What are the most common Buick Encore problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013-2022 Buick Encore has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Exhaust Camshaft Reluctor Can Move Out of Phase (21-NA-268), Turbocharger Can Fail (Special Coverage N232395330), Charge-Air Cooler Icing Can Cause Cold-Weather Power Loss (17-NA-221). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Encore reliable?
The 2013-2022 Buick Encore has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Exhaust Camshaft Reluctor Can Move Out of Phase (21-NA-268) and Turbocharger Can Fail (Special Coverage N232395330) and Charge-Air Cooler Icing Can Cause Cold-Weather Power Loss (17-NA-221) and Reduced Engine Power, Hesitation or Stall (Special Coverage 25160). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What year Buick Encore is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Buick Encore. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2022 Buick Encore with 9 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2016-2022 Buick Encore Exhaust Camshaft Reluctor Can Move Out of Phase (21-NA-268)?
GM Bulletin 21-NA-268 applies to 2016-2022 Buick Encore vehicles with the 1.4L LE2 engine. An exhaust-camshaft reluctor that moves out of phase can cause an extended crank or crank/no-start condition, illuminate the MIL and, in some cases, increase brake-pedal effort. The vacuum-… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2018 Buick Encore Turbocharger Can Fail (Special Coverage N232395330)?
GM Special Coverage N232395330 identifies certain 2017-2018 Buick Encore vehicles with the 1.4L LUV engine whose turbocharger can fail. The documented result is a check-engine light with a turbo-related DTC, rough engine operation or reduced power. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2018 Buick Encore Charge-Air Cooler Icing Can Cause Cold-Weather Power Loss (17-NA-221)?
GM Bulletin 17-NA-221 covers specified 2016-2018 Encore vehicles with the LE2 engine, through the September 18, 2017 build breakpoint. At 0°F (-18°C) or below, ice can accumulate in the charge-air cooler and restrict airflow, causing power loss, hesitation, stalling, tailpipe smo… Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Buick Encore Reduced Engine Power, Hesitation or Stall (Special Coverage 25160)?
GM Special Coverage 25160 identifies some 2013 Buick Encore vehicles with the 1.4L LUV engine and six-speed automatic transmission that can hesitate, enter reduced-engine-power mode and lose acceleration while driving. On infrequent occasions the vehicle may stall; steering and b… Severity: high.
What is the 2020 Buick Encore EVAP Purge Valve May Not Fully Close (Special Coverage N232395300)?
GM Special Coverage N232395300 identifies certain 2020 Buick Encore vehicles with the 1.4L LUV engine whose evaporative-emissions purge valve may not fully close. The engine can run rough, hesitate or stall at idle, the check-engine light can illuminate and an EVAP or fuel-trim D… Severity: medium.
What is the 2014 Buick Encore PCV Pressure-Regulator Diaphragm Can Crack (Special Coverage N202299080)?
GM Special Coverage N202299080 identifies certain 2014 Buick Encore vehicles whose PCV pressure-regulator diaphragm, integrated into the engine camshaft cover, can crack. Excess air can then enter the intake, causing rough running especially at idle, a check-engine light and P017… Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2019 Buick Encore Oil Consumption, Blue Smoke or PCV Faults (PIP5197H)?
GM PIP5197H covers 2013-2019 Encore vehicles with the 1.4L LUJ/LUV engine. The documented concern includes oil use of at least one quart per 2,000 miles when not caused by an external leak, blue exhaust smoke, a whistle, MIL or fuel-trim codes. Possible causes include a leaking c… Severity: medium.
What is the 2022 Buick Encore EVAP Purge Pump Can Fail (Special Coverage N242484740)?
GM Special Coverage N242484740 identifies certain 2022 Buick Encore vehicles whose evaporative-emissions purge pump can fail. The documented symptoms are a check-engine light and one or more purge-pump diagnostic trouble codes. Severity: low.
What is the 2013-2014 Buick Encore Neutral-Idle Bump, Surge or Vibration at a Stop (PI0928E)?
GM PI0928E covers 2013-2014 Encore vehicles built before August 1, 2013 with the 6T40 automatic. While stopped in Drive with the brake applied and the transmission fluid at 99°F or warmer, the Neutral Idle feature and variation in the 1-2-3-4 clutch fiber plates can cause a conti… Severity: low.
