NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Buick Encore GX Safety Ratings
The 2026 Buick Encore GX scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Buick Encore GX enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional category. Its safety profile is strengthened by a pristine record: zero recalls have been issued, and no owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year. These factors, combined with robust crash-test performance from NHTSA, suggest a well-engineered vehicle from a safety perspective.
The 2026 Buick Encore GX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Buick Encore GX ranks 22 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 | 95 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX enters the model year with a Safety Index of 96/100, a one-point gain over the 2025 model's 95/100, both sitting in the Exceptional band. That incremental improvement is supported by a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20/20, reflecting the absence of any recall campaigns at this stage of the model year. The crash-protection sub-score of 66/70 anchors the index, driven by the five-star overall NHTSA rating and clean five-star scores in both frontal and side categories. The four-star rollover result and 18 percent rollover risk are the only figures that prevent a higher crash-protection sub-score, though the dynamic tip test returned a no-tip outcome, which is a meaningful data point within that category. The avoidance-technology sub-score is a full 10/10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. The zero-complaint baseline is consistent with a freshly released model year and should be interpreted as an absence of filed reports rather than a permanent condition.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Buick Encore GX perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Buick Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes five out of five stars for frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover performance was rated at four stars, with an 18 percent rollover risk estimate, although NHTSA's dynamic tip testing did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21819
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Buick Encore GX have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. Zero recalls have been issued for this model year. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory applies. Shoppers should still run their specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database, as early-release vehicles can accumulate campaigns after initial sale.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA26V539000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A262554900. Vehicle Identification Numbe
Reported 2026-08-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
No owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. There are zero alleged incidents involving crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths on file. As with all NHTSA complaint data, any future submissions would represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
As an early release for the current model year, this vehicle presently shows no recalls on file. Any prospective owner should therefore verify the specific VIN with NHTSA's official recall tool prior to purchase or delivery, as recall campaigns may be initiated after a vehicle's market introduction.
- The 2026 model year gained one Safety Index point over the 2025 Encore GX, moving from 95/100 to 96/100, with the improvement tied to a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score reflecting zero active recall campaigns.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash protection for this specific model year, with the rollover category scoring four stars and an 18 percent rollover risk estimate alongside a no-tip dynamic test result.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard on this model year, contributing a full 10/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Zero owner complaints are currently on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Encore GX, but as an early-release model year, complaint volume and potential recall filings should be monitored via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool over time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Buick Encore GX places
The 2026 Buick Encore GX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Buick Encore GX safety questions
Was the 2026 Buick Encore GX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Buick Encore GX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Buick Encore GX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Buick Encore GX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 2026 Buick Encore GX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Buick Encore GX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Buick Encore GX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Encore GX years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21819), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Encore GX 2026.
- 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 22 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.