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Buick Encore

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 Encore is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

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 2018 Buick Encore owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

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

Locks and latches

"Left rear door wont unlock with key or fob on outside"

Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Buick Encore Preferred 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other body problem

"Passenger seat airbag light is intermittent when passenger onboard"

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Buick Encore Preferred 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

""System wasn't cooling all the time, sometimes it blew warm air even with temp control buried.""

Anonymous, (2018 Buick Encore Premium 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Refrigerant leaks

"Leaking, then worse. Very expensive to fix."

Anonymous A., TN (2018 Buick Encore Unsure 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint peeling beneath back window on left side"

Anonymous A., AZ (2018 Buick Encore Preferred 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Paint peeling off under left side of hatch back window"

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Buick Encore Preferred 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

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

What Owners Say

Overheating

"The overheating was due to a hose at first then it was determined that it was a part attached to the engine . I cant remember the exact name"

Anonymous, TX (2018 Buick Encore Sport Touring 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.

What Owners Say

Starter

"Starter failed and had to be replaced."

Anonymous, SC (2018 Buick Encore Preferred 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

Turbo or supercharger

"The service engine light came on and I had to replace the turbo before I could have it inspected and get my tags"

Anonymous, TX (2018 Buick Encore Sport Touring 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

""Failed completely. Engine light went on, took it to repair shop, had to have whole thing replaced.""

Anonymous, OH (2018 Buick Encore Premium 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

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

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.

Transmission Major

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

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.

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.

Brakes

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

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.

Noises/Leaks

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

In-car Electronics

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

2018 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.
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