2018 Buick Encore Problems: 12 Known Issues

On the 2013-2018 Buick Encore, 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.

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 2013-2019 Buick Encore, 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.

On the 2013-2019 Buick Encore, 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 2018-2019 Buick Encore, 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).

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.

On the 2013-2019 Buick Encore, 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 the 2013-2018 Buick Encore, 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.

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 2013-2018 Buick Encore, 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.

On the 2018-2019 Buick Encore, 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.