NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
The 2021 Buick Encore scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Buick Encore earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, placing the vehicle in the Exceptional band. Zero active recalls were issued for this model year. This robust safety profile is further supported by a very low volume of owner complaints.
The 2021 Buick Encore received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Buick Encore ranks 15 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 15 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Buick Encore?
The 2021 Buick Encore marks a notable step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring, rising from an Index of 89/100 in the Strong band for model year 2020 to 92/100 in the Exceptional band for 2021. That three-point gain reflects a near-perfect defect record score of 19.75 out of 20, driven by the complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year. Crash protection contributed 66 of a possible 70 points, anchored by five-star scores across overall, frontal, and side categories. The rollover score of four stars, paired with a 20 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only area that prevents a perfect crash-protection tally. Avoidance technology scores 6 out of 10 because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard, while electronic stability control is standard equipment. The complaint volume of nine unverified reports is low for a five-year-old vehicle, and none of those reports allege a crash or a fire. Taken together, the 2021 model year stands apart from its immediate predecessor primarily because of its clean recall slate and the resulting jump into the Exceptional band.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Buick Encore perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Buick Encore achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score in both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance test, however, yielded four out of five stars, with NHTSA reporting a 20 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip," indicating stability during that specific maneuver.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15152
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Buick Encore have any recalls?
The 2021 Buick Encore has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been opened.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Buick Encore?
NHTSA has received nine unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Power Train and Engine, each drawing three reported complaints, followed by Service Brakes with two. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects. No crash or fire incidents are alleged among the nine reports.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Buick Encore?
Because this is a five-year-old vehicle, run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirm that zero recalls remain open and that no new campaigns have been issued since the vehicle left the original owner's hands. Remedy completion cannot be assumed without a VIN-level check.
- The 2021 Buick Encore is the specific model year that crossed from the Strong band into the Exceptional band on the NHTSA Safety Index, gaining three points over the 2020 model year to reach 92/100.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for this model year, contributing a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19.75 out of 20 and distinguishing 2021 from years with active safety campaigns.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave this model year five stars in every tested category except rollover, where it earned four stars with a recorded 20 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic maneuver.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment for this model year, not standard, which is why the avoidance technology sub-score is 6 out of a possible 10 points.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Buick Encore places
The 2021 Buick Encore qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Buick Encore safety questions
Was the 2021 Buick Encore crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Buick Encore, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2021 Buick Encore crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Encore have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Buick Encore as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Buick Encore?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Buick Encore. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15152), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Encore 2021.
- 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 15 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.