2014 Buick Encore problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Buick Encore, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Median mileage
- 70,675 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 20 of 31 complaints (65%).
- Electrical System (7) and transmission & drivetrain (5) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 70,675 mi.
- Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
- The 2014 Buick Encore has 4 recalls on file.
- It ranks 6th of 10 Buick Encore model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
2014 Buick Encore problems by category
- 20 complaints
- Electrical System7 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain5 complaints
- Other / Unknown4 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash3 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion3 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control2 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech2 complaints
- Steering2 complaints
- Airbags · 1 crash1 complaints
- Lighting1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 18 |
| Electrical system | 7 |
| Power train | 5 |
| Unknown or other | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 |
| Lane departure: blind spot detection | 2 |
| Seat belts | 2 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2014 Buick Encore recalls (4)
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
- SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
- EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Recent 2014 Buick Encore complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 17, 2025MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSeats & Seat Belts
The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.
NHTSA complaint #11694037 · source - Filed Sep 3, 2025ILEngine
Coolant leak and cover gasket failure. Buick has been in the shop multiple times for coolant issues and leaks. Next step is for the shop to remove the entire front end to adequately repair. Constant issue and other complaint relay the same
NHTSA complaint #11684754 · source - Filed Jun 17, 202588,000 miGAElectrical System
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. In addition, the low air pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was stopped by the Police due to the taillight on the driver’s side being inoperable. The bulb was checked, and the bulb was not blown. The contact stated that the…
NHTSA complaint #11667527 · source - Filed Jun 16, 202570,000 miGATowedEngine
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the 02 sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact had the vehicle towed to another mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to…
NHTSA complaint #11667168 · source - Filed Jun 4, 2025ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
On March 18 , 2025 I purchased a 2014 Buick Encore with an implied warranty, the vehicle had 128,644 miles on the odometer. At the time of purchase the check light was not on and the vehicle had no visible or audible mechanical issues. Not 14 days after purchase there was a strong odor of burning oil due to an oil leak dripping into the splash shield. A certified mechanic advised me that the problem was a very common issue with the 2014 Buick Encore and the oil cooler…
NHTSA complaint #11664894 · source - Filed Dec 16, 2024CAElectrical System
My 2014 Buick encore at random times when I turn the key to start the vehicle it just clicks once then complete power out even though the battery is fully charged. To deal with the issue I need to open the hood, unplug the negative from the battery and reconnect it. Then try again. I do this at least once every week, sometimes multiple times throughout a single day. It also does it when a new battery is used. Ive also has a mechanic inspect the vehicle and was so frustrated…
NHTSA complaint #11630912 · source - Filed Jun 19, 2024MISteering
On two occasions, there was a loss of steering assist while making a 90 degree right turn at an intersection. After forcing the steering wheel back straight, steering assist resumed. The vehicle can be made available for inspection. No warning lamps illuminated. Contacted Buick customer assistance. 2015 Buick Encore has a recall for loss of steering assist, but 2014 model is not included.
NHTSA complaint #11595246 · source - Filed Jan 27, 2024ARElectrical System
My antitheft alarm keeps going off and on. Yesterday my info screen went black had no back up cameras no way to control any of the car panel instruments. That was 1-26-24. Sometimes the info screen will blink off and on as I’m driving. It acts like there’s a short or something somewhere. My door locks do not always respond sometimes the doors unlock themselves. That has been going on for the last year. (2023)
NHTSA complaint #11568161 · source
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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology