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Buick · Known Issues

2022 Buick Encore Problems: 8 Known Issues

2022 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2022 Buick Encore has 8 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch ($1,200-$4,000 repair), Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall and Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults ($300-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Encore Engine4
  • Encore Transmission1
  • Encore Cooling1
  • Encore Emissions1
  • Encore Electrical1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine4
  • Transmission1
  • Cooling1
  • Emissions1

All 8 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20232022202120202019201820172016201520142013

On the 2013-2022 Buick Encore 1.4L Turbo LUJ/LUV, the 1.4L Turbo LUJ (2011-2015) and LUV (2016+) in Encore — and shared Chevy Cruze/Sonic/Trax — develops timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-130,000 miles. Cold-start rattle, then misfire codes, then risk of chain skip. Same engine family used in Opel Astra J (Astra Adam Mokka — see prior Opel issues).

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • cold start rattle
  • misfire
  • check engine light
  • limp mode

How to Fix

Full chain kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets ($1,200-$2,000). Use dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30 and stick to 5,000-mile intervals — extended OLM intervals are the dominant cause. Catastrophic chain skip means head rebuild ($3,500+).

Typical repair cost:$1,200 - $4,000

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Manually Verified
High Confidence

On the 2020-2023 Buick Encore, the second-generation Encore GX uses 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engines and has drawn complaints of reduced engine power, stalling, and lurching. GM issued a recall in which the engine control module (ECM) could fail to clear the permanent status of DTC P0521 (engine oil pressure sensor performance), masking a real low-oil-pressure condition; the remedy is an ECM reprogram. Owners also report elevated oil consumption on these small turbo engines.

This issue also affects: Buick Envision, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche

Common Symptoms

  • Reduced engine power
  • Engine stalling
  • Lurching / jolting
  • Oil pressure warning not displaying
  • Elevated oil consumption

How to Fix

Have the ECM reprogrammed under the GM recall to ensure low-oil-pressure conditions (P0521) are properly flagged. Diagnose stalling/power-loss with a scan tool. Monitor oil level frequently given the small-displacement turbo's sensitivity to low oil.

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2013-2022 Buick Encore, this is the upstream half of the 1.4L PCV story and is often missed. The intake manifold on the LUV/LUJ 1.4T contains a small, non-serviceable orange one-way check valve in the PCV port. Under boost that valve is meant to block pressure from reaching the crankcase; when it fails and is ingested by the engine, boost pressure enters the crankcase, the camshaft-cover diaphragm tears, and the engine develops a large vacuum leak. The result is P1101 (intake airflow system performance) with P0171 (system too lean), rough idle, high idle, stalling and long-term fuel trims in the +25% to +70% range. Owners who replace only the valve cover watch the new one fail within months because the missing manifold check valve was never addressed. A ScannerDanner forum diagnosis of a 2019 Encore documents exactly this: check valve gone from the manifold, 70% fuel trim, fixed by an external PCV kit.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac Allante

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light with P1101 and/or P0171
  • Rough or surging idle
  • High long-term fuel trims (+25% or more)
  • Stalling at idle
  • Whistle at the valve cover after diaphragm tears
  • Repeat valve-cover failure after replacement

How to Fix

Pull the PCV hose at the intake manifold and look into the port: if the orange check valve is missing, the manifold is the root cause. Official repair is a new intake manifold (roughly $400-$700 installed) plus a new camshaft cover if the diaphragm has torn ($200-$350). Many owners instead install an external PCV fix kit (CruzeKits or equivalent) that relocates the check valve into a serviceable inline fitting, which is cheaper and prevents the repeat failure. Clear codes and confirm fuel trims return to single digits.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $900

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Sep 2026

On the 2013-2022 Buick Encore, the 1.4L LUV turbo uses a single four-tower ignition coil cassette that sits on the valve cover and fires all four cylinders. Heat cycling cracks the coil body or its boots, and the cassette can lose spark on one or more cylinders at once - a Bob Is The Oil Guy thread on an Encore 1.4T misfire and multiple BuickForums P0300 threads trace the misfire to the coil pack (often with worn plugs) after the PCV vacuum-leak possibility is ruled out. Cylinder 3 is the most frequently flagged (P0303). Because the cassette is one part, a failing coil can present as a random multi-cylinder misfire rather than a single dead cylinder.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Cascada

Common Symptoms

  • Flashing or steady check engine light with P0300/P0301-P0304
  • Rough idle and shaking
  • Hesitation and loss of power under boost
  • Misfire worse when engine is hot

How to Fix

Rule out the PCV/intake-manifold vacuum leak first (fuel trims), then check plug gap and coil resistance. The fix is a new coil cassette (roughly $120-$250 for the part, about an hour of labor) and a fresh set of the correct iridium plugs. Dealer repair is typically $300-$500. Avoid bargain coil packs - repeat failures are common.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $500

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Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Sep 2026

On the 2020-2023 Buick Encore, the Encore GX has frequent transmission complaints of shuddering, slipping, jerking, and lurching during acceleration, especially in 2021-2023 model years. Causes documented by owners and GM bulletins include defective shift solenoids producing erratic or rough shifts and failing torque converters causing shudder; some 2021 units required full transmission replacement. A separate GM fix addresses out-of-spec clutch retaining rings on certain later units.

Common Symptoms

  • Shuddering / shaking on acceleration
  • Jerking and lurching while driving
  • Slipping or hesitation
  • Rough or erratic shifting
  • Failure to engage correct gear

How to Fix

Diagnose with a scan tool for solenoid and torque-converter fault codes. Repairs range from shift-solenoid replacement and a torque-converter clutch service to torque converter or full transmission replacement in severe cases. Check for applicable GM service bulletins and lemon-law/warranty coverage on repeat failures.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $4,000

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2013-2022 Buick Encore, the 1.4L LUV turbo in the 2013-2022 Encore (same family as the Cruze/Sonic/Trax 1.4T) loses coolant from several plastic-and-rubber weak points that fail in sequence as the engine ages. The water pump develops a weep from its seal, the plastic thermostat/water-outlet housing cracks where it bolts to the head, the turbo coolant feed/return lines and their O-rings seep, and the molded outlet hoses go brittle. Owners on BuickForums describe topping up a quarter cup a week, sweet smells, low-coolant warnings and, when ignored, overheating at highway speed (one 2015 overheated at 59k when brittle outlet hoses let go). Dealers frequently replace the water pump under the 5-yr/60k powertrain warranty, but the thermostat housing and hoses are often declared excluded, leaving owners to pay.

This issue also affects: Buick Encore GX, Cadillac Allante, Cadillac Catera

Common Symptoms

  • Low coolant warning / reservoir needs frequent topping
  • Sweet coolant smell after driving
  • Pink/orange crust on the water pump or thermostat housing
  • Coolant drips near the turbo
  • Engine overheating at highway speed
  • DTC P0128 (coolant thermostat) on a cracked housing

How to Fix

Pressure-test the cooling system to locate the leak rather than just topping up; a UV dye is the fastest way to separate pump weep from housing cracks and turbo-line seepage. Water pump replacement runs roughly $450-$800 (covered under powertrain warranty if in term). Thermostat housing replacement is $250-$500; an aftermarket aluminum housing is a popular permanent fix. Replace brittle outlet hoses and turbo coolant lines at the same time. Never run the engine with the coolant light on - the aluminum head and turbo do not tolerate overheating.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $1,200

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Sep 2026

On the 2022 Buick Encore, certain 2022 Buick Encore (and 2022-2023 Envision) models can experience evaporative-emissions purge pump failures that trigger a check engine light, cause emissions-test failures, reduce fuel efficiency, and may create driveability concerns. GM issued a special coverage adjustment extending warranty on the purge pump, reportedly up to 15 years / 150,000 miles, with reimbursement for owners who previously paid for the repair.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Failed emissions / smog test
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Minor driveability concerns

How to Fix

Replace the EVAP purge pump under GM's special coverage / warranty extension (up to 15 yr / 150,000 mi). Owners who already paid out of pocket may be eligible for reimbursement. Confirm exact eligibility and codes with a GM dealer.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2018-2023 Buick Encore, from 2018 the Encore added automatic engine stop/start, which leans on an AGM battery that is cycled far harder than a conventional battery. BuickForums carries repeated threads from 2018-2020 Encore and 2020+ Encore GX owners whose first symptom was stop/start quietly disabling itself, followed within months by a clicking no-crank, a 'Battery Saver Active' message or random warnings (StabiliTrak, power steering, infotainment resets) as voltage sagged. Several owners report needing a replacement battery before 30,000 miles, and dealers often replace it under the 3-yr/36k warranty. Because so many Encore modules are voltage-sensitive, a weak battery mimics far more expensive faults.

Common Symptoms

  • Auto Stop/Start no longer activates
  • Clicking no-crank on a cold morning
  • Battery Saver Active message
  • Random Service StabiliTrak / Service Power Steering warnings
  • Infotainment reboots at startup

How to Fix

Treat a stop/start system that stops working as a battery warning, not a feature glitch. Load-test the AGM battery and clean the negative cable/ground; replace with a correct-spec AGM (roughly $220-$350 installed, and the body control module may need a battery-state reset with a scan tool). Under warranty the dealer replaces it free. Check the battery before chasing StabiliTrak, power-steering or radio faults on these years.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $350

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Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Sep 2026
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Campaign #20V53700003/09/2020

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Campaign #20V66800029/10/2020

AIR BAGS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Campaign #18V77400001/11/2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Buick Encore problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2022 Buick Encore has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch, Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall, Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Buick Encore reliable?

The 2022 Buick Encore has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch and Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall and Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults. 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.

How much does it cost to fix common Buick Encore problems?

Repair costs for known Buick Encore issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch, typically costs $1,200-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2013-2022 Buick Encore Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch?

The 1.4L Turbo LUJ (2011-2015) and LUV (2016+) in Encore — and shared Chevy Cruze/Sonic/Trax — develops timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-130,000 miles. Cold-start rattle, then misfire codes, then risk of chain skip. Same engine family used in Opel Astra J (Astra Adam… Repairs typically run $1,200-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2023 Buick Encore Encore GX (2020+) Three-Cylinder Turbo Stalling and Low-Oil-Pressure ECM Recall?

The second-generation Encore GX uses 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engines and has drawn complaints of reduced engine power, stalling, and lurching. GM issued a recall in which the engine control module (ECM) could fail to clear the permanent status of DTC P0521 (engi… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Electrical
1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
  • Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

    What is the 2020-2023 Buick Encore Encore GX Transmission Shudder, Jerking and Solenoid Faults?

    The Encore GX has frequent transmission complaints of shuddering, slipping, jerking, and lurching during acceleration, especially in 2021-2023 model years. Causes documented by owners and GM bulletins include defective shift solenoids producing erratic or rough shifts and failing… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: high.

    What is the 2013-2022 Buick Encore 1.4L Turbo Intake Manifold PCV Check Valve Failure - P1101/P0171 Lean Codes and Repeat Valve-Cover Failures?

    This is the upstream half of the 1.4L PCV story and is often missed. The intake manifold on the LUV/LUJ 1.4T contains a small, non-serviceable orange one-way check valve in the PCV port. Under boost that valve is meant to block pressure from reaching the crankcase; when it fails… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2013-2022 Buick Encore 1.4L Turbo Water Pump Weep, Plastic Thermostat Housing Cracks and Brittle Coolant Hoses - Chronic Coolant Loss?

    The 1.4L LUV turbo in the 2013-2022 Encore (same family as the Cruze/Sonic/Trax 1.4T) loses coolant from several plastic-and-rubber weak points that fail in sequence as the engine ages. The water pump develops a weep from its seal, the plastic thermostat/water-outlet housing crac… Repairs typically run $250-$1,200. Severity: medium.

    What is the 2013-2022 Buick Encore 1.4L Turbo Ignition Coil Cassette Failure - P0300/P0303 Misfire and Rough Running?

    The 1.4L LUV turbo uses a single four-tower ignition coil cassette that sits on the valve cover and fires all four cylinders. Heat cycling cracks the coil body or its boots, and the cassette can lose spark on one or more cylinders at once - a Bob Is The Oil Guy thread on an Encor… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: low.

    What is the 2022 Buick Encore EVAP Purge Pump Failure (2022 Encore) - Warranty Extension?

    Certain 2022 Buick Encore (and 2022-2023 Envision) models can experience evaporative-emissions purge pump failures that trigger a check engine light, cause emissions-test failures, reduce fuel efficiency, and may create driveability concerns. GM issued a special coverage adjustme… Severity: low.

    What is the 2018-2023 Buick Encore Early AGM Battery Degradation - Auto Stop/Start Disabled, Clicking No-Crank and Phantom Electrical Faults (2018+)?

    From 2018 the Encore added automatic engine stop/start, which leans on an AGM battery that is cycled far harder than a conventional battery. BuickForums carries repeated threads from 2018-2020 Encore and 2020+ Encore GX owners whose first symptom was stop/start quietly disabling… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: low.