NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
The 2022 Buick Encore scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Buick Encore earns an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 91 out of 100. This strong performance is primarily supported by its commendable NHTSA crash-test results and an unblemished recall history. The singular factor preventing a perfect score stems from its advanced driver-assistance systems; both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are offered only as optional equipment.
The 2022 Buick Encore SUV AWD received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, sourced entirely from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Buick Encore ranks 29 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 29 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Buick Encore?
The 2022 Buick Encore posts a Safety Index of 91 out of 100, a one-point dip from the 2021 model year's 92 out of 100, though both years sit firmly in the Exceptional band. That small decline is not explained by crash-test performance, which remains at the top of the NHTSA scale with overall, frontal, and side ratings all at 5 stars. The gap is more likely traced to the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are sold as options rather than built into every trim. Electronic stability control is standard, which provides a baseline active-safety floor. The defect record sub-score of 19.25 out of 20 reflects the complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year, a distinction that separates the 2022 from model years that carry open or remedied campaigns. The eight reported complaints are a modest volume for a vehicle of this age, though the concentration of four reports in the vague Unknown Or Other category limits what can be concluded from the complaint data alone.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Buick Encore perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Buick Encore SUV AWD earned an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA, with perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. Its rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with an 18-percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16020
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Buick Encore have any recalls?
The 2022 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. That absence of any recall activity is a meaningful contributor to its defect-record sub-score of 19.25 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Buick Encore?
Eight owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2022 Buick Encore, with the most frequently alleged component category being Unknown Or Other, cited in four reports. Power Train accounts for two additional allegations. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and do not constitute confirmed defects.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Buick Encore?
Shoppers considering a used 2022 Buick Encore should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no campaigns have been added after initial publication. Because forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional on this model year, buyers should verify which safety features are actually equipped on the specific vehicle being evaluated.
- The 2022 Buick Encore carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, contributing directly to its near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.25 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests, but the rollover category lands at 4 stars with an 18-percent rollover risk, the one area where crash protection falls short of the maximum.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment on the 2022 Encore, meaning the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects trim-level variation and shoppers should confirm which features are present on any individual vehicle.
- Eight unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Power Train appearing in two of those allegations, making it the most specific component category worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Buick Encore places
The 2022 Buick Encore qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Buick Encore safety questions
Was the 2022 Buick Encore crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Buick Encore, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 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 2022 Buick Encore crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Buick Encore have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 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 2022 Buick Encore?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16020), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Encore 2022.
- 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 29 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.