Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Electrical system

2013 Buick Encore Electrical problems

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2013 Buick Encore's electrical system with NHTSA - 15% of all its complaints, most recently on November 28, 2018. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Complaints
8
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Electrical recalls for the 2013 Buick Encore

Electrical system: ignition

16V5020008,367 vehicles affected

The problem
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 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Electrical complaints

Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. One side of the vehicle was able to be heated through the vents while the other side was not able. The vehicle also jerked when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the electrical failure was confirmed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the jerking and heating failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11154446
Electrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 2013 buick encore. The contact stated that the gauges in the instrument panel were very hard to be seen while the sun was out. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not provided. The failure mileage was 14,000. Updated 3/31/15*cn

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10691789
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemAirbagsCrash1 injury

In a line of traffic getting ready to make a left turn and without warning, the engine raced causing the car to accelerate and slam into the rear of another car causing over $5k worth of damage to the encore. The air bags did not go off. The impact was so intense that the rear glove box opened tossing the contents out into the trunk. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 10643646
Electrical system

**No accident** since the purchase date of my car I have had trouble sliding the key into the ignition. It normally takes at least a few attempts and can require some light force to insert the key. After several attempts to resolve the issue, my local buick dealership will be replacing the ignition during my appointment this week. As well, the last time I was at the dealer, another customer had the same complaint with the buick encore. I am reporting this issue simple out of concern due to all of the ignition issues gm has recently had. As this is another potential issue I strongly feel it should be researched. Thank you! *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10643038
Electrical system

The instrument cluster does not light up enough on a sunny day to be able to check speed, fuel or the temperature gauge. These should be easily read at a glance so as to keep eyes on the road. It is impossible to do so on the encore. On one occasion, I actually had to pull off the road in order to check the fuel gauge. I have complained to the dealer and also to buick and they tell me that everything is operating according to specification. This is an unsafe automobile to not be able to quickly check speed etc. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10626070
Electrical system

I was driving a buick encore, rental car, and after using the wipers, my hand touched the ignition key (barely touched it) and the engine turned off leaving me with no power steering or power brakes. I managed to get to the side of the road and put it into park to restart the car. I returned it to the rental place right away and reported the problem to them. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10576467
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Car ran great then I stopped at a stop light. When it turned green the traction control and check engine light came on. Engine power reduced came across dash and the car failed to accelerate, the car, radio and lights were still on. Almost caused 3 different accidents trying to get out of traffic.Scan check system, p2101, per document id:[[redacted]] diagnosis was to replace throttle body and perform jdle relearn procedure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10566897
Electrical system

2013 Buick encore. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle instrument can not be read in sunny weather. *Smd the speedometer, heat and fuel gauges could not be read.*Jb

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10563044

Buick Encore electrical complaints by year

Encore electrical problems, every year

Had a electrical problem with your 2013 Encore? Tell other owners.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience