Buick Encore common problems
Owners of 2015–2022 Buick Encore vehicles have filed 479 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (69% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 479
- Owner complaints
- 12
- Recall campaigns
- 45
- Crash-related reports
- 70
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 8 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2019 encore
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.
- Recall2020 encore
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.
- Recall2020 encore
If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
- Recall2019 encore
If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Recall2015 encore
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.
- Recall2016 encore
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.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Buick Encore problems?
- Across 479 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2022 Buick Encore vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (69%), airbags (20%), steering (9%).
- Which Buick Encore model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2015 Buick Encore has the most owner complaints, with 123 filed.
- Are Buick Encore problems dangerous?
- Of the 479 complaints on record, 45 mention a crash, 8 mention a fire and 70 mention an injury, and 1 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2015 accounts for the most complaints (123). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.