Buick ENCORE GX

Component: Parking Assist / Driver Assistance Sensors / Object Detection Incident Description: While operating my Buick Encore GX, I executed a controlled, low-speed right turn and struck a stationary structural column within the vehicle’s path. The column was a fixed, solid object located in close proximity to the vehicle—precisely within the range the vehicle’s parking assist and object detection systems are intended to detect. No audible or visual warning was provided at any time prior to impact. According to the owner’s handbook, these systems are designed to detect nearby obstacles and provide alerts during low-speed maneuvers, including turning and parking. The conditions of this incident fall directly within those operating parameters. The system’s failure to detect and warn of a clearly present obstacle constitutes a safety defect. Safety Risk: The driver assistance system failed to perform as represented, creating a heightened risk of collisions with stationary objects in low-speed maneuvers. Drivers relying on these systems cannot reasonably expect alerts to avoid collisions in confined spaces such as parking structures or tight turns.

My 2025 Buick Encore GX has experienced an ongoing failure of the rear backup camera system. The issue began intermittently in February 2026, and earlier this month (March) it has progressively worsened. The camera now does not function at all. When shifting into reverse, the display often shows a black screen with a “camera unavailable” warning message. On some occasions, the camera briefly functions but displays severe distortion, including abnormal colors, flickering, and warning symbols overlaid on the image. The issue continues to occur intermittently and unpredictably. This failure creates a safety concern because the backup camera is a required safety feature intended to assist with rear visibility while reversing. The malfunction reduces visibility and increases the risk of not seeing objects, vehicles, or pedestrians behind the vehicle. The problem has not yet been inspected by the dealership due to limited appointment availability. I have documented the issue with photos and video showing the malfunction, including distortion and loss of image. Approximately 8 weeks after purchasing this vehicle in March 2025 (5/3/25) the Digital Instrument Cluster (driver information center) and infotainment display went completely black while driving, leaving no visible speed, fuel level, or other critical vehicle information visible to the driver. This raises concern about the reliability of the vehicle’s electronic systems, particularly as the backup camera— another critical safety feature— is now also malfunctioning. This issue has progressed from intermittent to consistent failure.

In my car there is an electrical issue with the radio. Sometimes when I’m backing up and using the camera the lane assistance doesn’t work properly which can cause someone to back into things if they are using it. Also another issue it has is when I’m driving the entire radio and dashboard flicks and the screen goes out which is dangerous when driving because now I’m not sure what my speed level is checking gas levels if your on phone calls it isn’t consistent. I think this is a major safety issue not sure if it’s electrical but the dashboard and screen goes out together randomly and it affects reverse driving and just driving in general.

I am reporting a defect involving my **2025 Buick Encore GX AWD manufactured by General Motors. Within two days of purchasing the vehicle, the dashboard displayed the warning message “Service Charging System – Vehicle May Stall.” I contacted the dealership on the third day of ownership and was instructed to bring the vehicle in for service. Since that time the vehicle has required multiple repair visits related to the charging system. Repairs included diagnosis of the electrical charging system, replacement of the alternator, and replacement of wiring harness components related to the charging system. I later learned the alternator had already been replaced prior to my purchase of the vehicle, and it required replacement again after purchase during the repair process. Because the charging system warning appeared almost immediately after purchase, I am concerned the defect may have existed prior to the vehicle being sold. Although the warning message is not currently appearing after the most recent repair, the defect occurred almost immediately after purchase and required repeated service visits. The vehicle still does not appear to operate normally. While driving at a steady highway speed, pressing the accelerator sometimes results in no immediate response. There can be a delay of approximately one to two seconds before the vehicle begins accelerating even when additional pressure is applied to the accelerator pedal. I have also noticed the engine sounds louder than expected while idling. Because the original warning indicated the vehicle may stall and the vehicle continues to demonstrate abnormal acceleration response, I believe this may represent a potential safety concern. I sought resolution with the manufacturer, however the manufacturer has not accepted responsibility for the condition. I am submitting this complaint so the issue is documented in case other owners experience similar charging system or acceleration problems.

When I go 63 miles an hour the car starts chugging and my dealership changed the transmission fluid. I drove it home today and it still chugging. They called me and said they took a 2026 Buick encore and did the same thing but will not help me. They told me it’s a daily occurrence in the vehicle. It shouldn’t be chugging going up hills at 63 miles an hour.

The information screen has gone totally black and calls are cutting in and out. In my research I've seen there was a recall for this issue on this year and model but, it does not show for my particular vehicle.

The contact owns a 2025 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the gas pump nozzle was difficult to remove from the fuel filler neck when the vehicle was done refueling. The contact stated that there was one fueling station that he avoided due to the spring that was wrapped around the nozzle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was advised that the fuel inlet and port were functional and that there was no defect with the parts. The contact stated that the issue depended on the fueling nozzle. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

The vehicle has a safety-related defect involving the safety restraint system. A warning message/light appears indicating a malfunction affecting occupant protection. This defect raises concerns regarding proper airbag and restraint operation in the event of a crash. I presented the vehicle for warranty service, but the manufacturer refused to diagnose or repair the safety defect solely because the vehicle was not currently registered. The vehicle is otherwise under warranty. No accident has occurred yet, but continued operation with this defect poses an unreasonable risk to the driver and passengers. The defect has been observed multiple times and remains unresolved. I am reporting this issue to NHTSA to prevent potential injury or death before an accident occurs.