Buick Encore Reliability and Common Problems

Lisa Conant, Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Reviewed by

Lisa Conant, Automotive Content Specialist

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on February 2nd, 2024

Reading Time: 6 minutes
Summary
  • Buick Encores are generally reliable and well-received, with a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 from RepairPal.
  • The Encore is praised for its luxurious feel and longevity.
  • Despite being reliable, the Encore isn’t perfect. The most common issues drivers have with the Encore are engine problems, defective airbags and seatbelts, and loss of power.

The Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV that’s enjoyable to drive, offering good engine power, agile handling, and a notably quiet cabin. For a vehicle from a luxury brand, the Encore isn’t that expensive to own, with an average cost of around $500 for annual repairs and maintenance. It doesn’t hold value very well, though. According to CarEdge.com, the Encore depreciates by 35% after 5 years.

Are Buick Encores Reliable?

The Buick Encore is a reliable subcompact SUV. It received a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal, ranking 5th out of 7 vehicles in the same category. The Encore is known as a capable subcompact, while also providing a luxurious feel with its overall design and ride quality. You can also drive it for a long time, as it easily lasts up to 200,000 miles or around 13 years with little to no problems as long as it’s given proper care and maintenance.

The Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV that’s enjoyable to drive, offering good engine power, agile handling, and a notably quiet cabin.

Top Buick Encore Problems

Despite being a reliable vehicle, some Buick Encore models have their share of problems. Here are the most common issues for different Encore models:

Engine Problems

The 2017 Buick Encore’s engine problems can get pretty bad. Some owners have shared that their SUVs would exhibit multiple issues, such as poor acceleration, excessive smoke, and stalling. They’ve also shared that their Encores unexpectedly caught fire near the front of the vehicle. Many owners have expressed disappointment because of these problems. They usually happen to Encores that are relatively new at around 11,400 miles. According to reports, there are confirmed injuries and accidents linked to these engine problems. Some owners have taken their vehicles to their dealerships, but technicians couldn’t find anything wrong with them. If you notice any symptoms of engine problems with your Encore, get it checked immediately to avoid any severe complications.

One of the notable problems with the 2015-2017 Buick Encore is its defective airbags and seatbelts. Image source: Buick

Defective Airbags and Seatbelts

One of the notable problems with the 2015-2017 Buick Encore is its defective airbags and seatbelts. This prompted General Motors LLC (GM) to recall over 3.6 million vehicles of different makes and models. This includes 2015-2017 Buick Encore units under recall #16007. 

According to GM, a defective airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software may engage its diagnostic test setting. While activated, it can stop the frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in the event of a crash. GM has advised that owners with affected Encores can get their SDMs replaced at their dealerships for free. If your SUV is included in this recall, contact Buick as soon as you can for more information.

Loss of Power

The 2016 Buick Encore has problems with its powertrain. Some owners have reported that the Encore’s check engine light would illuminate and the engine would lose power. One owner expressed frustration as this problem caused their vehicle to slow down on the freeway, which was incredibly unsafe. There are some reports that the vehicle shuddered, while sometimes it stalled. The cause of the issue seems unclear. One owner went to the dealership right after this issue, but the mechanics didn’t find anything wrong. Another owner said that the dealership said the entire engine needed to be replaced. Symptoms like loss of power and the illumination of the check engine light seems consistent among several reports.

Brake Problems

One of the most common 2015 Buick Encore problems is its severe brake issues, which can increase the risk of accidents. According to reports, owners have experienced abnormal noises while driving or braking. Some have shared that their brakes didn’t provide enough force, which led to a longer braking distance. Others have reported that they experienced excessive brake pedal vibrations and vehicle control loss due to brake malfunction. They have reported that these brake problems usually happen with fairly new Encores at around 13,000 miles. 

Some have taken their vehicles to their dealerships, but mechanics couldn’t determine the exact cause of the issue. However, multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) were released for various 2015 Buick Encore brake components, such as TSB #10118969, #10162107, #10137975, #10113990, and more. If you’re experiencing any brake troubles with your Encore, you’re definitely not alone. Make sure to check all the TSBs and consult a mechanic as soon as you notice any signs of brake problems. 

Faulty Radio

Buick Encore radio problems are common, especially with the 2015 model year. These issues may not affect vehicle performance, but they may become a hassle if you need to use your radio and its display. Some owners have reported various issues, such as radio display malfunction and volume settings that change on their own. Many TSBs were released in relation to the 2015 Encore’s radio problems, such as #10151869, #10145488, #10143758, #10140340, and some others. 

These TSBs include issues with the radio’s audio, display functions, rear view camera options, and more. Some owners have shared that they took their Encores to their dealerships, but mechanics couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause. They had to fix these issues on a case-by-case basis. These complications may also be linked to electrical issues, so it’s best to consult a professional as soon as you notice radio problems. 

Faulty Battery

The 2014 Buick Encore’s starting problems are usually linked to its faulty battery that frequently gets drained. Some owners have shared that their SUV’s battery would die every four to six weeks. According to reports, some owners have also found that their vehicles were unable to start because of a dead battery, even if their Encores were working fine the day before. They have expressed great disappointment because their SUVs were relatively new, with only around 12,000 miles. Some have shared that they got their batteries replaced, but the issue kept on happening. This issue may be caused by complications in your electrical system, so consult your mechanic immediately if you’re experiencing this with your Encore.

Acceleration Loss Due to Bad Turbochargers

The 2013 Buick Encore tends to lose acceleration because of bad turbochargers. Some owners have shared that the acceleration loss was accompanied by other symptoms, such as an illuminated check engine light, abnormal noises, and excessive rattling. According to reports, the turbochargers usually give out at around 94,000 miles. Some owners have reported that they were able to resolve this issue by getting their turbochargers replaced. In cases like these, part replacement must be done immediately to avoid further damage to other components. Repairs are expensive, typically costing around $1,650.

Buick Encore Reliability Overview

Whether you’re planning to buy a new or used Buick Encore, you should do your research so that you’re aware of the common issues per model year. Based on user reports, the Buick Encore years to avoid are the 2013 and 2014 models. These earlier models were plagued by engine issues, such as the starting issue mentioned earlier. However, the reliability of the Buick Encore seems to have improved based on user reviews of its later model years, specially the 2016, 2018, and 2019 models.

SUV-shopping always comes with some risk, but making the effort to learn about the model year you’re interested in can help you manage problems as they happen. Just make sure to clarify any details with your seller before making a deal.

Getting Your Hands on New Parts For Your Buick Encore

Try not to drive too much if your Buick Encore has any damaged or worn parts – at least, not until you’ve made the necessary replacements. Luckily, finding said replacements is easy thanks to CarParts.com.

Fortunately, you don’t even have to go outside to get yourself some brand-new parts. All you need to do is visit our website at CarParts.com with your mobile phone or your computer. From here, you can use your vehicle selector. Just be sure to input the necessary details like the year, make, model, and engine of your vehicle.

We only source our auto parts from the most reliable names in the industry, and with our warehouses strategically located all over the US, you’ll receive your order in just a few days.

Check out our collection of high-quality Buick-compatible components today!

About The Authors
Reviewed By Lisa Conant

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

View Comments

  • i just purchased a 2016 Buick Encore Touring model, It has 22,400 miles on it now, what kind of problems can I expect in the nexr 20,000 miles?

    • Hi Edward,

      It's impossible to predict the future when it comes to auto repair. Since your car is low mileage, you might not experience any problems in the next 20,000 miles or so, which would be great!

    • we just had the valve in the intake blow through the intake and went into the engine. $1200 dollars later and the problem is good for a year, then the valve blew again. this time it went the other way and did not hurt the intake. But it has a light on and no fix is yet listed by chevy.

  • So I needed to jump my battery because winters in Michigan are brutal and I hadnt started my 2019 Encore for a week or more. Now, my front wipers wont come on and neither will my headlights. That wasnt happening before.
    What should I do?

  • My 2016 Buick Encore dies at stop lights. It makes a horrible grinding sound and then shuts completely off. Last time it happened the guy next to me at the stoplight asked if I was okay. No dealer has been able to replicate or determine the problem. It's annoying.

  • 2015 Encore....owned for about three years. has about 94000 miles and this winter has been having issues with the AWD not working. Seems to only happen in extreme cold. When it does occur a warning comes on the dash and the car seems to go into limp mode and not able to go more than 20 miles an hour. When snowing I have spun in 180. last night did it with no snow on ground but it was like 2 degrees out. When I got home I smelled burning coming form under the car. When I park in the garage I have no issues. When parked outside and it is cold is when I seem to have the issues. I have taken it to the dealer three times and they can't find anything wrong with it and refuse to look for anything until a warning light comes on.

  • When you buy ANY YEAR Buick Encore...buy you a 12 pack of Caronas also...so you can squeeze that lemon in those beers

  • I got my 2017 encore in 2019 I had under I believe 10,000 miles I think it was at 7000 something I got an accident on five 2721. I was team on at full speed on the left side of the car, driver side and my Window deployed, but my steering wheel didn’t I will take so hard that I spend around in a circle a full circle. My wheel came off. The axle came off everything on the passenger side at the back of the car came off my car stop by heating the bopping into a telephone pole and bounced off of it on the back of the passenger side so I was turned around facing the opposite direction. I have a dramatic brain injury. I have vision issues because of the impact I have revolting due to my neck, pinched nerve, which affects my right shoulder. I have a rotator cuff tear to my left Arm to bulging just in my back with a herniated disc. I’ve been on a walker I had to learn to walk have speech of occupational therapy physical therapy. I’m still left foot traumatic brain which is the TBI and I’m just trying to figure out why my steering wheel didn’t deploy because the impact and the spinning around and bouncing and that could’ve helped me with my neck injuries which is still prevalent and I’m just trying to figure out. Why didn’t it deploy

  • I have a 2016 Buick Encore with 67k miles on it. So far the only issues I've had are with the battery. But next week I have to replace a spark plug due to a C1 error from my husband's code reader. I was smelling gas on acceleration and it was losing power. Other than that my car has been fine.