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Buick Encore

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2014 Encore is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2014 Buick Encore has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

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.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Needed replacement. Once fixed, could be "further problems""

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

"Vehicle has never had good heat. Now it is worse and sometimes does not work at all. May be due to loss of anti-freeze somewhere. Unable to find the problem."

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

"Has run out of coolant twice, first time couldn't find any leaks, refilled and it was fine. This past time it lost all pressure and fluid. Looked like leak from reservoir, replaced reservoir and fluid ran fine. Next day blew a bleeder hose, that was just fine when I replaced the reservoir. Replaced the hose and saw a small leak but couldn't find where it was coming from. Turned out to be the engine coolant reservoir hose. They took that off and found cracking and a broken piece in the thermostat. Replaced both of those along with a coolant flush. Seems to be ok now but every year something expensive goes wrong with this car."

Anonymous A., MA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Possibly connected to the heating issue. Have not been able to find a cause yet"

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

Engine Minor

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

What Owners Say

Accessory belts or pulleys

"Belt tensioner bent; destroyed 2-year old serpentine belt"

Anonymous, MA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other minor engine problem

""The EGR valve started to make a rattling noise. Since it is an integral part of the plastic intake manifold, the entire manifold needed replacement.""

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

Engine Cooling

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

What Owners Say

Other engine cooling problem

"Coolant leak that needed repair to tune of $800. Suspected Turbo issue too but would not be able to diagnose until this was fixed,"

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

""PVC valve, turbo coolant lines""

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

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"I shouldnt have to replace a catalytic converter at 90,000 miles. The car was from California so it needed a special one too."

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

"Was having exhaust problems and engine light was on. Was told needed to replace both catalytic converters (there are 2) and the exhaust system. This was a very costly repair."

Anonymous A., MA (2014 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

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

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Engine began choking in April. Was diagnosed with a bad cylinder (psi about one third of normal pressure). Engine needs to be replaced but I havent decided yet if Im going to do that or get another car."

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

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Seat controls - power

"Can no longer move driver's seat"

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

Noises/Leaks

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

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"1.5 years. Mechanic can't find source"

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

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Transmission Minor

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

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Paint/Trim

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

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Electrical Accessories

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, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Suspension/Steering

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.

2014 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Buick vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
Jul 10, 2017
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V437000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 40683
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
Sep 08, 2016
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V651000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3640162
SEATS
Jul 23, 2014
A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V446000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 124007
EQUIPMENT
Jul 02, 2014
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V417000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2990
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