NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
The 2020 Buick Encore scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Buick Encore earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. This score, derived from NHTSA crash-test results, recall history, and its standard avoidance-tech suite, reflects genuinely solid federal safety performance. The improvement over the prior model year is notable, demonstrating a meaningful step forward in overall safety.
The 2020 Buick Encore SUV AWD received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, based on 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 ranks 23 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 23 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Buick Encore?
For the 2020 Buick Encore AWD, crash protection is a clear strength, contributing 66 of a possible 70 points to its overall safety assessment. This strong performance underpins the model's 89/100 score in MotorCaliber's Safety Index, a five-point improvement over the 2019 model's 84/100. While electronic stability control is standard, the vehicle's avoidance technology score of 6 out of 10 reflects the optional status of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning, a significant distinction from models offering these systems as standard. The defect record shows two recall campaigns and 19 owner complaints, leading to a score of 17.25 out of 20 for this component. One recall, addressing seat fasteners, is specific to the 2020 Encore GX. Prospective buyers in the used market should confirm their trim and verify any recall remedies by VIN. A separate transmission recall impacts a wider range of GM vehicles. The 2020 Encore's federal safety profile stands as one of its more robust records.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Buick Encore perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Buick Encore AWD achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in impact protection. This included perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. Rollover protection is the one area where the Encore AWD does not meet these high marks, earning 4 out of 5 stars with an 18-percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test, however, produced a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14365
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 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses the powertrain, specifically automatic transmission concerns shared across several GM vehicles. The second targets seats and critical fasteners, with GM recalling 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles over rear attachment bolts on the seat. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the available data.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca
Reported 2020-10-29
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS20V537000
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
Reported 2020-09-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Buick Encore?
Nineteen owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Encore, including alleged reports of 1 crash and 1 injury. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Engine with 7 reports, followed by Fuel/Propulsion System, Power Train, and Electrical System, each with 4 reported allegations.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Buick Encore?
Before considering a 2020 Buick Encore, prospective buyers must confirm that two significant recalls have been addressed. The automatic transmission recall and the critical seat-fastener recall are particularly important safety concerns that may still be open on individual vehicles. Verifying the completion of all recall remedies is paramount for any used-market purchase of this model year.
- The 2020 model year achieved a Safety Index of 89/100, a five-point gain over the 2019 Encore's 84/100, driven primarily by a near-maximum crash-protection score of 66 out of 70 points.
- NHTSA's rollover rating for this specific AWD configuration is 4 out of 5 stars, with an 18-percent rollover risk measurement and a No Tip result in the dynamic test.
- Two recall campaigns are on record for this model year, one covering automatic transmission concerns across a broad GM lineup, and one targeting rear seat attachment bolts specifically on the 2020 Encore GX and related vehicles.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as optional rather than standard for this model year, which is why the avoidance-tech component scores 6 out of 10 and represents the weakest element of the 2020 Encore's Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Buick Encore places
The 2020 Buick Encore qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Buick Encore safety questions
Was the 2020 Buick Encore crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Buick Encore, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Buick Encore 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 2020 Buick Encore have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Buick Encore. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Buick Encore?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Buick Encore. 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 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 14365), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Encore 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 23 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.