Buick Encore Problems by Year
NHTSA has 602 owner complaints and 13 safety recalls on file for the Buick Encore, across 10 model years (2013–2022). The 2015 model year has the most complaints (124). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Buick Encore years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Encore year: 2015. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2015 Encore: 124 complaints, 4 recalls
- 2017 Encore: 89 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2019 Encore: 87 complaints, 2 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2022 Encore: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2021 Encore: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2020 Encore: 19 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Buick Encore problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine problems | 223 | 9 | 5 |
| Electrical System | 88 | 9 | 2 |
| Power Train | 77 | 10 | 5 |
| Air Bags | 70 | 10 | 34 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 62 | 8 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 59 | 9 | 11 |
| Steering | 48 | 8 | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 33 | 9 | 4 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 28 | 8 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 26 | 8 | 8 |
| Structure | 16 | 6 | 4 |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 6 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 | 6 | 0 |
| Suspension | 13 | 4 | 1 |
| Tires | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Seats | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Buick Encore model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Encore | 8 | 0 | 5★ | Unknown or Other | |
| 2021 Encore | 9 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | |
| 2020 Encore | 19 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2019 Encore | 87 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | More complaints than other years |
| 2018 Encore | 74 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2017 Encore | 89 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | More complaints than other years |
| 2016 Encore | 80 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | More complaints than other years |
| 2015 Encore | 124 | 4 | 5★ | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2014 Encore | 60 | 4 | 5★ | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2013 Encore | 52 | 6 | 5★ | Engine | Fewer complaints than other years |
More from Buick: all Buick models · Buick VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Encore years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2015 (124) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Encore year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Buick Encore?
Engine, with 223 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the Buick Encore have?
13 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.