2019 Buick Encore problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Buick Encore, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 8
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 9
- Median mileage
- 52,750 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 36 of 77 complaints (47%).
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (12) and airbags (11) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 52,750 mi.
- Owners reported 8 crashes, 2 fires and 9 injuries.
- The 2019 Buick Encore has 2 recalls on file.
- It ranks 2nd of 10 Buick Encore model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 26% more complaints than the 2018 model year (61).
2019 Buick Encore problems by category
- Engine · 2 crashes36 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion12 complaints
- Airbags · 5 crashes11 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 3 crashes11 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash10 complaints
- Electrical System9 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control · 2 crashes7 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech5 complaints
- Lighting4 complaints
- Brakes4 complaints
- Wheels & Tires4 complaints
- Suspension3 complaints
- Steering2 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash1 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts1 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers1 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 | 30 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 |
| Unknown or other | 11 |
| Power train | 10 |
| Air bags | 10 |
| Electrical system | 9 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2019 Buick Encore recalls (2)
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
- AIR BAGS · AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
Recent 2019 Buick Encore complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Sep 17, 202660,000 miNY1 injuredEngine
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the flex pipe was cracked, causing the contact to become ill from the fumes. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor occasionally coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The contact expressed concerns about the safety of driving the vehicle with the fumes entering the vehicle from the flex pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was…
NHTSA complaint #11765102 · source - Filed Aug 8, 2026NHEngine
Loss of acceleration due to cracked turbo boost. I guess you need a special 2019 vin # to be included in a recall. Recall for 2017 2018 and a select few 2019 very disappointed with this big repair job that is a known problem. I'm done with Buick.
NHTSA complaint #11755596 · source - Filed Jul 21, 2026ILDriver Assistance & Safety TechFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
92,000 miles my catalytic convertor went bad, had for 5 years. This resulted in lag when trying to accelerate and pull out in traffic. It cost $3,000 to fix as well as the turbocharger being broke. The blind spot detection to passenger side mirror stays on at all times and should only come on when there is an object detected in the right side blind area. I'm [XXX] old and have never ever has a catalytic convertor go bad. Buick should be responsible for these repairs.…
NHTSA complaint #11751732 · source - Filed Jul 16, 2026INFireOther / Unknown
On XXX, at approximately 1:00 p.m., my 2019 Buick Encore unexpectedly caught fire while I was operating it in [XXX]. Prior to the fire, I experienced abnormal symptoms, including the vehicle failing to restart, a hissing sound, smoke coming from the engine compartment, and then visible flames. The smoke changed from black to white and then green before the fire intensified. I safely exited the vehicle before the fire spread. The exact component that failed is unknown. Based…
NHTSA complaint #11750846 · source - Filed Jul 13, 2026NJOther / Unknown
Front radiator collant overflow expanion tank w/cap & sensor fluid level gets extremely low and sets off a dashboard message stating engine overheating - once i fill up the collant the light goes off this continually occurs every few weeks/months what is causing this to occured? I had it serviced and a leak has not been detected 2019 buick encore awd
NHTSA complaint #11749910 · source - Filed Jul 6, 2026KYOther / Unknown
Car purchased new in Nov 2018. Within 3 years needed a turbocharger replacement. At this time this was covered under warranty. Recently had to undergo replacement for the turbocharger again. This time it was not covered under the warranty. In researching this problem I saw that in Feb of 2024, Buick extended the warranty on the Buick 2017-2018 Encores, due to a manufacturer defect in the turbocharger. This add'lwarranty covered the cost of the repair & was good for up to…
NHTSA complaint #11748662 · source - Filed May 8, 2026ALAirbagsEngineSuspension
Car has airbag light on. The car keeps leaking which then caused damage to my spark plugs and coil pack. It then led to the O2 sensors being burned. It has been at the dealership multiple times within a 3-week time frame. The low fuel light comes on when it is on a full tank, then it begins to hesitate and the car lunges forward when at a complete stop. Tires act like they cannot keep traction when all 4 tires are brand new and front rotors and brakes have been replaced.…
NHTSA complaint #11736708 · source - Filed May 4, 2026OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
My check engine light continues to turn on and the code is related to the wastegate actuator/turbo charger. My car is running rough and doesn't accelerate properly. It sometimes rocks back and forth when I try to accelerate. Which is a KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BUICK. GMC REFUSES TO RECALL THIS WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE. And naturally, it becomes an issue after the warranty expires. Mileage: 67,067
NHTSA complaint #11735620 · 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