2018 Buick Encore engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 2, 2026NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently. I discovered a turbo special coverage N232395330 and took it to Williams GMC in Charlotte. After i told them very clearly what happened MULTIPLE times, confirming the underboost and the code, I even brought it in with the code, they told me…

   NHTSA complaint #11754320 · source
2. Filed Jul 31, 2026NHEngine

   General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. General Motors issued a Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-114 in May 2019 about involving 2013 to 2019 Buick Encores. This is a known issue for many models other than my vehicle. I have the old parts from the…

   NHTSA complaint #11754080 · source
3. Filed Jun 10, 2026PAEngine

   Request for Goodwill Assistance – Turbocharger Failure (Special Coverage XXX) Dear General Motors Customer Assistance, I am writing to request a one-time goodwill repair for my 2018 Buick Encore (VIN: [XXX]). Approximately two months after purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and diagnostic testing identified code P0299, indicating turbocharger failure. This issue appears to align with General Motors' Special Coverage Program XXX, issued in February…

   NHTSA complaint #11743163 · source
4. Filed Jan 22, 2026KSElectrical SystemEngine

   Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been correct but told there is no recall to fix these issues.

   NHTSA complaint #11712726 · source
5. Filed Jan 2, 2026AZEngineOther / Unknown

   After filling up fuel vehicle starts and stalls out. This occurs while driving at stop signs. And also while driving loss of power. There is something wrong in the engine, timing belt, fuel, etc.

   NHTSA complaint #11708285 · source
6. Filed Nov 14, 2025NHEngine

   Brought my car to get an oil change and was told they could not do it as my oil filter housing unit is cracked and leaking oil they said to check for recalls as this is an issue with other vehicle same problem. Upon checking i was informed that Buick is not making this a recall item at this time. They put in enough oil for me to get home.

   NHTSA complaint #11699432 · source
7. Filed Nov 11, 2025OHEngine

   Component failure: the engine timing chain. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: vehicle hesitated and lost power in traffic, causing my vehicle to automatically slow down where i was no longer driving at the speed limit. My safety and other drivers around me was compromised as this could have caused a major accident should i have been rear ended. I had it towed to lambert buick, cuyahoga falls, ohio. They diagnosed a timing chain malfunction which was confirmed…

   NHTSA complaint #11698683 · source
8. Filed Nov 10, 202598,507 miOHTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain, resulting in damage to the crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified…

   NHTSA complaint #11698656 · source
9. Filed May 30, 2025109,800 miFLEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with the check engine and stabili-trak warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the warning lights were cleared, and the vehicle drove normally. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an…

   NHTSA complaint #11663984 · source
10. Filed Jan 10, 2025MIEngine

    I have been alerted by General Motors, via a letter that I received in March, 2024, that, due to a defect, my car's (a 2018 model year Buick Encore) engine may have a "condition where the turbocharger could fail" and that "the engine may run rough or have reduced power." In the letter, they have offered "additional protection for the condition" if the "condition occurs...within 10 years of the date your car was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles...whichever occurs…

    NHTSA complaint #11635370 · source
11. Filed Dec 30, 2024152,000 miCTEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed there was oil leaking onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact’s husband, who is a certified mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was caused by a leaking oil cooler pipe. The contact was informed that the oil cooler pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the leak was…

    NHTSA complaint #11633066 · source
12. Filed Sep 18, 2024LAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Stalling and shuts off. Low power when accelerating. Car has been so slow to take off that when merging into on coming traffic I have to move to shoulder & then try again to prevent an accident. Coughs, putt & squeaking sounds.Car shakes while in park or not in motion. Check engine light on.

    NHTSA complaint #11615286 · source

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