2017 Buick Encore problems, complaints & recalls

2017 Buick Encore recalls (2)

• Recall 17V437000Jul 10, 201740,683 vehicles
  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.

• Recall 16V651000Sep 8, 20163,640,162 vehicles
  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.

Recent 2017 Buick Encore complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Jul 22, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11752260 · source
2. Filed Jul 16, 2026129,000 miMPTowedWheels & Tires

   The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended in the driveway in front of the residence, the front passenger’s side tire suddenly blew out. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The turbocharger had previously become inoperative. The vehicle was towed back to the…

   NHTSA complaint #11750740 · source
3. Filed Jun 11, 2026TXEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11743618 · source
4. Filed May 29, 2026NCBody & StructureOther / UnknownWheels & Tires

   UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have one when this occured. I have contacted Buick Corporate and now they are saying that they are sending my matter to the legal department. Buick corporate told me to have my vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11740762 · source
5. Filed May 22, 2026PAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Formal Consumer Complaint Statement — GM / Crivelli Buick I am filing a formal consumer complaint against Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC and General Motors/Buick regarding what I believe was discriminatory and unfair treatment in connection with a warranty-covered vehicle repair. The customer is [XXX] , owner of a 2017 Buick Encore. The vehicle was serviced by Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on or about May 20, 2026, for a turbocharger failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11739555 · source
6. Filed May 17, 2026NCWheels & Tires

   Will vehicle was parked in my driveway there was a loud like explosion. It just exploded. My passenger size of my vehicle is totalled. I do have a video of the car blowing up. I am so happy that it was late in the early mornings. I have grandkids that play here and one of them could have got hurt or killed.

   NHTSA complaint #11738379 · source
7. Filed Mar 20, 202688,000 miTXEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and went into "LIMP Mode". Additionally, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the issue but declined to service the vehicle because the vehicle had a salvage title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11725893 · source
8. Filed Mar 9, 202644,000 miCTDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle experienced reduced power. The stabili-trak and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a diagnostic trouble code for a cylinder misfire was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cylinder #1 ignition coil and spark plug were replaced, but the failure persisted.…

   NHTSA complaint #11723105 · 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