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

Engine & cooling

Buick Encore Engine problems by year

249 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Buick Encore's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20221000
20213000
20207000
201940340
201832000
201740210
201644000
201532000
201427000
201323000

Latest Encore engine complaints

2016 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

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...

Read the full complaint

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11776368
2018 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

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...

Read the full complaint

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11775182
2019 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

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...

Read the full complaint

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11772066
2016 Buick EncoreTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11768263
2019 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling1 injury

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the flex pipe was cracked, causing the contact to become ill from the fumes. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor occasionally coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The contact expressed concerns about the safety of driving the vehicle with the fumes entering the vehicle from the flex pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the flex pipe was cracked in half and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11765102
2019 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

Loss of acceleration due to cracked turbo boost. I guess you need a special 2019 vin # to be included in a recall. Recall for 2017 2018 and a select few 2019 very disappointed with this big repair job that is a known problem. I'm done with Buick.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11755596
2018 Buick EncoreEngine & coolingFuel system

Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently. I discovered a turbo special coverage N232395330 and took it to Williams GMC in Charlotte. After i told them very clearly what happened MULTIPLE times, confirming the underboost and the code, I even brought it in with the code, they told me the code wasnt "active" and that there no...

Read the full complaint

problems...even after i told them I didnt feel safe and couldnt pull out at intersections with fear of being rear-ended. I had videos, they refused to look at and told me to come back when the code was permanent. I drove the vehicle for the next year, 20k miles in order to get the code permanent, after a trip home, through the mountains, really tough without the turbo, my car was consistently pinging 4-5000 RPM under the speed limit on inclines...this happened every time I drove through, but this time the code was active the entire time. 2-3000 miles with the code, finally it was permanent. I brought the car back to Williams GMC, to get the turbo changed. I updated them on recent occurrences, flashing check engine light, the code active for 2-3k miles, and they performed a road test, and declared it wasn't a problem. I told them i recently spent 5k on repairing my cooling and AC system because the turbo, they said that wouldn't affect those components, meanwhile i know they have plastic parts that can melt and the engine being forced to push 4-5k RPM the extra heat could easily melt those parts. They said, nothing was wrong and the road test was good. sent me on my way. I called corporate, they told me to get a second opinion. I did [[redacted]] found the problem and changed the turbo per the special coverage N232395330. a week later, my engine overheated, i pulled over and it wouldnt start, engin won't hold compression. Car is tot now. Long story shrt INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11754320
2018 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. General Motors issued a Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-114 in May 2019 about involving 2013 to 2019 Buick Encores. This is a known issue for many models other than my vehicle. I have the old parts from the repair for inspection which includes the...

Read the full complaint

Intake Manifold and the Valve Cover for faulty PCV components that cause the engine to produce excess Engine Crankcase pressure possibly causing a fire. My vehicle had a check engine light code of P0171 and the odor of burning oil.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11754080
2019 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

Turbo boost failed. shows recalls for this issue on 2018 and 2019 Buick Encores, but GMC states mine is not covered.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11753564
2015 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

Weber road auto service replaced the engine using county PRC and out-of-pocket funds, and the newly installed used engine has an active engine oil cooler leak, creating an immediate vehicle fire and sudden engine stalling hazard. Also there's a leak at the ac compressor, condenser and coupler valves. This was discovered by Buckeye Auto Service. No repairs have been made as first shop keeps brushing me off.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11753438
2017 Buick EncoreEngine & coolingFuel system

The factory-installed turbocharger assembly on my 2017 Buick Encore failed mechanically while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate and severe roadway safety hazard.The structural failure of the turbocharger causes the vehicle to experience a sudden, unpredictable, and extreme loss of engine propulsion while actively driving. This severe power degradation makes it incredibly dangerous to accelerate, merge into highway traffic, or clear busy intersections safely, as the vehicle fails to respond to throttle...

Read the full complaint

input and drops speed rapidly. The vehicle is displaying an active diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost condition).The manufacturer, General Motors, is fully aware of this exact component defect and has issued corporate Special Coverage Adjustment Bulletin N232395330 to address cracked turbo housings and wastegate failures on this model. However, because my vehicle is over their arbitrary 120,000-mile corporate warranty limit, GM's Executive Resolution Team (Case #103125607) has issued a final refusal to repair the component.The manufacturer's mileage limitation leaves a documented, highly dangerous engine propulsion defect completely uncorrected on an active vehicle, posing a continuing, severe safety risk to the occupants and other drivers on public roads.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11752260
2015 Buick EncoreTransmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known....

Read the full complaint

It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11746663
2017 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore's with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flange, resulting in boost pressure loss. There is already a recall associated with this problem in other VIN's with the same year and type of vehicle, recall needs to be expanded because this is a known and ongoing problem.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11743618
2018 Buick EncoreEngine & cooling

Request for Goodwill Assistance - Turbocharger Failure (Special Coverage [redacted]) Dear General Motors Customer Assistance, I am writing to request a one-time goodwill repair for my 2018 Buick Encore (VIN: [[redacted]]). Approximately two months after purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and diagnostic testing identified code P0299, indicating turbocharger failure. This issue appears to align with General Motors' Special Coverage Program [redacted], issued in February 2024 for certain...

Read the full complaint

2017-2018 Buick Encore vehicles equipped with the 1.4L engine due to known turbocharger failures. Unfortunately, my local GM dealership has informed me that they are unable to perform the repair under the special coverage because the vehicle carries a Pennsylvania reconstructed (R) title. While I understand the vehicle's title status, I respectfully ask GM to consider the unique circumstances. In Pennsylvania, reconstructed vehicles must undergo a rigorous Enhanced Vehicle Inspection process before they can be legally registered and operated on public roads. My vehicle successfully passed all required inspections and is legally certified for highway use. Because this special coverage was issued to address a defect that may lead to significant engine damage and, in some cases, a potential engine compartment fire, I am requesting a one-time goodwill repair or other assistance from General Motors. The concern involves a known condition affecting this vehicle platform and presents a potential safety risk during both local and highway driving. I have been a loyal GM customer and would greatly appreciate your review of this situation. Given that the vehicle has been properly repaired, inspected, and approved for road use under Pennsylvania law, I respectfully request that GM reconsider eligibility for assistance despite the reconstructed title designation. Thank you for your time, consideration, and any assistance you may be able to provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11743163

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

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