Buick Encore Common Problems

ENGINE

Owners report that the 2019 Buick Encore frequently experiences turbocharger failures, often resulting in reduced power and difficulty maintaining speed, especially during highway merging or hill climbing. Complaints frequently mention illuminated check engine lights and diagnostic codes such as P0299, with some owners noting repeated issues even after repairs. Engine stalling and surging are also described, sometimes leading to unintended acceleration or loss of motive power. These issues are typically reported at mileages ranging from 13,000 to over 67,000 miles. While no crashes are documented, the loss of power and acceleration can pose safety risks, particularly in high-speed or remote driving conditions.

ENGINE

Owners of the 2018 Buick Encore frequently report issues related to the turbocharger and associated components, such as the turbo hose and oil line, with several complaints indicating a nationwide backorder for replacement parts. Typical symptoms include loss of power, inability to accelerate, and the check engine light illuminating, often accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes like P0299. Problems often arise around or after 50,000 miles, with some owners experiencing issues as early as shortly after purchase. Safety concerns are noted, particularly when vehicles enter limp mode or lose power while driving, posing potential risks in traffic. Additionally, issues with the timing chain and accelerator pedal position sensor are also reported, further contributing to power loss and stalling.

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Buick Encore frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving the turbocharger and transmission. Complaints often describe a lack of power, rough idling, and stalling, with some vehicles exhibiting these symptoms as early as 5,200 miles. Multiple owners note recurring turbocharger failures, which can lead to significant power loss, especially when driving uphill or at highway speeds. There is one reported incident of the vehicle rolling away while parked, resulting in a crash, though no injuries were reported. These issues can lead to safety implications, such as loss of motive power and difficulty maintaining control, which potential buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

AIR BAGS

Owners report several issues with the airbag system in the 2018 Buick Encore, primarily involving non-deployment during crashes and malfunctioning airbag warning lights. Complaints frequently mention airbags failing to deploy in various crash scenarios, including frontal impacts and rear-end collisions, with some reports noting injuries as a result. Typical symptoms include persistent airbag warning lights and sensors incorrectly indicating the passenger airbag is off, even when occupied. These issues are reported at various mileage levels, with some as early as 6,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple crashes and eight injuries reported, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 8 injury reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, leading to a complete loss of control, lights, and steering. Some complaints indicate that the vehicle may restart itself without driver input, with incidents occurring both at high speeds and in-town driving. Additionally, owners describe problems with the stop-start feature, where the engine fails to restart after shutting off at stops, and in one instance, this left occupants temporarily trapped inside the vehicle. Another reported issue involves the windshield wipers operating intermittently without user control. These electrical failures, occurring as early as within one month of ownership, have led to at least one crash and two injuries, highlighting significant safety concerns for potential buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during crashes, with five incidents involving crashes and seven injuries documented. Complaints often describe airbags failing to deploy upon impact, even in severe accidents, and some mention unexpected airbag warning lights or email alerts indicating a problem. Additionally, there are reports of airbag sensors not recognizing occupants in the passenger seat. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, from approximately 40,000 to 135,000 miles. Prospective buyers should be aware of the potential safety risks associated with these airbag malfunctions.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 7 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving stalling and transmission failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling in traffic, failure to start, and the gear shift lever becoming stuck in park. Some complaints describe the car moving unexpectedly while parked, and one report involves a crash where the vehicle lost motive power and could not engage the brakes. These issues often occur around 39,000 to 77,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with stalling in traffic and loss of control being reported, which could be critical for potential buyers to consider.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues related to engine performance and unexpected vehicle behavior. Multiple complaints describe problems with the cooling system, including coolant leaks and overheating, leading to significant engine damage such as blown head gaskets. Some owners also experience sudden unintended acceleration, resulting in crashes, and a reported case of the vehicle catching fire while in operation. Additionally, there are reports of stereo volume inconsistencies and connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include a crash and a fire, both of which are serious concerns for potential buyers of this model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports