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, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC...
2013-2022 · 10 model years
Buick Encore Problems by year
Owners have filed 606 complaints about the Buick Encore across 10 model years, and it has 13 recalls. The 2017 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (90), while 2020, 2021, 2022 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling, followed by the electrical system.
- Complaints
- 606
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes
- 52
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 76
- Deaths
- 1
Encore complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Encore problems
Buick Encore recalls 13
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured...
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the...
Latest Encore complaints
Vehicle has significant oil leak from unknown part(s) of the engine. Oil is dripping from several areas on the underside of the engine, even pooling in ground/floor areas creating a possible fumes/fire hazard and possible engine fail during operation due to loss of oil. Dealership sold this vehicle used "as is" and when asked about the problem responded they knew nothing of it. Issue appeared the first day after we purchsed the vehicle and needed to use it, oil spots is several locations of our driveway. Online...
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rearch revealed info that this is, apparently, a common issue with this model veh. There have been no system warnings/lights/messages probably because we are putting oil in the car on a constant basis. No mechanic has inspected veh yet, costs money to get it done.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle ran rough and sputtered. The check engine warning light failed to illuminate following a deep cleaning service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and repair. The dealer identified software failures associated with DTC: P162B and DTC: P111E, and performed software updates. The contact stated that a leak occurred in the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system associated with DTC: P0171. The dealer replaced...
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the intake manifold, vapor canister purge valve, and PCV component, stating that no leaks were found during the inspection. The contact had the removed parts inspected by an independent mechanic, who found an internal leak. The contact stated that the OnStar system indicated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and an abnormal exhaust odor emanated from the vehicle. While driving, the driver experienced drowsiness and expressed concern regarding carbon monoxide exposure. The contact stated that the tailpipe was damaged and expressed concern regarding warranty coverage for the turbocharger and catalytic converter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure regarding DTC: P0029, but declined warranty coverage. The contact believed that the failures were associated with Special Coverage Programs: N232395320 and N192211170. Although repairs and software updates were performed, the contact remained concerned that the underlying mechanical failures were not properly diagnosed or resolved, and that PCV, turbocharger, and exhaust failures caused reduced engine performance, cabin exhaust fumes, and risk of carbon monoxide exposure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,753.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed two fractured lug nuts on the front passenger-side wheel and two fractured lug nuts on the rear passenger-side wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the lug nuts required replacement. The contact expressed safety concerns because a lug wrench would fail to engage the fractured lug nuts during a tire replacement. The contact was informed that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to start after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was purchased, and the mechanic replaced the oxygen sensor. Despite the repair, the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent...
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mechanic. Diagnostic trouble codes retrieved via an OBD-II scanner indicated catalytic converter issues; however, the mechanic determined the failure was related to the flex plate. The contact was referred to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assigned a case number. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Front driver and passanger tire hubs made a warble sound. Took to a good year auto shop for inspection and the driver tire disconnected from the hub. Was informed this is NOT a normal wear and tear issue given the year and mileage of the vehicle, and to report it immediately. There were no warning lights just sounds reported and investigated to find cause.
Sequential powertrain and turbocharger failure on 1.4L Ecotec engine following $5,700 in prior engine repairs. Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power. Component is covered under GM Special Coverage/warranty. Authorized GM dealer (Mike Haggerty Buick GMC) and General Motors have engaged in warranty evasion, refusing repair authorization and unlawfully retaining the disabled vehicle on the dealership lot for over 70 days. Furthermore, the dealership transmitted a false completed repair record to national vehicle history databases (CARFAX) on August 28, 2026, while the vehicle remained disabled and unrepaired on the lot.
Questions about the Buick Encore
Which Buick Encore years have the most problems?
Which Buick Encore years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Buick Encore problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the engine & cooling (249), electrical system (88), transmission & drivetrain (77) most often.
How many recalls does the Buick Encore have?
NHTSA lists 13 recalls across all Buick Encore model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data