2017
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

Buick Encore

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The Encore is a luxurious subcompact SUV that's a full size smaller than "small" SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Based on the Chevrolet Sonic, the Buick's overall length is about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. Tall, short, 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 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2017
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013

Buick Encore

Reliability

We expect the 2022 Encore will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2019 and 2020 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2017 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2017 Buick Encore has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
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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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA 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.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 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

Android Auto

"The GPS feature provided by Android Auto was not working, shutting down continually or placing me someplace far from where I was. I finally resolved it by keeping the battery level of my phone at full-power rather than power-saving."

Anonymous, NY (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Apple CarPlay

"Lag time to connect to phone. Sometime a minute and sometimes you have to turn the car off."

Michael H., NY (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Backup or other camera/sensors

"The back up camera is not clear when it rains. All you can see on the back up camera is rain drops."

Anonymous, FL (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Display screen goes blank

"The main screen went black and stayed black."

Anonymous, IN (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Routine software updates

"We believe there was a routine software update done. The result was “all” apps disappeared. We made arrangements for the dealer to reload. While waiting, also contacted “On-Star” in car. They informed us that they could download the apps, but would take 3-4 days. Apps returned and we cancelled appointment with dealer."

Michael H., NY (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Voice control commands

"Voice command to make a call consistently did not recognize command/name."

Anonymous, IN (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Integrity

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

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Some item under the hood became loose and rattled audibly, especially when the car idled and there was no wind noise to compete. I took it to a Buick dealer. The technician assured me that the, "all do that." However, I insisted it be checked and they were able to identify and replace the part. This took a bit as the part, "had to be ordered." They told me it was still under manufacturer's warranty. I am a bit suspicious because they were subtle about what the part was that rattled and did not give me the old part after the repair. However, the noise stopped and I didn't pay, so I didn't complain."

Anonymous, TX (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"RATTLES IN LEFT REAR DOOR. STARTED ABOUT AT 10 MONTHS REPAIRED AT ONE YEAR BY SELLING DEALER.REAPPEARED AT ABOUT 33 MONTHS, TOOK COUPLE DAYS TO TROUBLESHOOT AND REPAIR.NOISE WAS NOT CONSTANT."

Anonymous, OR (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Wind noise

"Open a window partially - the car resonates, almost a thumping sound. Very disturbing, Close the window! Speed does not seem much of a factor - I'm speaking of 40mph."

Donald E., FL (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"While driving the car is noisy inside, I'm not sure if it is air noise or under the hood noise but it is loud"

Anonymous, OH (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Already told about this issue. The ONE issue that would make me choose a bigger vehicle is that the drink holders in between the front seats are up and down, so if two people are in the front seat and one person tries to pick up their drink, you hit them with your elbow! Bad design. Other than that, nice little toot n scoot!"

Anonymous, (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Horn double beeps when I am getting in or getting out of the vehicle. Said they had never heard of that before, yet it did it when they got in to move the car for an oil change. Also, car is VERY LOUD when you turn the fan to the high level."

Anonymous, (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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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

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"led directional burnt out, had to replace the whole headlight capsule, cost was would have been over $1500 but was still under warranty"

Anonymous, OK (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Headlights

"daytime running lights no longer work"

Kelly J., ON (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Tire pressure monitor

"purchased new snow tires and because they were not specific to Buick the tire pressure monitor would not work. The price of thier tires were double of all other companies."

Kelly J., ON (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"Brakes locked up unable to drive"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Regular brake failure

"Brakes locked up unable to drive"

Anonymous, CA (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaking

"Apparently, squeaking of brakes is a known problem. Brakes were replaced, but the squeaking continues."

Anonymous, NV (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

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

"freon leak"

Anonymous, (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Automatic climate control

"Cannot maintain temperature properly."

Anonymous, NY (2017 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

What Owners Say

Engine harness

"The failure was due to a defective relay which cause the battery to run down."

Anonymous, FL (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Starter

"this vehicle has start/stop technology, the module controlling that feature failed but did not prevent usage of the vehicle; it just did not shut off when stopped at lights etc."

David B., NH (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

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)

"I've noticed small areas on the back bumper where the paint has chipped."

Anonymous, OH (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"I don't know if all cars are like this, this is my first new car. The paint is so thin! My cat climbing on the car has literally covered the hood in fine claw marks. My cat doesn't even use it's claws while walking, what kind of an auto paint job can't even hold up to outdoor animals?"

Anonymous, TX (2017 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

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Engine threw a rod and was replaced"

Anonymous, AL (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Turbo or supercharger

"A coolant leak occurred in the area of the turbo."

Anonymous, MN (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

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.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"dealer installed new coil at no cost provided loaner at no cost"

Anonymous, (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Check engine light came on. Dropped off at dealership. Repaired next day when parts arrived."

William D., ON (2017 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

"Had to replace strut 2x. Was told it was known defect on this model."

Anonymous, TX (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Muffler

"AT ABOUT ONE YEAR SHOWED UP AT COOL, COLD START UP. SLOWLY GOT WORSE AND WORSE.AT THREE YEAR SERVICE MUFFLER AND EXHAUST PARTS REPLACED."

Anonymous, OR (2017 Buick Encore None 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

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

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Took it in to the dealer for an oil change and 20 k later the engine oil blew out. Dealer said it wasn't their fault but wouldn't elaborate."

Anonymous, (2017 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

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Plastic insert used to close the hatch fell from hole and could not replace"

John S., CA (2017 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.

Engine Cooling

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

Transmission Minor

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

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No Data Available
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.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
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.
Read Recall Details
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
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