2021 Buick Encore Problems: 4 Known Issues

On the 2013-2022 Buick Encore, 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 2013-2021 Buick Encore, 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.

On the 2013-2021 Buick Encore, 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.

On the 2017-2022 Buick Encore, 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.