2016 Buick Encore engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

32 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 Buick Encore, 62% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 58,500 mi.

Engine complaints
32
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
58,500 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine30
Engine and engine cooling3

Engine complaints across Buick Encore years

22013202014202015322016322017292018362019720203202112022
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k630k–60k260k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 1, 2026ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11768263 · source
  2. Filed Feb 21, 2026TNEngineSuspension
    power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. Said it was a circuit card in the steering system that was the problem. 2015 years had a recall but not 2016 . But the failure from the 2015 is the same with the 2016 year. GM contacted and they deny…
    NHTSA complaint #11719555 · source
  3. Filed Jan 17, 2026GAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    On my way home in December 2025, my car started to sputter and make noises. All of a sudden the car started going about 10-15 miles. I almost go hit by several vehicles, because they had to put on brakes, I was trying to go up then down a hilly road. I finally was able to get to an Auto Advance Shop, I had to tow the car to Honda then to Buick for a diagnostic test. It had been over a month and I can’t get information in writing what the diagnostic test results are. I’ve had…
    NHTSA complaint #11711624 · source
  4. Filed Jan 7, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I was stopped at a traffic light and began moving forward to make a turn into traffic. As I activated my turn signal and started to proceed through the intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. Another vehicle was entering the intersection at the same time, creating a near-collision situation. I was forced to restart the vehicle in traffic. The incident occurred within less…
    NHTSA complaint #11709530 · source
  5. Filed Aug 14, 2025OHEngine
    Vehicle unable to hold coolant. Local shop says the coolant lines hold pressure and leak appears to be with manifold and turbo. Car has less than 35k miles. There is a recall for this turbo issue with 2017 and up models but why not for 2016, or any other years with same issue?
    NHTSA complaint #11680618 · source
  6. Filed Jun 16, 2025NCEngine
    I believe my turbocharge is malfunctioning. The check engine light is on with code P0299. My vehicle is struggling to accelerate properly putting us in a few close calls while driving. Yes it is available for inspection - I've seen one mechanic on 6/13/25 - scheduled a follow up with a different one on 6/20/25 and have an appointment scheduled with GM on 7/1/25 should it go that far. I cannot pull out in front of vehicles even with double the normal amount of space…
    NHTSA complaint #11667276 · source
  7. Filed Apr 8, 2025OKEngine
    The turbo has gone out on this and its not even 10 years old. I saw on other VIN's it got recalled and I believe all VIN's should be included
    NHTSA complaint #11653370 · source
  8. Filed Feb 25, 2025OREngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    This is an addendum to Complaint # 11644925 Before taking the car back to the dealership, Buick GMC of Beaverton, for repairs, I called the owner of Bassitt Auto Repair in Beaverton Oregon, [phone removed]. He told me that they've had 3 other Buick Encores come to his repair shop in just the last 6 months, all with the identical problem. He said, without seeing our vehicle, that it is low compression due to a blown piston. He said to take the car to a Buick dealership, that…
    NHTSA complaint #11644927 · source
  9. Filed Feb 25, 2025OREngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    My wife is [XXX] and I am [XXX] old. We purchased the 2016 Buick Encore with 29,000 miles from Buick GMC of Beaverton, Oregon on [XXX], expecting that it would out last both of us, since we are retired and only drive to the store and doctor's appointments; my wife has miraculously survived Stage IV cancer since February 1, 2019. The Encore is our only car and we depend on it for all transportation. We love the vehicle, changed the oil about every 3,000 miles, and have had no…
    NHTSA complaint #11644925 · source
  10. Filed Jan 13, 2025CAEngine
    Please help me. Please add my Vin# [XXX] for repair on a Past recall 2016 Buick. Dealer will not Fix my car, I need Vin Number added to recall. I have attached a copy of the recall. 43210 Engine Oil Leakage at Oil Cooler Pipe Reference Number: A162043210 GWM Number: 2043210 Condition Engine oil leakage at the oil cooler pipe caused by damaged O-ring. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11635756 · source
  11. Filed Nov 15, 2024MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I purchased my 2016 Buick encore from the car dealer name [XXX] in Rochester Michigan. I purchased it in December 20 23 beginning in January when I would change gears the car sounded like the gears were clunking like they were gonna fall out or something. also, the engine hesitates and then excels really fast like I’m racing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11625525 · source
  12. Filed Oct 7, 2024MIEngine
    Acceleration was reduced immediately on the freeway after the check engine light came on the day before with a P0299 code for turbocharger repair. Now the vehicle will not start and the dealership service said an additional code of po366 is now showing. Are these related? The turbocharger has an extended special coverage, but not engine repair that is likely the result of the turbocharger failure.
    NHTSA complaint #11618557 · source

Other 2016 Buick Encore problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (10)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (9)
  • Other / Unknown (7)
  • Electrical System (6)
  • Airbags (4)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Steering (3)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (2)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Brakes (1)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)

Back to all 2016 Buick Encore problems →

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology