Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2016 Buick Encore SUV AWD
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2016 Buick Encore SUV FWD
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (2)
- AIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 17V437000 · 10/07/2017
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.
Fix: 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.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTALCampaign 16V651000 · 08/09/2016
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.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE40
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
- POWER TRAIN11
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- AIR BAGS7
- STEERING5
- SEAT BELTS4
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/26/2019· STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, STABILIZER AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE IN DRIVE, ACCELERATING, TACH AND SPEED DROPPED TO NOTHING. STABILIZER LIGHT FLASHED. PARKED VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARED. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO NEAR BY PARKING LOT, NO POWER STEERING, TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO DRIVE BUT SHIFT GEARS WHEN ACCELERATED. SPEEDOMETER AND TACH DIDN'T WORK. NOTICED HEATER STAYED ON WHEN KEY WAS REMOVED. STARTED CAR, SAME MESSAGE, SAME LIGHTS. TURNED HEATER OFF, REMOVED KEY. HEARTER LIGHTS STAYED ON, AND FAN KEPT RUNNING. CAR SITTING AT A DEALERSHIP, WITH A DEAD BATTERY.
- 12/24/2019· ENGINE
MY AWD WENT OUT ON 3 OCCASIONS, EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THEY FOUND NOTHING. ONE DAY I LOST ACCELERATION POWER AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY PISTONS WERE NOT FIRING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH THE TURBO. ALL WAS COVERED, HOWEVER TWO WEEKS LATER MY RED OIL ALARM CAME ON, I WAS OUT OF OIL. THE CAR WENT BACK TO DEALER, ALL OIL WAS BURNED UP AND SO WAS MY TURBO. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN PREVIOUSLY FOR LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK-END. I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG?
- 12/23/2020· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSCrash
HAD ACCIDENT, WHERE I WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, AFTER THAT IMPACT I WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR, WHICH TOTALED THE CAR. ME AND A PASSAGE WAS TOSSED AROUND LIKE RAG DOLLS. THE SEAT BELT ON THE PASSAGE SIDE DID NOT HOLD IN PLACE CAUSING HER HEAD TO STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD TWICE, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FROM SIDE FRONT BACK NONE WHICH WOULD OF KEPT HER AND I FROM BEING TOSSED AROUND, THIS NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO SOMEONES ATTENTION, AND A RECALL WE WAS LOOKING WE BOTH HAVE INJURIES, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ADVISE TO WHY THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED AND CHECKED???? NOW ME AND MY PASSAGE HAS A ROAD OF RECOVERY DUE TO THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELTS
- 12/07/2023· POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle accelerated independently before returning to normal functionality. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- 12/07/2016· ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE MAP SENSOR THE CONTACT STILL NOTICED AN ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. UPDATED 02/09/17*LJ *CN
- 11/25/2024· STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that if his wife had been driving the vehicle at the time of the failure, she would not have been able to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a circuit board failure inside the steering column. The contact was informed that the circuit board needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
- 11/21/2021· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The airbags is displaying OFF despite who is sitting on it. It's been going on for about a year since start of COVID and it isn't turning ON. Also, the backup camera is not working properly and suddenly displaying very dark and not showing up properly.
- 11/20/2017· VISIBILITY/WIPER
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE IN THE RAIN, I HAVE NEARLY WRECKED OR CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TO OTHERS DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY OF THE WIPERS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.
- 11/15/2024· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
I purchased my 2016 Buick encore from the car dealer name [XXX] in Rochester Michigan. I purchased it in December 20 23 beginning in January when I would change gears the car sounded like the gears were clunking like they were gonna fall out or something. also, the engine hesitates and then excels really fast like I’m racing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 11/11/2016· AIR BAGSCrash
THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 - 40 MPH. THERE WAS A GLANCING SIDE IMPACT TO THE DRIVERS DOOR, AND ALL AIRBAG CURTAINS DEPLOYED. CAUSING BRUISING, BURNS, SPRAIN, AND A CONCUSSION. THE IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MINIMAL. THE AIRBAG MODULE HAD BEEN FLASHED ALREADY. THE NEW MODULES ARE ON BACK-ORDER AND MAY BE SEVERAL MONTHS/INDEFINITE BEFORE IT CAN BE REPAIRED.
- 11/06/2020· STRUCTURE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER BEING ON THE HIGHWAY CAR STARTED PULSING AND NOW MY CAR IS IDLING ROUGH.
- 11/05/2019· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS (60+ MPH), THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE CAR WILL LOSE SIGNIFICANT POWER IN 4TH AND HIGHER GEAR. THIS WILL PRESENT AS SPEED CAN STILL BE GAINED ALTHOUGH VERY SLOWLY IN 4TH GEAR, SPEED CAN BE MAINTAINED BUT NOT GAINED WHILE IN 5TH GEAR, AND SPEED WILL ONLY BE LOST WHILE IN 6TH GEAR. 3RD GEAR AND BELOW ALL WORK FINE. THIS ISSUE IS RESOLVED BY TURNING THE CAR OFF FOR A WHILE AND THEN IT CONTINUES TO OPERATE AS IT SHOULD THEREAFTER, HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL REMAIN LIT FOR A FEW DAYS. THE MAIN CONCERN IS THAT THE CAR LOSES THE CAPABILITY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY DUE TO THE LACK OF POWER WHILE IN THIS STATE.
- 11/02/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
My car read that the side detection system went offline, shortly after every warning light on the dash came on and the entire car shut off going down the road.
- 11/02/2017· STEERING
DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROX. 60 MPH. ATTEMPTED TO MOVE FROM RIGHT LANE TO LEFT LANE. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE IN THE STEERING. I IMMEDIATELY RECEIVED A "SERVICE POWER STEERING" WARNING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ALL OTHER CAR FUNCTIONS WERE WORKING AND I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND MANEUVER TO A COMPLETE STOP. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. INVOICE STATES POWER STEERING-GEAR INTERNAL FAILURE OF P/S MODULE C056D. THE POWER STEERING COLUMN, WITH MODULE WAS REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED. THIS WAS GM PART # 94544335. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY KIND THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING TO FAIL.
- 11/01/2023· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2016 Buick Encore VIN # [XXX] with 67,584 miles. My car's check engine light came on. Upon checking the code at O'Reilly Auto I was told I had to see a mechanic as it showed code p0299, Turbo. I made an appointment at Garrigans Auto repair Shop, a reputable shop. After they inspected the SUV I was told the turbo had a crack and needed to be replaced. On 7/14/2023 I had the repairs done at a cost to me of $1,480.49 (attached). The car runs fine now. On 10/12/2023 I had another repair done on the car. This was the turbo emissions coolant line. While there, Thomas at the counter said he just received the notice of a "Special coverage [XXX] Turbocharger Replacement". I thanked him and contacted Buick. I talked to Diana and gave her my VIN number. She informed me of the extended coverage as long as my car was not more than 10 years old or more than 120,000 miles. My car has 67,584 miles (notice attached). She sent me the form and I filled it out and returned it (copy attached). The case number is [XXX] (attached). On 10/23/23 I received a call from Diane at Buick informing me my claim was denied. She said it was denied as it was not done at the dealership. If I had sustained a problem before Nov. 2021 I could file a claim but it had to be submitted by Nov. 2022. My work was done this year at a local shop. She said since it was not done at the dealership it was not covered. I told her I never knew of the 'special coverage' until after the work was done. She said it is not refundable. I asked for a supervisor who said the same thing. My issue is there is a serious malfunction of the turbo that could happen while I am driving down the interstate at 70 miles an hour only to have sudden reduced power or timing chain breakage causing serious damage to the car not to mention being hit from behind or when passing a semi due to loss of power or total engine malfunction (attached). Now I am contacting the NHTSA with my complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 10/27/2025· STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Fault" was displayed, the steering icon was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The following day, the contact discovered that the vehicle could be started. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the steering failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer had not yet been contacted. The failure mileage was 88,300.
- 10/25/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
In reference to this vehicle, I purchased this car from Burns Honda in February 2020. I replaced the battery less than a year of having this car. I then had my engine light come on and my car was skipping, it completely stopped while driving. Several times, it jumped when I would go over 65 MPH. I took it to the dealership that same night and they continued to tell me nothing was wrong with it. I have had electrical issues along with that. After back and forth for several days with Buick, they finally replaced the transmission. Fast forward to October of 2021, my engine light continues to go off and on and my car has been jumping on me.
- 10/24/2019· ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 44 MPH AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COASTED UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT HESITATED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB RUTH FORD (700 N U.S. 15, DILLSBURG, PA 17019, (877) 818-1593) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,251.
- 10/12/2019· ENGINE
WHEN STOPPED, THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE ITS MISSING, SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL. WHEN ACCELERATING, SOMETIMES HESITATES OR NOT QUITE GETTING SPARK. SCARY WHEN MERGING AND DON'T HAVE FULL POWER RIGHT AWAY. BROUGHT TO DEALER 3 TIMES, AND NOW WARRANTY HAS PASSED. HAPPENS EVERYDAY.
- 10/07/2024· ENGINE
Acceleration was reduced immediately on the freeway after the check engine light came on the day before with a P0299 code for turbocharger repair. Now the vehicle will not start and the dealership service said an additional code of po366 is now showing. Are these related? The turbocharger has an extended special coverage, but not engine repair that is likely the result of the turbocharger failure.
- 09/25/2024· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
In 2021, My ex husband received a notice from Buick extending the warranty to 120,000 on the Turbo Charger fuel injector due to failure in many vehicles. It was not included as a recall. In the State of Texas, vehicles must have an annual inspection to remain legal to drive. Each vehicle receives an annual Sticker. My sticker and inspection were due in July. In May of 2024, my check engine light came on. I took it to Autozone to diagnose, and they said it was the turbo charger. Since I had no idea my ex-spouse had a letter, I purchased fuel injector cleaner and did this every week. Chevron 92 has always been my gas of choice. Unfortunately, it only cleared the engine light for a few days and my vehicle failed inspection at 120,000 miles. I took my Buick Encore to a traveling mechanic, who cleaned the injectors (supposedly), and after driving about 100 miles and in July finally passed inspection to avoid a citation. At 122,00 miles, on [XXX] I drove my Buick to Dallas Texas, 571 miles one way. I barely made it; the check engine light came on again and the vehicle could barely accelerate. I stopped multiple times to install injector cleaner, used only the best 92 gas at chevron. When I arrived, i took my 2016 Buick Encore to Firestone. They diagnose the Turbo Charger again. unfortunately, the vehicle had reached 123,000 miles by then. They cleaned the Turbo charger but could not replace it. At that time, they let me know that might be a manufacturers defect, since this part should definitely last much longer than 123,000. Barely making it home again, with my [XXX] mother with me, I took my vehicle to Gay Buick GMC to get the Turbo Charger replaced. Buick informed me this was too far past the 120,000 and refused to even replace the part if I paid for labor. This is a $2,653.48 cost. May I ask for your assistance in a remedy, at least for the $700.00 part? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 09/12/2022· ENGINE
I was driving down the road and the car started cutting back, then it got real bad, has No power at all right in the middle of work hour traffic! The check engine light comes on then the traction light comes on, OnStar diagnostics sent email stating emissions system, stabil trac system and anti lock system My daughter was in the car we was in danger!!! I pay way too much for this car, I am on disability, fixed income! I have to have a way to go and get my daughter to school!!!
- 09/07/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE HEAT DOES NOT WORK WHILE IDLING. ONLY HEATS UP WHILE DRIVING. BEGAN AT 20 K MILES.
- 08/26/2019· WHEELS
LUG NUTS HAVE CHROME CAP WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE ATTACHED TO THE LUGNUT. LUG WRENCH FITS OVER THE CAP. CAP COMES OFF EXPOSING THE LUGNUT, HOWEVER THE LUG WRENCH DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY OVER, THE EXPOSED LUGNUT. NEED SEPARATE WRENCH (NOT INCLUDED WITH THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE THE LUGNUT IF THE CAP BREAKS OFF.
- 08/24/2020· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN I MY CAR STOPS AT LIGHTS STOP SIGNS AND AUTO STOP KICKS ON AND I TAKE MY FOOT OFF BRAKE TO GO MY AIR BAG LIGHTS FLASHES AND STAYS ON FOR A SECOND AND THEN GOES OUT WHILE I'M DRIVING ALL THE TIME . THEN RECENTLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND ENDED UP STOPPING AND AUTO STOP KICKED ON MY CAR MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND I COULDN'T MOVE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY STREET AT LIGHT I HAD TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT FOR IT TO EVEN MOVE THIS HAPPENED TWO DIFFERENT TIMES TO ME I AM VERY WORRIED BECAUSE NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON OR NOTHING AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS ALSO MY AIRBAG LIGHT SHOULD NOT COME ON WHILE I'M DRIVING THIS ASWELL IS DANGEROUS
- 08/22/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE WHEEL WELL LINER AND THE PLASTIC BUMPER ATTACHMENT ARE ATTACHED TO EACH OTHER OR NEAR EACH OTHER. IN MY OPINION THIS TYPE OF MATERIAL AND DESIGN IS FAULTY. THIS DESIGN DOES NOT SUPPORT HEAVY SNOW. LAST MARCH WHEN THE ROCHESTER, NY. RECEIVED HEAVY SNOW, THE WEIGHT OF THE SNOW CAUSED THE WHEEL LINER AND THE BUMPER TO TEAR. THE TEARING OF BOTH THE BUMPER AND THE WHEEL LINER CREATED A STEERING HAZARD WHICH PROHIBITS SHARP STEERING AND MANEUVERABILITY IN DRIVING CONDITIONS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH.
- 08/21/2023· ENGINE
Turbocharger failed which can eventually cause engine seizure. Independent mechanic diagnosed and repaired after Buick dealer told me I was out of warranty. After repair I located a letter from Buick with my vin number on it dated November 2021 (after my warranty expiration) confirmed that the turbocharger might fail and they would replace free of charge within 10 yrs or 120,000 miles of vehicle purchase. Prior to incident of turbocharger fail, my vehicle alerted me with with a loud tone of "Engine overheat, engine Idle" - all the engine oil and coolant ran out while driving.. Mechanic replaced water outlet, then a short time later service engine light came on with code for turbocharger failure.
- 08/14/2025· ENGINE
Vehicle unable to hold coolant. Local shop says the coolant lines hold pressure and leak appears to be with manifold and turbo. Car has less than 35k miles. There is a recall for this turbo issue with 2017 and up models but why not for 2016, or any other years with same issue?
- 08/14/2017· SERVICE BRAKESCrash
CAR PLOWED INTO BROTHERS CARPORT AND TRAILER DOING $9,000 DAMAGE TO HIS PROPERTY, DID $16,000 DAMAGE TO CAR. INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD NOT TOTAL CAR, HAD IT REPAIRED TOOK OVER THREE MONTHS. GOT CAR BACK AND THE SAME DAY, WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND BRAKES GOT HARD AND WOULD NOT STOP. I KEPT HITTING BRAKES AND FINALLY STOPPED. HAD VEHICLE TOWED INTO DEALERSHIP, ADAMS BUICK, RICHMOND. THEY REPAIRED IT AFTER FEW DAYS THEY CALLED AND I PICKED IT UP. WAS DRIVING HOME GOT ABOUT HALF A MILE BRAKES DID SAME THING. THEY WORKED ON IT AGAIN AND FOUND $1200. MORE WORK HAD TO BE DONE ON BRAKES. THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT BLAME FOR BRAKES, INSURANCE COMPANY FINALLY PAID FOR IT AFTER COUPLE MORE WEEKS. THIS MADE TOTAL OF REPAIRS 17,200.00 STILL WOULD NOT TOTAL CAR. WE STILL HAVE THIS CAR VALUE IS $12,500 ACCORDING TO ADAMS BUICK AND WE OWE $22,000.
- 08/02/2024· ENGINE
2016 Buick Encore VIN [XXX] approximately 60,000 miles. The vehicles turbo had a catastrophic failure pushing oil into the engine, and the catalytic converter causing extensive damage to both. The description from the first mechanic shop, I took it to descripted it as the turbo exploded, spewing oil everywhere. Buick knows the turbo engine is faulty and they issued a 'special' warranty, however the warranty doesn't cover the damage caused by their faulty turbo engine. There wasn't anything I could've done to prevent this. In fact, the GM dealership replaced the turbo and that turbo failed and had to be replaced. I've been asked to cover the cost of repairing the engine, catalytic converter and clean the oil that sprayed the engine compartment. In hindsight, Buick should've issued a full recall on the turbo. They made a business decision not to recall the turbo, but they need to accept responsibility. Living in rural Northern Wisconsin, we are fortunate that this didn't happen in the winter. The resolution I seek is GM/Buick accept responsibility and cover the total cost of repair. This isn't directed at any of the GM/Buick employees I've dealt with, they have all been courteous and professional. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 07/31/2026· STRUCTURE
We noticed the paint bubbling on one of her doors on the car and took it to the dealership who took no accountability. Now the car is peeling in the back and we’ve also noticed the same car, same model and make on the road with the same paint peeling issues that there’s no formal recall as of yet and we are not getting any resolution with GM.
- 07/26/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I SUBMITTED A PRIOR REPORT. MY CAR WAS IN DRIVEWAY AND I WENT TO START IT IN THE MORNING. I HAD BEEN OUT IN EVENING PRIOR. I STARTED MY CAR AND IT SMELLED LIKE FUEL. I HAD TO TAKE IT IN AFTER I TEST DROVE IT ON WAY TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE (LUCKY I WAS OFF THAT DAY. IT HAD A FUEL LEAK AND NEEDED A HOSE REPLACED. TO ME THIS IS A SERIOUS FAILURE OF A PART WITH ONLY APPROX. 6500 MILES ON IT.
- 07/26/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WENT TO START MY CAR IN THE MORNING AFTER IT SAT AT NIGHT, IT WAS IN DRIVEWAY (I HAD DRIVEN THE EVENING PRIOR) AND IT SMELLED OF FUEL WHEN I STARTED IT. NOTHING NOTED LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR ANYWHERE.
- 07/22/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE REAR HATCH WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDSHIELD TRIM MOLDING SEPARATED PRIOR TO THE REAR WINDSHIELD FRACTURING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
- 07/20/2016· STRUCTURE
I PURCHASED 2016 ENCORE ON 5/7/16. WHILE ON A 300 MILE ROAD TRIP ON 7/2 /16 NOTICE THE EXHAUSTED PIPE WAS MELTED TO THE BUMPER TOOK PICTURES. CALLED THE NUMBER TO EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO HELP ME DUE TO HOLIDAY WEEKEND. DROVE IT BACK HOME STOP EVERY HOUR TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T GOING TO START MY CAR ON FIRE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY 7/ 5 I TOLD THEM I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THE VEHICLE. THEY SAID WHY WOULD LOOK INTO WHAT CAUSE IT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS THERE OWN PICTURE THIS INCIDENT IN NOT IN DISPUTE. THEY SAID GMC BEEN CONTACTED AND NO OTHER INCIDENT HAS BEEN REPORTED. THEY GAVE ME A LOANER ON 7/5 THE MECHANIC MANAGER SAID HE PUT THE VEHICLE ON LIFT DOESN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT HE SAID HE WILL HAVE HIS VERY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT ON 7/6 CALLED THAT DAY TO UPDATE ME THAT GMC IS INVOLVED AND WILL KEEP ME INFORMED. CALLED ME ON 7/7 WITH SAME UPDATED THAT THEY ARE STILL LOOKING INTO IT. ON 7/12 CALLED BACK AND SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM. SO IT WAS DECIDED TO REPLACE PART OF THE BUMPER AND RETURN THE VEHICLE TO ME I STRESS THAT I DON'T FEEL SAFE WITH THIS VEHICLE I'M ABOUT TO DRIVE TO FLORIDA IN A COUPLE OF WEEK AND THE PROBLEM HAPPEN ON A LONG DISTANCE AND NOT SHORT DISTANCES. CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT GOING TO HELP ME OUT. I ASK IF THEY COULD GIVE ME DOCUMENTATION TO WHAT THEY FOUND AND HE SAID NO CAUSE WE COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THAT WAS EIGHT DAYS AGO I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM SINCE 7/12. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK ON 7/20 AND SHE TOLD ME THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS FIXING THE BUMPER AND GIVING IT BACK TO ME. I FEEL THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPEN AND SEEM LIKE A FACTORY DEFECT THAT THEY WANT TO PUT A BAND AID AND SEND ME ON MY WAY. I ASKED CUSTOMER SERVICE DID THEY TAKE IT ON A LONG RIDE TO TEST IT OUT AND SHE COULD NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION.
- 07/17/2023· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently with unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle started smoking and overheating. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC codes: P0700, P0243, and P0333. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 123,000.
- 07/13/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ignition switch getting very hot
- 07/06/2022· ENGINE
The turbo malfunctioned and made it not possible for the car to accelerate on the freeway. My safety was put at risk because the car would no longer accelerate at the speed limit which meant I was going slower than traffic. It sounds like this is a common problem for these cars in this year and 2017. The vehicle has been checked out by a mechanic. Nothing appeared until after it happened then the check engine light was on. sources that this is a common problem for this vehicle https://www.carcomplaints.com/Buick/Encore/2016/engine/engine.shtml https://www.driveandreview.com/buick-encore-problems/ https://buickforums.com/forums/threads/2017-buick-encore-turbo-failure.52583/
- 06/29/2020· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MULTIPLE LIGHTS CAME ON AT ONCE AND NEEDED AN INTAKE MANIFOLD, PVC TUBE, VALVE COVER, ALL WHICH WERE REPAIRED AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO JERK FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY ON ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. *TR
- 06/20/2024· ENGINE
The turbo on my 2016 Buick Encore hasn't been working right for about a year. My engine light has been on consistently everyday for about 8 months. I've taken it to the dealer to get it repaired, and there is a bulletin - Reference Number A212338300 - but for some reason my VIN doesn't meet the requirement of the turbo replacement - even though the bulletin is for a turbo replacement. Why is my turbo NOT covered by the bulletin? Clearly there is an issue with the part since a bulletin exists in the first place.
- 06/16/2025· ENGINE
I believe my turbocharge is malfunctioning. The check engine light is on with code P0299. My vehicle is struggling to accelerate properly putting us in a few close calls while driving. Yes it is available for inspection - I've seen one mechanic on 6/13/25 - scheduled a follow up with a different one on 6/20/25 and have an appointment scheduled with GM on 7/1/25 should it go that far. I cannot pull out in front of vehicles even with double the normal amount of space confidently due to my lack of acceleration putting my family - pregnant wife and 1 year old at risk. We floor the gas pedal to try and get what should be normal acceleration but sometime it responds normally which has put us at risk of hitting vehicles in front of us. Yes - it has been inspected and we're getting more opinions. First appeared early June but no other warnings
- 06/11/2019· ENGINE
OUR VEHICLE STARTED LOSING PICK UP AND GO IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE. ERROR CODES P0299 TURBO/SUPER CHARGER UNDERBOOST ISSUE WAS IDENTIFIED. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THE PART IS ON BACKORDER UNTIL MAYBE JULY. EVEN AFTER MARKET PARTS APPARENTLY ARE UNAVAILABLE BECAUSE GM IS PURCHASING THEM. WE CONTACTED SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP BECAUSE WE ARE WITHOUT A CAR THAT WE ARE PAYING FOR AND THERE IS A HUGE CONCERN THAT IF THE PART IS THIS DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN, THERE MUST BE AN UNDISCLOSED ISSUE GOING ON HERE. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY ARE ONLY ABLE TO OBTAIN UPDATES FOR PARTS ONCE THE PART IS ORDERED, BUT ALSO DID CONFIRM THERE IS ( NOT NECESSARILY A BACKORDER, BUT THE PART IS HARD TO COME BY!?!). HE COULD NOT ANSWER WHY. HE DID ENCOURAGE US TO CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO ESCALATE OUR CONCERNS. WE DID CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WERE DIRECTED TO CONTACT NHTSA. WE CURRENTLY ARE WITHOUT OUR VEHICLE THAT WE CONTINUE TO PAY FOR AND CONTINUE ON THIS JOURNEY OF TELL THIS PERSON OR DEPARTMENT AND WE ARE GETTING NOWHERE FAST. SOMETHING BIGGER IS OBVIOUSLY GOING ON HERE AND AS ALWAYS THE PAYING CUSTOMER CONTINUES TO BE THE ONE PAYING FOR IT. WE WANT THE PART AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO NOT BE INCONVENIENCED WITH SCRAMBLING EVERYDAY ON HOW TO GET TO/FROM WORK AND HOW TO GET TO/ FROM CARING FOR ELDERLY PARENTS WHO ARE IN NEED OF OUR ASSISTANCE TO EAT, BATH AND REMAIN SAFE. THIS ISSUE IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE AND TRUTH NEEDS TO BE TOLD BY GM/BUICK.
- 06/01/2018· AIR BAGSCrash
YAKATA RECALL. THE AIRBAGS IN MY CAR DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE OTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT ME ON THE DRIVER FRONT OF MY CAR. IT CAUSED $11,884 WORTH OF DAMAGE. WHEN I SAW THE OTHER DRIVER WAS NOT STOPPING AT THE RED LIGHT I APPLIED MY BRAKES BUT THE COLLISION HAPPENED AND SPUN MY CAR. MY CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR AIRBAGS. I DONT KNOW WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY.
- 05/24/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she observed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil cooler pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Update: 43210. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
- 05/20/2021· SEAT BELTS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recently put the back seats down to put some boxes back there. It is stuck down. I don't know if the seat itself is stuck or if the seatbelt is messed up in there. Either way. I need my seat back up.
- 05/19/2024· ENGINE
03/09/2024 overheated, replace thermostat and housing, refilled coolant 3/16/2024 overheated, refilled coolant 3/18/2024 towed to dealership. leaking oil, losing coolant $3280.00 repairs 4/1/2024 water pump 4/6/2024 Turbo coolant feedline Safety concern, I commute via I-95. Overheating could cause a multi vehicle collision Temperature gauge quickly drops to overheat.
- 05/19/2021· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY DECELERATED TO 10 MPH. THE THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST TIP. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION AND THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THERE WAS ENGINE OIL IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE TURBO CHARGER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC FOUND A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #3 AND TURBO CHARGER AS WELL AS CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE FULL OF OIL . ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH COMPRESSION ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 80,000.
- 05/07/2024· POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE
Two different issues occurred. While driving the check engine light came on and then went off about 10 minutes later. While driving the vehicle to get check engine light code checked temperature suddenly jumped from normal operating temp just below mid to the top with instrument panel dinging saying engine overheating idle engine. As trying to make way to side of road the blind spot warning on passenger mirror began flashing constantly with no traffic within 1/4 mile from vehicle and instrument panel stating blind spot not available. Once able to get to have code checked showed same code that had been addressed with the replaced turbo 0299. Thermostat replaced less than 19k miles prior. When engine overheat came on power diminished rapidly.
- 05/02/2018· ENGINE
YESTERDAY I STARTED THE VEHICLE UP AND IT QUIT. SO I STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT RAN. THEN TODAY, I WAS BACKING OUT AND IT DIED OUT. I STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND DROVE TOWARDS HOME. THEN I WAS TRAVELING 40 PLUS MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. I HIT THE BRAKES AND IT STARTED ROCKING. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM THE CAR BEHIND ME. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE BUICK DEALERSHIP.
- 04/29/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
ANTI THEFT LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR ACTS LIKE IT MIGHT STALL WHEN IDLING.