Buick Encore years to avoid (and the best years)
583 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recalls across 8 model years, 2013 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 583complaints
- 13recalls
- 51reported crashes
- 9reported fires
- 74reported injuries
- 1reported deaths
Which Buick Encore years should you avoid?
No Buick Encore model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Buick Encore year has 76 complaints on file. The busiest year is the 2015 (124).
What are the best Buick Encore years?
The Buick Encore years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2020 (19), 2013 (52) and 2014 (60). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 19 | 0.2× | 2 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2019 | 86 | 1.1× | 2 | 9 | 10 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2018 | 74 | 1.0× | 0 | 10 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2017 | 89 | 1.2× | 2 | 12 | 28 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2016 | 79 | 1.0× | 2 | 6 | 14 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2015 | 124 | 1.6× | 4 | 6 | 7 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2014 | 60 | 0.8× | 4 | 3 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 52 | 0.7× | 6 | 4 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 19 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain10 (53%)
- Brakes3 (16%)
- Electrical & infotainment2 (11%)
- Steering, suspension & tires2 (11%)
- Structure & body2 (11%)
Recalls (13)
Transmission · 20V668000 · Oct 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Safety · 20V537000 · Sep 2020 · model year 2020
If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
Airbags · 18V774000 · Nov 2018 · model year 2019
If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Airbags · 17V437000 · Jul 2017 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Airbags · 16V651000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Electrical system · 16V502000 · Jul 2016 · model year 2013
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 15V162000 · Mar 2015 · model year 2015
If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash.
Steering · 15V146000 · Mar 2015 · model year 2015
The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 14V488000 · Aug 2014 · model year 2013
If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Safety · 14V446000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Safety · 14V417000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Airbags · 14V298000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2013
If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
Steering · 13V105000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2013
If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.