2017 Buick Encore Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 22, 2026 · 89 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Encore years
More complaints than other years 2nd of 10 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Buick Encore. That ranks 2nd out of 10 Encore model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (35 complaints, 39%), typically at around 29,000 miles. Complaints mention 12 crashes, 4 fires, 28 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Buick Encore
Buick Encore facelift photographed in Hohhot , Inner Mongolia province, China.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Navigator84, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2017 Buick Encore problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine35 · ~29,000 mi
Air Bags13 · ~38,000 mi
Unknown or Other13 · ~18,000 mi
Power Train9 · ~32,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System8 · ~32,000 mi
Seat Belts8 · ~35,000 mi
Service Brakes8 · ~4,800 mi
Visibility/wiper8 · ~18,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling7 · ~60,095 mi
Electrical System4 · ~23,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine3539%29,000——
Air Bags1315%38,000——
Unknown or Other1315%18,000——
Power Train910%32,000——
Fuel/propulsion System89%32,000——
Seat Belts89%35,000——
Service Brakes89%4,800——
Visibility/wiper89%18,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling78%60,095——
Electrical System44%23,000——
Steering44%19,750——
Structure44%13,000——
Tires33%129,000——
Vehicle Speed Control33%22,000——
Suspension22%35,765——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)11%44,000——
Exterior Lighting11%85,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance11%———
Lane Departure11%———
Wheels11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2024, with 15 complaints
2017: 2201722018: 8201882019: 122019122020: 8202082021: 5202152022: 8202282023: 6202362024: 152024152025: 132025132026: 12202612

n = 89 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 Buick Encore recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Seat belts:pretensioner; air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactiveJul 10, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Seat belts:pretensioner; air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactiveSep 8, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The factory-installed turbocharger assembly on my 2017 Buick Encore failed mechanically while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate and severe roadway safety hazard.The structural failure of the turbocharger causes the vehicle to experience a sudden, unpredictable, and extreme loss of engine…

Engine · received Jul 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752260

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended in the driveway in front of the residence, the front passenger’s side tire suddenly blew out. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who was…

Tires · received Jul 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11750740

There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting…

Engine · received Jun 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743618

UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have…

Unknown or Other · received May 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11740762

Formal Consumer Complaint Statement — GM / Crivelli Buick I am filing a formal consumer complaint against Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC and General Motors/Buick regarding what I believe was discriminatory and unfair treatment in connection with a warranty-covered vehicle repair. The customer is…

Engine · received May 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11739555

Other Buick Encore years

← 2016 Encore · 2018 Encore →

See all Buick Encore problems by year, every Buick model, or the Buick VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Buick Encore?

Owners most often report engine, air bags, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 35 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 Buick Encore?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 Buick Encore a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Encore model years, the 2017 has more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.