BuickEncore GX2020Overview/buick/encore-gx/2020/base/

2020 Buick Encore GX

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Encore GX.

Transmission Automatic 9-spd

The 2020 Buick Encore GX utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission to deliver EPA fuel economy ratings of 26/29/28 mpg while requiring 4.75 quarts of 0W-20 API oil for maintenance. Within the covered 2020-2025 model history, this year records the highest volume of owner feedback with 65 total complaints, predominantly focused on the power train alongside two issued recalls. This positions the 2020 model as the peak complaint year before figures drop to a low of 13 in 2025, marking it as the essential baseline for assessing the vehicle's reliability evolution.

Model year2026202520242023202220212020

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.75 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy26/29/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI NS · NS CCA battery, OE oil filter 25206377. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI NS · NS CCAOEM · verified
Tire size225/55R18 98HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter25206377 alt 12727115
Engine air filter42712666
Spark plug12688094
Battery88864541
Front wiper blades42709499 alt 42709497
Serpentine belt55512900 alt 12687927
Thermostat12666900 alt 55487536
Cabin air filter13508023

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 9-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length171.3 in
Overall width71.3 in
Overall height64.2 in
Wheelbase102.4 in
Curb weight3256 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined26 / 29 / 28 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.75 qt of 0W-20 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 103.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidDEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3-6.3
Automatic Transmission FluidHP CVTF Transmission oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.1
Automatic Transmission FluidDEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3-6.3
Automatic Transmission FluidHP CVTF Transmission oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.8

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.25 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.25 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.25 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.25 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs89.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)11.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)31.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Driveshaft Flange to Transmission43.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts103.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug8.8 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap0.025-0.029 in
Spark Plug Torque12.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap0.025-0.029 in
Spark Plug Torque12.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity0.95-1.26 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.50 oz

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)50.0-94.0
RPM43.0-58.0 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)50.0-94.0
RPM43.0-58.0 @ Idle rpm
Engine Oil Pressure26.11 @ Idle, Engine hot psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM52.21 @ 3000 RPM 85°C rpm
Engine Oil Pressure18.13
Engine Oil Pressure RPM19.58

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27.0; Rear: 30
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueRear: 74.0
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 7.0; Rear: 7.0
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.0.59 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 0.906; Rear: 0.315
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 0.913; Rear: 0.323
Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring DepthFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: 0.0024; Rear: 0.0002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120°-130°22 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
16.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: Back off 180° Step 3: 8.8 ft. lbs. Step 4: 8.86 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 28°37 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 45°22 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°15 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 60°15 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 110°18 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1111.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 150°111 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Center Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1111.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 140°111 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90° Step 3: 60°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 22.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 90°15 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 15.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 70°11 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 75°11 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 25°15 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 15.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 70°11 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 75°11 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
16.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 11.06 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30°22 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 160° Step 3: 60°15 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 15.0 ft. lbs. Step 3: 120°11 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 6.253 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 97,500 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miAccelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 15,000 miWindshield Wiper Blade (replace)
Every 22,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect)
Every 75,000 miHood Hinge (inspect)
Every 97,500 miSpark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Timing Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX marks the debut year of this generation, and the federal data shows a clear trend of elevated initial complaints—65 in 2020—before a steady decline in subsequent years, dropping to 23 by 2023. Recalls were consistent in 2020 and 2021 (two each) but tapered off thereafter, suggesting early production issues were addressed over time. The 2020 model’s top complaint areas—primarily power train and service brakes—align with typical first-year teething problems, though no fire-related incidents were reported. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) peaked in 2021 (667) and gradually decreased, indicating ongoing refinements to resolve early concerns. While the 2020 model sits at the higher end of the complaint spectrum for this generation, the absence of investigations or fire complaints mitigates major red flags. **Takeaway:** The 2020 Encore GX is a reasonable used buy if thoroughly inspected, particularly for power train and brake issues, but later model years (2022+) may offer a marginally more refined ownership experience.**

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
631
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
65
Owner complaints
5 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 65 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train9
Service Brakes9
Unknown Or Other8
Power Train,Electrical System3
Engine3
Engine & Engine Cooling2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes,Engine2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V588000Service BrakesReported 24/09/2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic… Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service…

21V440000Equipment:Mechanical:Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift:StandReported 10/06/2021

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while… Remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 631 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PIP6032C2026-06-03Unknown Or OtherPIP6032B provides diagnostic direction for dealers when encountering transmission leaks
PIP6029A2026-04-21Unknown Or OtherThis PI instructs dealers to install foam around the shifter cable to stop rattling
PIT3271Q2026-04-01Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIC6553B2026-03-30Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin communicates to a dealer the repair direction that should be taken if they…
PIP61042026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
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Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
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Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2020 Encore GX take?

4.75 qt of 0W-20 API Meeting GM Dexos Gen 2 or equivalent, per the factory manual.

Does the 2020 Encore GX have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Encore GX get?

EPA figures are 26 city / 29 highway / 28 combined mpg.