2018 Buick Encore Complaints

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/15/2026

Strong odor of gasoline, followed by a crack in the high pressure fuel line. Gasoline poured out under pressure from fuel line approximately 1 foot ahead of the right rear tire. Major amount of spillage - literally several gallons within a minute or so, that eventually faded as the system lost pressure. Could have been a significant safety issue and catastrophic loss if there had been an ignition source nearby. Overall repair required dropping the fuel tank and the replacement of GM Part Number 95080144, a plastic fuel pipe. Overall, a safety issue and expensive (~$900) repair.

ENGINE — Filed 06/08/2026

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 2024 for certain 2017–2018 Buick Encore vehicles equipped with the 1.4L engine due to known turbocharger failures. Unfortunately, my local GM dealership has informed me that they are unable to perform the repair under the special coverage because the vehicle carries a Pennsylvania reconstructed (R) title. While I understand the vehicle's title status, I respectfully ask GM to consider the unique circumstances. In Pennsylvania, reconstructed vehicles must undergo a rigorous Enhanced Vehicle Inspection process before they can be legally registered and operated on public roads. My vehicle successfully passed all required inspections and is legally certified for highway use. Because this special coverage was issued to address a defect that may lead to significant engine damage and, in some cases, a potential engine compartment fire, I am requesting a one-time goodwill repair or other assistance from General Motors. The concern involves a known condition affecting this vehicle platform and presents a potential safety risk during both local and highway driving. I have been a loyal GM customer and would greatly appreciate your review of this situation. Given that the vehicle has been properly repaired, inspected, and approved for road use under Pennsylvania law, I respectfully request that GM reconsider eligibility for assistance despite the reconstructed title designation. Thank you for your time, consideration, and any assistance you may be able to provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/15/2025

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078 cash for repairs after being told the issue was fixed, but the same dangerous defect happened again afterward.The vehicle has remained at the dealership for 15+ consecutive days, causing loss of transportation and work hardship. I am also concerned by inconsistent repair documentation and possible repairs performed that were not clearly disclosed or authorized. This vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and the defect has not been corrected despite multiple repair attempts. I believe this may involve a serious electrical, braking, steering, or control system failure that warrants investigation before someone is injured.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/23/2026

The contact owned a 2018 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/08/2026

The front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. The manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to "see" you, it may turn off. I have a bad back, and I need my 2-inch seat cushion for long trips, or I will be in pain. But when I use my seat cushion, the sensor turns the air bag off. So, if I use my seat cushion (or the sensor otherwise decides to turn the air bag off), I am not protected in the case of an accident. If I don't use my seat cushion, I am in pain from my back. The front passenger air bag should have a manual switch and have the ability to be kept on all of the time, that decision being made by the passenger and not a sensor that is not smart enough to adjust to an additional cushion or other situation.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 09/04/2025

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 12/24/2025

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.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) — Filed 01/01/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The Stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure however, where the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 6 months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown code was cleared. The contact stated that a month after the code was cleared, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,401.

ENGINE — Filed 11/14/2025

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.

ENGINE — Filed 09/26/2025

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 BY DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE DUE TO ENGINE DAMAGE POTENTIAL. I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO MY HOME AND HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT SINCE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER, POLICE, INSURANCE OR ANYONE ELSE. THERE WAS NO WARNING, MESSAGES OR ANY SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN ISSUE. A WARNING LIGHT ONLY CAME ON WHEN THE CAR HESITATED AND LOST POWER IN TRAFFIC.