VIN REPORT

KL4MMESL8PB1080452023 BUICK Encore GXSelect

0of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
Clear
No open recalls
Safety Grade
C
75/100 composite
Complaints
22
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
3 yrs
Made in SOUTH KOREA
BUYPurchase Verdict

2023 BUICK Encore GX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 22 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2023 BUICK Encore GX

2023 BUICK Encore GX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 22 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 3 injuries reported across 22 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: steering issues
Owner Complaint Intelligence

22 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (27%), Engine/Powertrain (27%), Other (18%). Common issues: steering issues. 3 injuries reported.

Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
BUICK
Model
Encore GX
Year
2023
Trim / Series
Select
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
3-cyl 1.3L
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly
BUPYEONG, SOUTH KOREA
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: BUPYEONG, SOUTH KOREA

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 BUPYEONG, SOUTH KOREA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

C
Score: 75/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History25/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

86/100
Comprehensive
16 of 20 safety features detected
Moderate
  • 22 complaints on a 3-year-old vehicle — unusually high

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency BrakingStandard
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure WarningStandard
Lane Keep AssistStandard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring~Optional
Rear Cross Traffic Alert~Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control~Optional
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data RecorderStandard
Crash NotificationStandard
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls

NHTSA Safety Recalls

CLEAR
0found
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2023 BUICK.
1 in 7

3 injuries reported across 22 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints22

Complaint Intelligence

22 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories

Electrical
6
Engine/Powertrain
3 inj6
Other
4
Steering
2
Safety Systems
1
Suspension/Wheels
1
Visibility
1
Brakes
1
2022
1
2023
9
2024
3
2025
3
2026
6
20% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Stable -17%
10
Last 24 months
12
Prior 24 months
PEAKS SPRING (MAR–MAY)

36% of complaints filed in Mar & Jul — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling2
Conditions Reported
Startup (3)Highway/high-speed (2)Cold weather (1)Parking/low-speed (1)Rain/wet (1)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

22 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

22found
3
Injuries
ODI #11725215FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

the evaporative emissions purge pump or an ECM calibration fault code P0521

ODI #11725113ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2023 Buick Encore GX that repeatedly shuts off while driving and doesn’t restart when auto stop is on, it leaves me stranded in traffic. The vehicle has been in the shop multiple times since February 13, and the issue has not been resolved. A service advisor has stated he is not comfortable putting me back in the vehicle and wants to help get me out of this car. I am requesting escalation, a case number, and immediate resolution. After having the oil changed in February, the check engine light came on soon after. Car had left me stranded prior to the battery being replaced. After 4 times in the same shop, they say a bad ground connection may now be the problem, however they also said they recharged the battery the visit prior.

ODI #11720196UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Purge pump failure occurred at 15000 miles , no lights were active on dash prior. now have a persistent check engine light .

ODI #11717188STEERING

The contact owns a 2023 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle bounced to the left and the right, and the steering wheel pulled to the left or the right, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, after a test drive, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle operated as intended. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,978.

ODI #11717276POWER TRAIN

When starting from a traffic light after the green light, the car made mechanical noises and would not accelerate above approximately 25 mph. It seemed obvious at the time that the transmission had failed, which was later confirmed after being towed to the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed; however, during the previous days, there were a few instances when the transmission "shifted" hard (this seemed odd considering it is a CVT transmission).

ODI #11712632UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Component: Federal Safety Certification Label (49 CFR Part 567). Available for inspection. Summary: Vehicle was manufactured and sold brand new without the mandatory Federal Safety Certification Label. The omission was discovered during a professional trade-in inspection when the representative showed me where the label was supposed to be, but was missing from the car. The vehicle is currently non-compliant with federal safety standards, rendering it unmarketable. Confirmation: The manufacturing omission was confirmed by a review of historical authorized dealership service records. Photographs taken of the door jamb during routine service prove the label was never present. Symptoms/Warnings: There were no warning lamps or symptoms. I was never informed of this non-compliance by the manufacturer or authorized service centers during routine maintenance. Manufacturer Response: The manufacturer was contacted immediately via phone, email, customer service chat, and in-person to rectify the omission. However, the manufacturer failed to provide a resolution within the window of a time-sensitive trade-in valuation and tax credit package, causing the offer to expire. In subsequent communications, the manufacturer refused to remedy the non-compliance without charge, demanding payment for the label and labor in violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30120. The vehicle remains unmarketable and unused.

ODI #11698893POWER TRAIN

The shifter assembly failed. When shifting to Park, a "Shift to Park" message appears on the driver information center. Although the shift lever is in the Park position, it is not recognized, and the car cannot be turned off or locked. The selling dealership inspected and confirmed the failure, which first appeared at about 21,000 miles (2023 model). The solution was to replace the shifter assembly (car is out of warranty by less than one month), at a cost of $562.10. Invoice breakdown: 1) Labor = 350.00, 2) Parts = 169.50, 3) Sales Tax = 42.60 It is interesting to note that the Labor rate of 350.00 is almost certainly a "flat rate", as the time to complete the repair was only about 30 minutes.

ODI #11678725ENGINE

The engine reduces power light came on almost two months ago I toke it to family gmc in St. George in sc. They put is on a machine and said they said the I think turbo compassion for the air to the gas is bad. I am still waiting on them to receive a part to fix it. So I was wondering if anybody else had this problem with the 2023 buick encore gx

ODI #11651028SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

No accident just a concern. On my Buick the clasp for the front set belts are buried between the seat and center console. Making the fastening and unfasting very difficult. The further the seat is forward the more difficult it is. I guess my concern is this over sight may hamper the use of them or possibly cause entrapment during a stressful situation. Thankyou, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11633303ENGINE3 INJURIES

The contact owned a 2023 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park and shifting into the Drive position, the accelerator pedal was lightly depressed when the vehicle violently accelerated forward. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle struck several trees and crashed into an unknown concrete object in the roadway where it came to a stop. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries to the left arm that needed stitches and a fractured elbow. The front seat passenger sustained 7 fractured ribs and a fractured leg. The rear seat passenger sustained a laceration to the leg. Medical attention was sought for all 3 occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle was deemed a total loss and was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

ODI #11585477ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I bought my car, new, on 10/1/ 2023. The middle of November i noticed the headlights randomly dimming. On 12/3/23 I to the dealership to have them looked at. I was told there was nothing wrong but make an appt. they had my car 3 times in less than 2 months. I repeatedly told them my headlights were dimming and or going off. On Jan 13 after taking my daughter to the airport my headlights went off as i was merging on to hiway at 6:30vam. at that point i filed a complaint with GM.. They won't do anything because the dealer said the lights function'. I have not driven my car after dark Jan 113. I am terrified that it will happen again. I keep having more things go wrong. display, collision, lane assist. i have picture of some of the incidents. I HAVE ALL LOT OF DOCUMETATI0N AND PICTURES HOWEVER I GET MESSAGES THE FILES ARE TO BIG EVEN WITH A FILE WITH 6 PIECES OF PAPER.

ODI #11564074UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Malfunction of rear passenger doors and back trunk/hatch. My safety and the passengers of others is significantly at risk, the doors open slightly when turning, the seal of weather stripping opens and sounds of road noise is louder than if the door windows were open. Upon closing the drivers door and a passenger opening the rear driver side door the metal touched and made a loud metal impact sound. Paint has been removed from both doors in the exact same spot that this occurred. It seems as if the doors installed either have a faulty hinge, wrong doors attached on the rear passenger doors or their is a faulty design or weld. The rear door on the driver side is visibly unaligned to the drivers door and it appears the manufacturer added extra weather stripping to compensate for the incorrect door being installed. While the doors are locked and the vehicle turns or travels over bumps in the road it is very noticeable and I do not feel my passengers are safe. I’ve never had a vehicle separate the door from the frame while driving. This can’t be safe.

ODI #11552368ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

Vehicle struggles to stay running in the heat with the air conditioning running. Low voltage codes pulled at dealership. When the air conditioner is running there is an awful toxic smell from the vents both with or without recycling the air. Vehicle struggles to slow then accelerate, such as normal driving conditions in rush hour traffic. Poor ability to accelerate, hesitant and jolting. AWD model with winter package in the desert doesn’t fair well.

ODI #11552370ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Center vehicle display intermittent issues. Will not respond, turns on back up camera while driving forward, fails to connect/respond to phone plugged in USB-C. Unable to change vehicle settings when malfunctioning. Unplug the phone and at times still displays as if it is plugged in. Other times music streamed using USB-C has static. Turning on and off the vehicle doesn’t fix. Intermittently Maps become distorted while using USB-C, unable to use. Ongoing issue dealer claims this is normal.

ODI #11552372STEERING,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES

Brakes squeaking, squealing and screeching. Replaced once at approximately 8k miles. Dealership ground down rotors twice, brakes replaced once. Tires are worn in the center. AWD GX, steering seems off and unstable. Brake pedal sounds and feels like a faulty spring inside. Pedal gets stuck when switching from gas to brake. Bounces back with spring feel and noise. At times it feels like I can’t control the brake when traveling at a low rated of speed and having to suddenly stop. Then while stopped on an incline the brake feels as if it releases while still depressing the brake jolting forward. Nearly forcing into intersection. Having to leave larger distances between vehicles in front to prevent vehicle from forcibly trying to rear end another vehicle. Clunking noise when turning left at a low rate of speed with minimal acceleration, such as in and out of a driveway, parking lot or after coming to a stop at an intersection. Mostly heard only turn left. Steering wheel vibrates at high rate of speed. Intermittent rattling noise heard from front center/passenger side. Ratting noise occurs after driving a while 25-30 minutes. Screw fell out of vehicle after being serviced at a local dealership, took it back with said bolt and they did not put it back. To date I’m unaware of where it belongs. Dealership has oil change tech diagnosing, consistently “functioning as normal” and “can’t duplicate issue”. I do not feel safe driving. Hard to stop and feel in control. I’ve resulted in getting rides from others when possible. 2023 GX AWD is not safe. Manufacture notified.

ODI #11534862VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate. On several occasions while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle abruptly accelerated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while the air condition was activated. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.

ODI #11534122STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

While driving at a low rate of speed, turning or speed bumps the vehicle starts to rattle in the front end and steering wheel. Engine feels like it slips while rattling from the front. Seems like a motor mount, suspension, tie rod or some other component. Brakes are very hard and make lots of noise. When starting the vehicle on an incline it Lunsford forward out of control.

ODI #11534126EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

Vehicle chrome trim on the inside dash blinds driver between 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The bright chrome is blinding and becomes a safety issue while driving. The design and placement of the chrome is burns my eyes while driving. Perhaps not using chrome on the interior when sending vehicles to places where it is sunny 95% of the time would prevent safety issues with visibility.

ODI #11534129POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle appears not equipped to operate in heat with air conditioning on. Vehicle struggles to keep running, idles high and jerks while driving on the highway. When trying to accelerate after slowing down it doesn’t accelerate.

ODI #11524332STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

I was driving and randomly my new 2023 Buick Encore GX and two error messages popped up and my brakes started being less responsive. The two error messages that popped up was "Service ESC" and "Service Power Steering". I will be calling the service department tomorrow to get it checked to make sure nothing is wrong. This is apparently an issue with GM cars but I need to verify that it is not an ongoing issue.

ODI #11510779EXTERIOR LIGHTING

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I reported that my display screen would often appear corrupted when navigating. The screen will either go blank or appear grainy, preventing me from accessing the navigation or music features. Restarting my phone or turning off the display does not help. I missed a turn on a highway with heavy traffic en route to the airport most recently and it is increasingly stressful dealing with it. At another instance, my brights would come on randomly. I turned the lights off and on, which was dangerous, which did not even work. I am concerned that this may happen again, which will put the safety of myself and others at risk. I have a video of the incident where the brights kept going off and on without my control, but I am unable to upload them. I brought it to my dealership and they returned the next day saying there is nothing they can do and to bring it in when it occurs next. I live 40 minutes from the dealership and don't really have time to stop what I'm doing when the computer glitches, usually 40% of the time. In addition, I reported it to my dealership and Buick customer care. I was told on January 30th that a supervisor would reach out regarding my case, but I have not heard back.

ODI #11493530SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Our new 2023 Buick ENCORE GX's brakes continually GRAB whether we are approaching a slowed vehicle in front of us or not. Also, beginning yesterday, the brake pedal that I step on to start the vehicle was totally locked up and I was unable to start the car for awhile. Then, this issue went away and I could start the vehicle. More so, the constant grabbing of the brakes is dangerous. There is no rhyme or reason with this dangerous problem. The Buick dealer in Redlands says they are aware of the touchy brakes but offer no resolve. Can you help us? Thanks

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for BUICK Encore GX — recall years marked in red
05905010020222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 22 total NHTSA complaints filed over 5 years, with the worst year being 2023 (9 complaints).

The amber reliability line averaged 96/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 93/100 in 2026.

Notably, despite 22 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$30,084
~$501/mo over 5 yrs
$0.8/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $30,084 (~$501/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2023 BUICK Encore GX — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for KL4MMESL8PB108045. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,770–$2,250/yr
~$148–$188/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINKL4MMESL8PB108045
Model Year2023
MakeBUICK
ModelEncore GX
TrimSelect
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders3
Displacement (L)1.3

Manufacturer

ManufacturerGENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly CityBUPYEONG
Assembly CountrySOUTH KOREA

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)KL4
Check Digit (Char 9)8
Model Year Code (Char 10)P
Plant Code (Char 11)B
Sequence (Chars 12–17)108045

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count22

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

K
1
L
2
4
3
M
4
M
5
E
6
S
7
L
8
8
9
P
10
B
11
1
12
0
13
8
14
0
15
4
16
5
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
K
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
L
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
4
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
MMESL
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
8
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
P
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
B
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
108045
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
South Korea
From VIN position 1 (K)
Model Year Character
"P" → 2023
Could also be 1993
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/19/2026, 12:08:03 PM.