2013-2022 Buick Encore Problems: 29 Known Issues

On the 1.4L LE2, a damaged piston can cause a rough-running engine with the check-engine light on, DTC P0300 (engine misfire detected) and low compression in one or more cylinders. This applies to 2016–2019 Buick Encores with the 1.4L LE2 engine, as listed in GM bulletin 18-NA-171 (December 2022 version, which replaced PIP5490D). On the 2019 Encore the 1.4L LE2 (153 hp, direct injection, stop/start) was optional on the Sport Touring and Essence; Encores with the 1.4L LUV (including the Preferred) are not listed in this bulletin.

Owners of 2019 Encores report turbocharger failures with the check-engine light on, rough running and loss of acceleration or power, in some reports while merging or on the highway; one owner reports a replacement turbocharger that also failed. GM's Special Coverage N232395330 for turbocharger failure lists 2017–2018 Encores with the 1.4L LUV engine and does not list the 2019 model year, which several of these owners point out. Applies to: 2019 Buick Encores, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA and shown on the linked page; the reports do not state which 1.4L engine (LUV or LE2) the car has. Summarized from the owner reports linked here; not a manufacturer finding. Your vehicle's equipment and history may differ; a technician must confirm the cause.

On the 1.4L LE2, the exhaust camshaft reluctor can be out of phase, causing a crank-no-start or extended crank, the check-engine light and possibly increased brake pedal effort. Codes P0014, P0017, P0365 and/or P0366 may be set. This applies to 2016–2019 and 2021–2022 Buick Encores with the 1.4L LE2 engine, as listed in GM bulletin 21-NA-268 (June 2024 version); GM bulletin 17-NA-221 notes there was no LE2 engine in model year 2020. On the 2019 Encore the 1.4L LE2 (153 hp, direct injection, stop/start) was optional on the Sport Touring and Essence; the 2019 Preferred came with the 1.4L LUV, which this bulletin does not list.

The 1.4L turbo Encore is known for turbocharger failures that cause a sudden loss of power while driving and a persistent check engine light. NHTSA complaints document dangerous highway events where the vehicle abruptly lost acceleration. GM later issued a field action/warranty extension (Special Coverage N232395330, February 2024) covering turbochargers on 2017-2018 Encores with the 1.4L LUV engine for 10 years / 120,000 miles, with the repair replacing the turbo assembly and associated oil-feed seals and gaskets.

The 2013-2015 Encore generated hundreds of NHTSA complaints for engine stalling and abrupt loss of power, including incidents at highway speed where the vehicle decelerated unexpectedly. Owners report rough idle, hesitation, misfires, and the "engine power reduced" message, often traced to sensor faults, throttle body issues, or turbo-related underboost. Multiple reports note the problem recurring even after throttle body or sensor replacement, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic.

Contamination (ice, water, oil or sludge) at the charge-air bypass valve, a restricted bypass solenoid, ice in the intake manifold blocking the PCV passage, a plugged crankcase vent tube or ice in the charge air cooler can restrict air to the engine. Owners may notice loss of power, hesitation, smoke from the tailpipe, stalling, a burning-oil odor or the check-engine light; GM adds that higher crankcase pressure can cause oil leaks at seals and gaskets. GM says the bypass-valve condition (22-NA-067) can occur in any weather, while the icing conditions are tied to extreme cold of 0°F (-18°C) or below. This applies to 2013–2020 Encores with the 1.4L LUV engine (22-NA-067) and 2013–2021 LUV Encores in extreme cold (16-NA-405). GM covers the same charge-air-cooler icing on 2016–2019 and 2021–2022 Encores with the 1.4L LE2 engine in bulletin 17-NA-221. GM's Service Update N222372590 (2016–2022 Encore) added a thermal wrap to the turbocharger wastegate regulator solenoid valve and, where applicable, an engine-computer update; that service update expired June 30, 2024.

On the 1.4L LE2, a plugged positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) orifice can raise crankcase pressure above normal, causing an oil leak at the front or rear crankshaft seal and/or the check-engine light with DTC P1101. This applies to 2016–2019 and 2021–2022 Buick Encores with the 1.4L LE2 engine, as listed in GM bulletin 20-NA-047 (January 2023 version, which replaced PIP5417C); GM bulletin 17-NA-221 notes there was no LE2 engine in model year 2020. On the 2019 Encore the 1.4L LE2 (153 hp, direct injection, stop/start) was optional on the Sport Touring and Essence; the 2019 Preferred came with the 1.4L LUV, which this bulletin does not list.

Owners report misfires, rough running and a flashing check-engine light traced to the one-piece coil pack that sits over all four plugs. They describe a broken coil tower, or a boot, spring and plug that had corroded on one cylinder while the others looked clean. It affects Encores with the 1.4L turbo LUJ or LUV engine, which uses a one-piece coil pack. The linked reports come from owners of 2013, 2014 and 2016 Encores. One owner notes that the 1.4L LE2 engine uses individual coil packs; the LE2 was fitted to the 2016–2019 Sport Touring, offered as an option on all but the base model in 2017–2018, and used in later-build 2021 Encores, so those cars are not covered here. One 2014 owner reports the failure at 62,000 miles.

Some 1.4L turbo Encores use oil between changes or blow blue smoke, sometimes with a check-engine light and codes P0171, P0300 or P0299. GM's acceptable consumption is 1 quart (0.9 L) in 2,000 miles (3,200 km), not counting leaks. GM lists a leaking camshaft-cover PCV orifice, a missing intake-manifold non-return valve and a weak or broken piston ring land as possible causes. It affects 2013–2019 Encores with the 1.4L turbo LUJ or LUV engine, as listed in GM PIP5197K. GM later replaced the PIP5197 series with bulletin 19-NA-114, which keeps only the PCV-diaphragm test; no GM document found lists the 2020 or 2021 Encore, so this does not cover them. It does not cover Encores with the 1.4L LE2 engine: the 2016–2019 Sport Touring, the LE2 option offered on all but the base model in 2017–2018, and later-build 2021 Encores.

The PCV crankcase pressure control diaphragm is built into the plastic camshaft (valve) cover. If it tears, un-metered air enters the crankcase, the check-engine light comes on and a lean-fuel-trim code (P0171) can set; the PCV valve may make a whistling noise. GM's earlier PIP5197K adds that a missing intake-manifold non-return valve may have damaged the diaphragm. It affects 2013–2019 Encores with the 1.4L turbo LUJ or LUV engine, as listed in GM bulletin 19-NA-114, which replaced the PIP5197 series. No GM document found lists the 2020 or 2021 Encore, so this does not cover them. It does not cover Encores with the 1.4L LE2 engine: the 2016–2019 Sport Touring, the LE2 option offered on all but the base model in 2017–2018, and later-build 2021 Encores.

On the 1.4L LE2, the charge air cooler outlet air hose may be poorly installed at the throttle body. The check-engine light can come on with DTC P1101, and owners may hear a whistle-type noise at startup and/or notice poor acceleration. This applies to 2018–2019 Buick Encores with the 1.4L LE2 engine, as listed in GM bulletin 18-NA-333 version 2. On the 2019 Encore the 1.4L LE2 (153 hp, direct injection, stop/start) was optional on the Sport Touring and Essence; Encores with the 1.4L LUV (including the Preferred) are not listed in this bulletin.

Distinct from the 2019 'manufacturing mode' SDM recall, 2014-2017 Encores (built 11 Apr 2013 to 24 Aug 2016) were part of GM's 3.6-million-vehicle recall 16V651 (GM #16007). Under certain driving conditions the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software could enter a diagnostic test routine; while in that test, the frontal airbags and seat-belt pretensioners would not deploy in a crash. Some vehicles that were 'fixed' did not receive the complete software update, so GM issued a follow-up recall 17V437 (GM #17287, 40,683 vehicles across GM brands) in July 2017 to reflash them again. The condition gives no warning to the driver.

Certain 2019 Buick Encore crossovers are covered by GM safety recall 18V774000 (GM number 18365). On these vehicles the Sensing Diagnostic Module - the air bag control module - may still be in "manufacturing mode," the setting used during vehicle assembly, rather than the normal operating mode. An Encore in that condition may not deploy its air bags in a crash, and GM states this increases the risk of injury. The campaign is very small: 12 vehicles across all of the models included (Buick Encore plus the Chevrolet Spark, Traverse and Trax), a figure that applies to the whole campaign and not to the Encore alone.

On certain model-year 2013 Encores (part of a 48,114-vehicle campaign that also covers the 2013 Cadillac ATS) the front driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables might not remain locked in the retracted position when placed under load. In a crash the belt could pay out more webbing than designed, so the occupant is not adequately restrained.

On 2013-2014 Encores (124,007 GM vehicles in the campaign, including Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Silverado and others) the weld on the front seat hook bracket assembly could be incomplete. Under a high-load event such as a frontal crash the front seat could break free of its lower track, greatly increasing injury risk to the occupant. The defect is not detectable by the owner in normal use.

The connector and its connector position assurance (CPA) clip for the driver's front seat outboard seat-back (side) air bag may not be fully engaged, turning on the air bag warning lamp in the Driver Information Center. Codes B0014 0E and B0021 0E may be set. Applies to: 2018–2019 Buick Encores, as listed in GM bulletin 19-NA-168 (with the 2018–2019 Chevrolet Trax).

Unwanted radar reflections can trigger false side blind zone alerts, so the side mirror indicates a vehicle is present when there is not. GM notes the reflections are usually worse on the driver side. This applies to 2017–2023 Buick Encores equipped with side blind zone alert (RPO UFT, "Side Active Safety - Obstacle Detection"), as listed in GM bulletin 18-NA-056. Encores without side blind zone alert are not affected.

GM recall N202313440 includes certain 2019 Buick Encore vehicles with a start-stop transmission accumulator whose endcap may have missing bolts. Fluid leakage can lead to loss of propulsion and, near an ignition source, fire. The 2020 Buick model in the bulletin is Encore GX, not Encore. A model-year match alone does not establish that a VIN is included.

First-generation Encores with the 6T40/6T45 6-speed automatic are reported to develop harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, and a shudder or surge particularly around the 2nd/6th gear range. Reported causes include worn fluid, failing shift solenoids and torque-converter lockup shudder; on 2013-2014 Encores built before August 1, 2013, GM bulletin PI0928E traces a bump, surge or vibration while stopped in Drive with the brake applied to the Neutral Idle feature and variation in the 1-2-3-4 clutch fiber plates. NHTSA powertrain complaints span the early-to-mid model years.

The Encore uses a column-mounted electric power-steering unit. On model-year 2015 Encores built 27 Nov 2014 to 24 Feb 2015 (2,295 vehicles in total including the Chevrolet Trax), the steering column housing could contact and wear the power-steering printed circuit board, eventually causing a sudden loss of electric assist while driving. GM recalled these under NHTSA 15V146 (GM #15168) and replaced the steering column assembly. Beyond the recall population, BuickForums owners of 2013-2017 Encores report a 'Service Power Steering' warning with heavy steering on cold mornings that clears after a restart; owners have not confirmed a single cause, and one 2016 owner reports the steering module had to be replaced.

A shorted steering-wheel wiring harness under the driver air bag (inflator) module can cause an unwanted front-wiper swipe when the vehicle is started or powered up, front wipers that will not park, cruise control that will not turn on and steering-wheel controls that do not work or work erratically. Codes P155A/00 and B1529/03 may be stored. Applies to: 2019–2020 Buick Encores, all engines and transmissions, as listed in GM bulletin 21-NA-246 (with the 2019–2020 Chevrolet Trax).

Some model-year 2013 Encores that were serviced with a defective replacement electronic park lock lever in the ignition lock housing could allow the key to be removed while the transmission was not in Park. The 8,367-vehicle campaign is led by 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu production vehicles; the Encore is included only because of the replacement part. With the key out and the shifter in a drive or neutral position the vehicle could roll away after the driver walked off. GM recalled the vehicles under 16V502 in July 2016.

Invalid data stored in a key fob can leave the passive (keyless) entry and passive starting functions of one or both fobs inoperative from first use, sometimes with a "No Remote Detected" or "Place key in transmitter pocket" message. The fob buttons and the backup starting method still work. Applies to: 2018–2019 Buick Encores equipped with passive entry (RPO ATH), as listed in GM bulletin 18-NA-259, which also covers many other 2016–2019 GM models.

First-generation Encores with the 7-inch IntelliLink system have a well-documented display failure: the screen intermittently goes black or reboots itself while driving, sometimes taking the audio, Bluetooth and the backup-camera image with it. BuickForums has a multi-page 'Black IntelliLink screen' thread and separate 2016 reports; a GM Authority owner thread describes a 2014 Encore radio/nav screen going black and rebooting. Owners report dealers checking for radio software updates and for low system voltage or corroded ground points; persistent cases needed the display or the radio (HMI) module replaced, which is a costly dealer repair once out of the 3-yr/36k bumper-to-bumper warranty. Since the backup camera renders on the same display, a dead screen also removes the camera view.

Separate from the electronic module problem, the rear differential/clutch-coupling assembly on 2013-2019 Encore AWD models (shared with the Chevrolet Trax and Opel Mokka) suffers severe exterior corrosion of its aluminum housing in salt-belt states. The corrosion eats through the case, gear oil weeps out, and the ring-and-pinion and bearings run dry, producing a growl or grind that rises with road speed, clunks on throttle tip-in and binding on turns. GM bulletin 18-NA-049 (2013-2016 Encore and Trax AWD) lists clunk or growl from the rear and binding when turning or backing up, caused by fluid loss from corrosion or excessive wear of the rear differential housing. Because the unit is a sealed assembly, the usual dealer repair is a complete replacement differential carrier, which is expensive on a vehicle of this class.

On 2013-2018 Encore AWD models the rear differential clutch control module (RDCM) sits low at the rear axle where road splash reaches it over time. Water enters the module and corrodes its circuit board. The most common result is loss of all-wheel-drive engagement with a 'Service AWD' / 'Service StabiliTrak' style message and codes C0800 and/or U0136; in rarer cases the corroded module back-feeds the network and causes a dead battery or loss of electric power-steering assist. Owners on BuickForums also describe the rear clutch randomly engaging with a pop or bang and binding in tight turns before the module fails outright. GM addressed this with service bulletin 18-NA-007 for 2013-2018 AWD Encores; in Canada, 2013-2017 models are covered by Special Coverage 17436.

Owners report slow coolant loss, a sweet burning smell and, in some cases, overheating. Leaks were found at the turbocharger coolant lines (which can drip onto hot exhaust parts and burn off, leaving no puddle), a cracked water outlet or thermostat housing, brittle outlet hoses and the coolant reservoir. It affects Encores with the 1.4L turbo LUJ or LUV engine. The linked reports come from owners of 2013 and 2015 Encores, with a further overheating report from a 2018 Encore whose engine is not stated. Not established for the 1.4L LE2 engine. In the 8 linked owner reports that give a mileage, the leak showed up between 12,500 and 101,000 miles.

Certain 2022 Buick Encore (and 2022-2023 Envision) models can experience evaporative-emissions purge pump failures that turn on the check engine light, set a diagnostic trouble code and can cause emissions-test failures. GM issued Special Coverage N242484740 in January 2025, extending coverage on the purge pump to 15 years / 150,000 miles, with reimbursement for owners who previously paid for the repair.

Certain 2019 Encores had a strut replaced at the port and may not have had a wheel alignment afterward. Without the alignment, the vehicle could pull slightly to one side and the steering wheel may be off center. Applies to: Certain 2019 Buick Encores marked open for GM Service Update A192221650 (June 2019), which covered about 585 vehicles across the 2019 Encore and Trax. Only a dealer VIN check shows whether a specific car was involved. The service update expired at the end of each involved vehicle's New Vehicle Limited Warranty.