Buick Encore problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 389 owner complaints and 13 recalls on file for the Buick Encore (2013–2022). The 2017 Encore has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
389
Recalls
13
Model years
10
Worst year
2017

Complaints by model year

320133120146220155220166720176120187720191920209202182022
NHTSA complaints per Buick Encore model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Buick Encore years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2017 Buick Encore — 67 complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
  2. 2019 Buick Encore — 77 complaints, 8 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2016 Buick Encore — 52 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
  4. 2018 Buick Encore — 61 complaints, 5 crashes; top problem: Engine
  5. 2015 Buick Encore — 62 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2013 (3 complaints).

Every Buick Encore model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2022 Encore81010Transmission & Drivetrain
2021 Encore90010Transmission & Drivetrain
2020 Encore191012Engine
2019 Encore778292Engine
2018 Encore615050Engine
2017 Encore6751252Engine
2016 Encore522182Engine
2015 Encore622134Engine
2014 Encore311024Engine
2013 Encore30006Engine

Most common Buick Encore problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    182 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    57 complaints
  • Electrical System
    54 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    46 complaints
  • Airbags
    44 complaints
  • Steering
    35 complaints
  • Brakes
    28 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    23 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    17 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    15 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212023202420252026
Complaints about the Buick Encore received by NHTSA each month.

Buick Encore recalls

  • Recall 20V668000Oct 29, 2020194,105 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

  • Recall 20V537000Sep 3, 2020105 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

  • Recall 18V774000Nov 1, 201812 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 17V437000Jul 10, 201740,683 vehiclesModel years 2014–2017

    Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

  • Recall 16V651000Sep 8, 20163,640,162 vehiclesModel years 2014–2017

    Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

  • Recall 16V502000Jul 5, 20168,367 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 15V162000Mar 20, 201519,831 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash.

  • Recall 15V146000Mar 13, 20152,295 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V488000Aug 8, 201448,114 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 14V446000Jul 23, 2014124,007 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 14V417000Jul 2, 20142,990 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014

    Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

  • Recall 14V298000Jun 6, 201461 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.

  • Recall 13V105000Mar 28, 2013144 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Buick models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology