Common Buick Encore Faults: Reliability, Breakdowns And More!

The Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV that is pleasant to drive, offering good engine power, agile handling, and a remarkably quiet cabin. However, this car is not free of problems, know what are the common faults of the Buick Encore .

For a luxury brand vehicle, the Encore isn’t that expensive to own, costing an average of around $500 for annual repairs and maintenance. However, it doesn’t hold value very well. The Encore depreciates 52% after 5 years.

How good is the Buick Encore?

The Buick Encore is a reliable subcompact SUV. It received a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 in different reports, ranking fifth out of 7 vehicles in the same category. The Encore is known as a capable subcompact , while also providing a luxurious feel with its overall design and ride quality.

It can also be driven for a long time, easily lasting up to 200,000 miles or around 13 years with little to no problems as long as it is given proper care and maintenance.

Common Buick Encore Failures and Problems

Despite being a reliable vehicle, some Buick Encore models have their share of problems. Here are the common Buick Encore faults for the different models:

1- Engine problems

Engine problems on the 2017 Buick Encore can be quite serious. Some owners have shared that their SUVs would exhibit multiple problems such as poor acceleration, excessive smoke, and stalling. They have also shared that their Encores unexpectedly caught fire near the front of the vehicle.

Many homeowners have expressed disappointment at these issues. They tend to happen on Encores that are relatively new with around 11,400 miles on them. According to reports, injuries and accidents related to these engine problems have been confirmed.

Some owners have taken their vehicles to their dealerships, but the technicians couldn’t find anything wrong with them. If you notice any symptoms of engine trouble in your Encore, have it checked immediately to avoid serious complications.

2- Failures with the airbags and seat belt

One of the notable problems with the 2015-2017 Buick Encore is its faulty airbags and seat belts. This caused General Motors LLC (GM) to recall more than 3.6 million vehicles of different makes and models. This includes units of the 2015-2017 Buick Encore under recall #16007.

According to GM, faulty airbag detection and diagnostic module (SDM) software can trigger its diagnostic test setup . While activated, it can prevent the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in the event of an accident.

GM has advised that owners with affected Encores can get their SDMs replaced at their dealerships for free. If your SUV is included in this recall, please contact Buick as soon as possible for more information.

3- Brake problems

One of the most common problems with the 2015 Buick Encore is severe brake problems, which can increase the risk of accidents. Owners have reportedly experienced abnormal noises while driving or braking. Some have shared that their brakes did not provide enough force, leading to increased stopping distance .

Others have reported experiencing excessive brake pedal vibration and loss of vehicle control due to brake malfunction. They have reported that these brake problems usually occur with fairly new Encores at around 13,000 miles.

Some have taken their vehicles to their dealerships, but the mechanics were unable to determine the exact cause of the problem. However, multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been published for various brake components on the 2015 Buick Encore, such as TSB #10118969, #10162107, #10137975, #10113990, and more.

If you’re experiencing any brake issues with your Encore, you’re definitely not alone. Be sure to check all TSBs and see a mechanic as soon as you notice any signs of brake problems.

4- Problems with the radio

Buick Encore radio problems are common, especially with the 2015 model year. These problems may not affect vehicle performance, but they can become a nuisance if you need to use the radio and its display.

Some owners have reported various issues such as the radio display malfunctioning and the volume settings changing on their own. Many TSBs were posted regarding Encore 2015 radio issues, such as #10151869, #10145488, #10143758, #10140340, and a few others.

These TSBs include issues with radio audio, display functions, rear view camera options, and more. Some owners have shared that they took their Encores to their dealerships, but the mechanics were unable to pinpoint the exact cause.

They had to fix these issues on a case-by-case basis. These complications can also be related to electrical problems, so it’s best to see a professional as soon as radio problems are noticed.

5- Battery failures

Starting problems on the 2014 Buick Encore are usually related to its faulty battery that drains frequently. Some owners have shared that their SUV’s battery would die every four to six weeks.

Some owners have also reportedly found their vehicles unable to start due to a dead battery, even if their Encores were running fine the day before. They have expressed great disappointment that their SUVs were relatively new, with only about 12,000 kilometers.

Some have said they had their batteries changed, but the problem kept happening. This problem could be caused by complications in the electrical system , so see your mechanic immediately if you are experiencing this with your Encore.

6- Loss of acceleration due to turbochargers

The 2013 Buick Encore tends to lose acceleration due to bad turbochargers. Some owners have shared that the loss of acceleration was accompanied by other symptoms, such as an illuminated check engine light, unusual noises, and excessive rattling.

According to reports, turbochargers usually fail around 94,000 kilometers. Some owners have reported that they were able to resolve this issue by replacing the turbochargers . In cases like this, the replacement of the part must be done immediately to avoid further damage to other components. Repairs are expensive, usually costing around $1,650.

To complete

Whether you’re planning to buy a new or used Buick Encore, you should do your research so you’re aware of your common problems by model year. Buying an SUV always carries some risk, but making the effort to learn about the model year you’re interested in can help you manage problems as they happen. Be sure to clarify any details with the seller before closing the deal.