX SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side crash rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Buick Encore GX ranks 41 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 65 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
The 2020 Buick Encore GX, a new nameplate for the model year, enters the safety review with a Strong Safety Index of 86 out of 100. This score is notable for its perfect 10 out of 10 in avoidance technology, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points to the overall assessment. In specific NHTSA crash tests, the Encore GX achieved a 5-star rating in the side crash impact, representing its strongest individual performance. Frontal and rollover assessments each yielded 4 out of 5 stars, which are competitive results for the segment. The defect record component, at 14.75 out of 20 points, is influenced by two recall campaigns. One recall addresses the emergency jack, a common issue across multiple GM models. The second recall, impacting the brake system, is shared with other 2020 GM vehicles and is more critical. This is underscored by 21 unverified owner complaints concerning the service brakes, which constitute the largest single category of owner-reported issues. For its inaugural model year, the Encore GX demonstrates a solid safety foundation, anchored by comprehensive avoidance technology and robust side-impact protection.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Buick Encore GX perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Buick Encore GX AWD earned 4 out of 5 stars in the overall NHTSA crash test evaluation. While the side impact test yielded 5 out of 5 stars, both the frontal crash and rollover assessments concluded with 4-star ratings. The rollover risk for this model is 18 percent, with the dynamic tip test registering a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14367
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Buick Encore GX have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the emergency scissor jack, which may be defective and pose a risk during a roadside tire change. The second, issued earlier, addresses the service brake system and spans multiple GM models including the 2020 Encore GX. Neither campaign carried a do-not-drive order, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN before purchase.
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND21V440000
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 customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
Reported 2021-06-10
SERVICE BRAKES20V588000
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 number for this recall is A202307260.
Reported 2020-09-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
Owners have filed 65 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes (21 reports), Unknown Or Other (17), and Power Train (16). Electrical System and Engine follow. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
65 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
A recall campaign concerning the jack and another for the brakes are noteworthy for this 6-year-old vehicle. Prospective owners should verify remedy completion through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. All open recalls transfer with ownership, and buyers are responsible for confirming their resolution before a used-market purchase.
- This is the launch model year for the Encore GX nameplate, so no prior-year Safety Index exists to measure improvement or decline against.
- The brake system recall issued in September 2020 covers the 2020 Encore GX alongside several other GM models and is the more safety-critical of the two campaigns given the high volume of unverified brake complaints.
- The 5-star NHTSA side crash rating is the single strongest result in this vehicle's NCAP profile and is a meaningful differentiator within its segment score.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, earning the maximum 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech points in the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Buick Encore GX places
The 2020 Buick Encore GX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Buick Encore GX safety questions
Was the 2020 Buick Encore GX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Buick Encore GX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Buick Encore GX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Buick Encore GX earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Buick Encore GX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Buick Encore GX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Buick Encore GX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 65 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Buick Encore GX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Encore GX years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14367), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Encore GX 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 41 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.