2021 Buick Encore GX FWDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Gasoline Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDFront-Wheel Drive
City
30
MPG
Highway
32
MPG
Combined
31
MPG

Trim Comparison

Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Regular
City
30
Hwy
32
Comb
31
Fuel cost: $2,200/yr
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Regular
City
28
Hwy
31
Comb
29
Fuel cost: $2,350/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200

Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year

5-Year Fuel Savings
$1,000

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 7/10
GHG Score: 7/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
288 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
9.6 barrels

Specifications

Engine
1.3L 3-cyl
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
Body Style
SUV/Crossover
GVWR
Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)

Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.

Engine & Efficiency Details

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Engine Size
1.3L, 3-cylinder
Induction Type
Direct Injection
Efficiency Tech
Auto Start-Stop
Fuel Type
Regular Gasoline

Annual Fuel Cost by State

Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA

National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$2,173/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,882/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,881/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,001/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,188/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,182/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,705/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,235/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,102/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,152/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 31 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

Recall History

Source: NHTSA

No recalls reported for this vehicle.

Owner-Reported Problems47 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 47 owner complaints for the 2021 Buick Encore GX FWD. Top reported issues include engine, power train and fuel system. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Engine
18
Power Train
10
Fuel System
7
Brakes
7
Electrical System
3
Advanced Safety (ADAS)
2
Speed Control
1
Visibility / Wipers
1

2021 Buick Encore GX FWD problems by category: Engine: 18 complaints, Power Train: 10 complaints, Fuel System: 7 complaints, Brakes: 7 complaints, Electrical System: 3 complaints, Advanced Safety (ADAS): 2 complaints, Speed Control: 1 complaints, Visibility / Wipers: 1 complaints.

3
Crashes Reported
0
Fires Reported
5
Injuries Reported

Sample Owner Complaints

Power TrainFiled: 05/05/2026ODI#11735946
A 2021 Buick Encore GX with 66,828 miles experienced sudden transmission failure while driving. The vehicle lost forward gear engagement and began slipping, creating an immediate safety risk to the dr…
Electrical SystemFiled: 08/16/2025ODI#11681121
This is an ongoing issue that I have brought to the NHTSA's attention before, which resulted in a special coverage program being issued; however, now GM is not willing to assist me with the special co…
Fuel SystemFiled: 05/02/2025ODI#11658466
Turbo charger has gone out 4 times since I purchased it in April 2021. I have been on the interstate driving and suddenly my car slows down and a message that says “engine power reduced” comes up and …

Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.

Related

Buick Encore GX FWD MPG History
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