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2018 Buick Encore Steering problems

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2018 Buick Encore's steering with NHTSA - 8% of all its complaints, most recently on April 29, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.

Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Steering complaints

SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an...

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authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078 cash for repairs after being told the issue was fixed, but the same dangerous defect happened again afterward.The vehicle has remained at the dealership for 15+ consecutive days, causing loss of transportation and work hardship. I am also concerned by inconsistent repair documentation and possible repairs performed that were not clearly disclosed or authorized. This vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and the defect has not been corrected despite multiple repair attempts. I believe this may involve a serious electrical, braking, steering, or control system failure that warrants investigation before someone is injured.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11734491
SteeringAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

While driving, my car began to glitch out. The screens started turning on and off, the doors began locking and unlocking, and I lost my ability to steer, brake, and accelerate. It caused me to run a red light and I almost got into a severe accident. This issue has occurred several times, and during more recent occasions the car has turned off completely while driving. There were no warning lights or messages indicating that something was wrong with the car, but sometimes when I turn the car back on, it says "calibrating." If Buick has sold cars that are capable of losing complete control, this should be investigated immediately.

Filed Incident Steering · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11661607
SteeringBrakesEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, power steering, and brake functionality. The vehicle began to shake, and the brakes and steering wheel became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where the mechanic test drove...

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the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. While driving, the fan failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer Orange Buick GMC (3883 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808), where it was diagnosed that the coil and relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle failed to accelerate above 65 MPH. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken back to another local dealer, Gettel Chevrolet Buick GMC (1901 Tamiami Trl, Punta Gorda, FL 33950), where it was diagnosed that the fan, relay, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about repairing the vehicle and the process for reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11607573
SteeringBrakesCrash1 injury

While on the highway car suddenly had a brake and steering failure which resulted in injuries to myself. Zeigler and Buick are doing nothing to remedy situation and want to put myself and my family at risk

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakesNHTSA 11527313
SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

Twice I was driving my car going about 35-45 mikes an hour. My car started to shake along with a loud humming sound. I lost my power steering and brakes. The over drive light was flashing both on the right under radio and on the dash. The RPMs started racing as well one time for sure. I was able to get to the side of the road and hit the emergency brake at the same time put it into park. I was so scared. I waited a few minutes turned it back on and drove around a parking lot before I ventured home.The second time I...

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was close to home and drove it home 10 miles an hour. Since then I am extremely scared to drive my car. Being a nurse I NEED MY CAR. I took it to Sterling Buick in Venice. They ran a diagnostic test and it showed nothing. They drove it and of course it did not do it. There suggestion was for me to trade it in. They charged me and sent me on my way. They fixed something with my AC. When I droved the car days later my fiance called to tell me that there was something now leaking from the bottom of my car and took pictures of the brown pink color fluid dripping from undermeath the car. I called Buick. They suggested they would give me On Star for 6 months!!! REALLY!!! I they want to beable to find me in a ditch. I can not in good concious trade that car in knowing what has happened. If someone does not have the hinsight to beable to stop it they can be killled or kill someone else! The first time it happened I had my kids in the car and they were screaming. The second time I had 2 friends with me.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11430872
SteeringElectrical systemDriver assistance

Since I bought this car in 04/2018 I had many problems problems as the engine sensor had to be replaced, headlights going out when I was driving, they could not reproduce the problem at the dealership , now the back wheel driver module is bad,it will need to be replaced ,and finally I almost could not drive in the highway on 04/25/2020, I was very afraid that I was going to be in an accident when the power steering wheel locked, abs, brake lights and traction light were all on in the panel and so a warning...

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signal.The vehicle was in motion.I was in rt 206 in nj, after chester.025/2020. I had to stop by a market.The car was taken to a shop in newton and it will be towed to mcguire delearship in newto for repair. I am very scared of driving this car and I need a safe car to go to work everyday!!!

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11322311

Buick Encore steering complaints by year

Encore steering problems, every year

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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

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