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    2014
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

    Buick Encore Change Vehicle

    The Encore is a luxurious subcompact SUV that's a full size smaller than "small" SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Buick's overall length is comparable to a Volkswagen Beetle. Tall, short in length, and narrow, the Encore has ungainly proportions, despite some familiar Buick styling cues like a big chrome grille and portholes on the hood.
    Alerts
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2014
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

    Buick Encore

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Poor
    IIHS Side Crash Good
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph (sec.) 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
    Road Test

    The Encore is a luxurious subcompact SUV that's a full size smaller than "small" SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Buick's overall length is comparable to a Volkswagen Beetle. Tall, short in length, and narrow, the Encore has ungainly proportions, despite some familiar Buick styling cues like a big chrome grille and portholes on the hood.

    There's a lot to like about the Encore though, including a quiet cabin, great maneuverability for parking, and a smooth ride. But the narrow interior can feel cramped and the little Buick has a flawed driving position. Thick pillars and small rear windows block outward visibility, especially to the rear. Despite the Buick's luxury image, there is no power front seat recline. These demerits and others weigh down its score considerably.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    AWD , Front
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    4-door SUV
    Transmissions Available
    • 6-speed Automatic
    Engines Available
    • 1.4-liter 4 turbo (138 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Buick Encore owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    “Sometimes when the day is cloudy or when I drive into a shadow the car seems to think that it is night and the screen goes so dim that I can't see anything”

    Anonymous, IL (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    “Phone book fails to update”

    Anonymous, SC (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    “The GPS unit has been back to the dealer at least twelve (12) times. The whole unit has been replaced twice, the antenna once, the coupler once and it had been reprogrammed a number of time. It is better now, but not totally fixed”

    Anonymous, VA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “GPS thought it was in Dearborn mi”

    Anonymous, PA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Within days of purchasing this Encore new in late Nov 2014, I realized the GPS did not always pick up the satellite. I had it in the dealer 5 or 6 times -- they replaced the antenna, a connector and finally the whole radio/GPS -- and that fixed it”

    Anonymous, VA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Backup or other camera/sensors

    “There was a screeching noise when car was put in reverse. The body shop took quite awhile to diagnose that it was a sensor on front bumper covered in dirt”

    Anonymous, MN (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Display screen difficult to see

    “Display screen fades in and out. Very difficult to view at times. Dealership replaced/repaired once before, and still having the same problem”

    Anonymous, AZ (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “I set up pairing but when I leave the car and return it does not automatically resume pairing at times”

    Anonymous, IL (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Voice control commands

    “Confusing to use”

    Anonymous, NC (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    “Major errors on system and would not drive, had to be towed to dealer and computer replaced”

    Ray H., LA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Oil leaks

    “oil leaking on garage floor after oil change. Thought it might be loose oil filter or drain plug. Took it to dealer. Leak was a rear engine seal that had to be replaced. It was covered by warranty”

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “replaced crank shaft seal 5 times, still leaking”

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Oil pan leak”

    Laura R., NC (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “oil pan leak”

    Anonymous, ON (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Parking brake

    “Warranty insp”

    Anonymous, FL (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “recall-everything okay when checked”

    Anonymous, ON (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaking

    “Had pads replaced because of touchiness; now have noise that dealer & Buick cannot fix? A bulletin says it is a damper problem & tells the dealer "do not replace or remove the damper", so I have to live with the annoying noise? GM says safe to drive?”

    Anonymous, OH (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “My brakes squel when backing up/reversing”

    Steven T., FL (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    “Seal leaked all Fremont out, replaced whole compressor”

    Anonymous, TX (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Blower (fan) motor

    “Fan on passenger side dash was noisy. Bearing noise”

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Refrigerant leaks

    “Refrigerant was leaking from the Turbo lines resulting in the Turbo and lines being replaced at $650”

    Gary H., AZ (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Heater system

    “Does not put out enough heat; especially cold on legs”

    Frederick J., MN (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Exhaust leaks

    “What car is loaded with people and or luggage the car occasionally makes a very loud exhaust type noise, have been to 3 dealers who cannot figure out what it is”

    Anonymous, KY (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other/unsure

    “We can't get it to perform properly”

    Anonymous, IL (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Voice control doesn't understand my voice commands. All confusing. Difficult to use”

    Anonymous, NC (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Keeps indicating a problem that does not exist”

    Clark P., VA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    “the paint flaked off the arm that holds the mirror to the door. a new one was ordered, painted and installed. no charge”

    Steven J., FL (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Rust

    “The rims are showing surface rust dealer is going to buff them, said it was in the manual how to care for chrome rims. Dealer not charging for this. Factory should seal rims better”

    Anonymous, AB (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    “The rear door child safety lock stays engaged despite punching the "unlock" button. That's the only issue I've had!”

    Paula L., MO (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Warning lights

    “check engine light kept coming on”

    Theodore B., NY (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    “Drive shaft joint broke”

    Kenneth M., NY (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    4WD/AWD components

    “AWD OFF displayed, due to software glitch”

    Gerard K., MI (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    What Owners Say

    Turbo or supercharger

    “The turbocharger waste gate fell off and had to be replaced. It caused reduced performance, but no other problems. Was discovered by the check engine light on”

    Anonymous, NC (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Wind noise

    “there are 2 noise problems. If you open the rear windows any amount while driving there is a loud noise and unpleasant pressure in your reas that make it impossible to keep the window down. anyoe wo rides itneh car comments on it. The brake peddle inside squeaks . I have had it back 3 times, they have not fixed it. the most recent time in they told me they had several customers with the same problems and the owners wife had it, on that one they took everything apart, couldn't find the problem a”

    Madeleine M., IN (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Doors or sliding doors

    “hatch back springs did not hold door up at all”

    Andy Z., CA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    “it is a slow leak.They put new head gasket on but still leaked.They found a leak rear of in a hose connection at the back of the motor. they replaced the part. will have to wait to see if it is ok”

    Anonymous, PA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    “strut bearing went bad at 40000k miles. were replaced under warranty”

    Anonymous, OK (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Change Vehicle