Model year record
2018 Buick Encore recalls & problems
The 2018 Buick Encore has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 74 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is engine (29 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2018 Buick Encore.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2018 Buick Encore SUV FWD
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
2018 Buick Encore SUV AWD
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Encore
| City / highway | 27 / 33 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel
Encore AWD
| City / highway | 26 / 31 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel
Encore
| City / highway | 25 / 33 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel
Encore AWD
| City / highway | 24 / 30 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 29 | 89,253 mi |
| Service brakes | 11 | 14,683 mi |
| Unknown or other | 10 | 7,311 mi |
| Power train | 10 | 48,000 mi |
| Air bags | 10 | 10,150 mi |
| Electrical system | 9 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | — |
| Steering | 6 | — |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 5 | 54,500 mi |
| Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal | 3 | — |
| Engine and engine coolingCooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings | 3 | — |
| Seat belts | 2 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Engine
Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently. I discovered a turbo special coverage N232395330 and took it to Williams GMC in Charlotte. After i told them very clearly what happened MULTIPLE times, confirming the underboost and the code, I even brought it in with the code, they told me the code wasnt "active" and that there no problems...even after i told them I didnt feel safe and couldnt pull out at intersections with fear of being rear-ended. I had videos, they refused to look at and told me to come…
- Engine
General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. General Motors issued a Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-114 in May 2019 about involving 2013 to 2019 Buick Encores. This is a known issue for many models other than my vehicle. I have the old parts from the repair for inspection which includes the Intake Manifold and the Valve Cover for faulty PCV components that cause the engine to produce excess Engine Crankcase pressure possibly causing a fire. My vehicle had a check engine…
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong odor of gasoline, followed by a crack in the high pressure fuel line. Gasoline poured out under pressure from fuel line approximately 1 foot ahead of the right rear tire. Major amount of spillage - literally several gallons within a minute or so, that eventually faded as the system lost pressure. Could have been a significant safety issue and catastrophic loss if there had been an ignition source nearby. Overall repair required dropping the fuel tank and the replacement of GM Part Number 95080144, a plastic fuel pipe. Overall, a safety issue and expensive (~$900) repair.
- Engine
Request for Goodwill Assistance â Turbocharger Failure (Special Coverage XXX) Dear General Motors Customer Assistance, I am writing to request a one-time goodwill repair for my 2018 Buick Encore (VIN: [XXX]). Approximately two months after purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and diagnostic testing identified code P0299, indicating turbocharger failure. This issue appears to align with General Motors' Special Coverage Program XXX, issued in February 2024 for certain 2017â2018 Buick Encore vehicles equipped with the 1.4L engine due to known turbocharger failures. Unfortunately, my local GM dealership has informed me that they are unable to perform the repair under…
- Service brakes
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078…
- Power train
The contact owned a 2018 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
- Air bags
The front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. The manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to "see" you, it may turn off. I have a bad back, and I need my 2-inch seat cushion for long trips, or I will be in pain. But when I use my seat cushion, the sensor turns the air bag off. So, if I use my seat cushion (or the sensor otherwise decides to turn the air bag off), I am not protected in the case of an accident. If I don't use my seat cushion, I am in pain from my back. The front passenger air bag should have a manual switch and have the ability to be kept on all of the time, that…
- Electrical system
Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been correct but told there is no recall to fix these issues.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.