BuickEncore2020Overview/buick/encore/2020/base/

2020 Buick Encore

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

Transmission Automatic (S6)

The 2020 Buick Encore is equipped with a six‑speed automatic transmission and a drivetrain that requires 4.25 qt of 5W‑30 or 15W‑50 engine oil, delivering EPA‑rated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. Across its 2013‑2022 production span the model has accumulated only 19 owner complaints for the 2020 year, with power‑train issues identified as the most frequent concern and two recalls recorded. Compared with the peak of 123 complaints in 2015, the 2020 iteration sits toward the lower end of the reliability spectrum, and the downward trend culminating in just eight complaints in 2022 suggests a continuing improvement in durability for this generation.

Model year202220212020201920182017201620152014

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity4.25 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 15W-50OEM · verified
Lug nut torque103 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy24/29/26 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

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

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI With Stop/Start: 48, Without Stop/Start: 47 · With Stop/Start: 700, Without Stop/Start: 525 CCA battery, OE oil filter 55593191. 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 With Stop/Start: 48, Without Stop/Start: 47 · With Stop/Start: 700, Without Stop/Start: 525 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215/55R18 94HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter55593191 alt 25195777
Engine air filter95021102
Spark plug12681656
Battery88866291
Front wiper blades42765840 alt 42765836
Serpentine belt55595700
Thermostat55565619 alt 25200455
Cabin air filter13503677

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length168.1 in
Overall width69.7 in
Overall height65 in
Wheelbase100.8 in
Curb weight3358 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined24 / 29 / 26 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Encore of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.7–9.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.70 sec — 2020 GX Essence (Sport Touring)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020GX Essence (Sport Touring) 1.3L Turbo I-38.70 sec16.70 sec155 hpFWD
2020GX Essence (Sport Touring) 1.3L Turbo I-39.30 sec17.00 sec155 hpAWD
2020GX Essence (Sport Touring) 1.3L Turbo I-39.30 sec17.00 sec155 hpAWD
2017Preferred II 1.4L Turbo I-47.80 sec16.20 sec138 hpFWD
2017Sport Touring 1.4L Turbo I-48.40 sec16.60 sec138 hpAWD
2017Sport Touring 1.4L Turbo I-48.50 sec16.50 sec138 hpFWD
2017Sport Touring 1.4L Turbo I-48.60 sec16.60 sec138 hpAWD
2017Premium 1.4L Turbo I-410.70 sec17.90 sec138 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 4.25 qt of 5W-30 / 15W-50 engine oil, 75W-90 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidDEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity4.2-6.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Brake Fluid Capacity1.416
Differential Gear Oil75W-90
Differential Gear Oil Capacity0.48 qt
Engine CoolantDex-Cool
Engine Coolant Capacity7.77

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs6.0 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)31.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)18.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts15.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts6.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Driveshaft Flange to Transmission27.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts103 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 Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap0.028 in
Spark Plug Torque18.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity0.95-1.26 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.50 oz
Standard BCI Group NumberWith Stop/Start: 48, Without Stop/Start: 47

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)50-94
RPM43-58 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)50-94
RPM43-58 @ idle rpm
Injector Primary Resistance11
Engine Compression174
Engine Oil Pressure22.0 at idle psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM55-94 3000 rpm – 3500 rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 30; Rear: 26
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 118; Rear: 74
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 6.0; Rear: 6.0
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 0.905; Rear: 0.393
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 0.913; Rear: .0.402
Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring DepthFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: 0.001; Rear: 0.001
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: 0.002; Rear: 0.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120-135°22 ft. lbs
Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., 60°37 ft. lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 60°37 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 45°18 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
126.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 180°26 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
126.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 30° Step 3: 15°26 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
126.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 30° Step 3: 15°26 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; 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 Oil (inspect fluid level)
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)

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 stands out as a notably improved model year within its generation, with complaints plummeting to just 19—a sharp decline from the 80 recorded in 2019 and a fraction of the peak of 123 in 2015. Recalls remained low at 2, consistent with the later years of the generation, while technical service bulletins continued a steady downward trend to 652, reflecting fewer documented issues. This year falls at the tail end of a clear arc of refinement, where early problems like the high complaint volumes and multiple recalls seen from 2013 to 2017 were largely resolved. The top complaint areas for 2020 are minimal and spread across power train, electrical, and brakes, with no single systemic failure dominating. Given this trajectory, the 2020 Encore represents a mature and dependable choice within the generation, making it a good year to buy.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
652
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
19
Owner complaints
1 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 19 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train,Engine2
Electrical System2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Vehicle Speed Control1
Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes1
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Engine1
Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V537000Seats:Critical FastenersReported 03/09/2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed. Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020…

20V668000Power Train:Automatic TransmissionReported 29/10/2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave… Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 652 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PIT3271Q2026-04-01Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIP61042026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…
PIP4902V2026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…
PIT6425D2026-03-02Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue…
PIT6425C2026-01-16Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue…

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

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Encore. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

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 take?

4.25 qt of SAE 5W-30 oils that meet the requirements of the dexos1 specification is recommended for non-dry sump equipped engines. GM recommends SAE 5W-30 Mobil 1® engine oils that meet the requirements of the dexos1 specification for its dry sump equipped engines. For track events or competitive driving, use Mobil 1® 15W-50 engine oil., per the factory manual.

Does the 2020 Encore 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 get?

EPA figures are 24 city / 29 highway / 26 combined mpg.