SUV · Gas
Buick Encore 2015-2022

- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $24,065–$24,600
- MPG
- 31
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Watch-out: Poor driving fun
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
How it scores for you10 scores
Quiet, small, and easy — a city-sized crossover that sells serenity, not speed, and does so honestly.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; 1 of its 7 recalls was serious. About 7% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $2,100 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 70% of cars we track.
18.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 28% of other SUVs we track.
Upright packaging seats four adults acceptably in a tiny footprint, with 18.8 cu ft behind the seats.
138 hp and soft tuning — city-friendly and motivation-free.
Early IntelliLink with available 4G LTE was decent for the price; it aged plain.
The QuietTuning cabin with active noise cancellation and a soft ride are the Encore's whole pitch.
Luxury brands like Buick tend to lose value faster than average.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls12 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
12 recalls · 9 common complaint areas across 2015–2020
- Steering — 27 complaints (2015)
- Recall — Seats; seats: critical fasteners (2020)
- Engine — 23 complaints (2016)
2022
No recorded issues.
2021
No recorded issues.
2020
- RecallSeats; seats: critical fasteners20V537000
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.
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission20V668000
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. Th
2019
- RecallAir bags; air bags: air bag/restraint control module18V774000
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.
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission20V668000
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. Th
- Complaint clusterEngine20 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Loss of acceleration due to cracked turbo boost. I guess you need a special 2019 vin # to be included in a recall. Recall for 2017 2018 and a select few 2019 very disappointed with this big repair job that is a known problem. I'm done with Buick.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain9 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped, the gear shift lever was stuck in park(P). After several attempts, the contact was able to move the gear shifter lever. The contact stated that the drive back to the residence was rough. Two or three days la
- Complaint clusterAirbags9 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a left turn, driving northbound, and crashed into the contact's vehicle on the front driver's side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's daugh
- Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My suv dies while im driving it. The engine stalls the lights go off. Its very dangerous I had a semi truck behind me last night and my encore basically became invisible. No lights no power, nothing. He almost hit me. Ive had this encore to several mechanics and none of them knows what the proble
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other8 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX, at approximately 1:00 p.m., my 2019 Buick Encore unexpectedly caught fire while I was operating it in [XXX]. Prior to the fire, I experienced abnormal symptoms, including the vehicle failing to restart, a hissing sound, smoke coming from the engine compartment, and then visible flames. The s
2018
- Complaint clusterEngine19 complaintscomplaints: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
- Complaint clusterPowertrain10 complaintscomplaints: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 v
- Complaint clusterAirbags10 complaintscomplaints: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,
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other8 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After filling up fuel vehicle starts and stalls out. This occurs while driving at stop signs. And also while driving loss of power. There is something wrong in the engine, timing belt, fuel, etc.
- Complaint clusterSteering6 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
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 war
2017
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive; seat belts: pretensioner16V651000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Poli
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive; seat belts: pretensioner17V437000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Subur
- Complaint clusterEngine23 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The factory-installed turbocharger assembly on my 2017 Buick Encore failed mechanically while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate and severe roadway safety hazard.The structural failure of the turbocharger causes the vehicle to experience a sudden, unpredictable, and extreme loss of engine
- Complaint clusterAirbags13 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
While traveling at approximately 77 mph on the interstate, I was forced off the road by another vehicle, causing my car to collide with a cable barrier. The initial impact was to the front driver’s side corner, and the vehicle then scraped along the driver’s side against the barrier. Despite the hig
- Complaint clusterPowertrain8 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Formal Consumer Complaint Statement — GM / Crivelli Buick I am filing a formal consumer complaint against Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC and General Motors/Buick regarding what I believe was discriminatory and unfair treatment in connection with a warranty-covered vehicle repair. The customer is [XX
- Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling7 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and went into "LIMP Mode". Additionally, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the issue but declined to servi
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN I AM STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON AN INCLINE, THE CAR WILL SOMETIMES ROLL BACKWARDS WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE OR WHEN CHANGING MY FOOT TO THE GAS PEDAL TO MOVE FORWARD ONCE THE LIGHT CHANGES. THE MORE THE INCLINE; THE WORSE THE PROBLEM. This happens at a bus s
2016
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive; seat belts: pretensioner16V651000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Poli
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive; seat belts: pretensioner17V437000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Subur
- Complaint clusterEngine23 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Vehicle unable to hold coolant. Local shop says the coolant lines hold pressure and leak appears to be with manifold and turbo. Car has less than 35k miles. There is a recall for this turbo issue with 2017 and up models but why not for 2016, or any other years with same issue?
- Complaint clusterPowertrain10 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
On my way home in December 2025, my car started to sputter and make noises. All of a sudden the car started going about 10-15 miles. I almost go hit by several vehicles, because they had to put on brakes, I was trying to go up then down a hilly road. I finally was able to get to an Auto Advance Shop
- Complaint clusterElectrical8 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ignition switch getting very hot
- Complaint clusterAirbags7 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The airbags is displaying OFF despite who is sitting on it. It's been going on for about a year since start of COVID and it isn't turning ON. Also, the backup camera is not working properly and suddenly displaying very dark and not showing up properly.
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion5 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Turbo exhibits exact same symptoms of 17-18 encore recall for the turbo. I frequently get the p0299 code the car becomes sluggish and hesitates to take off from a stop when this code comes on making this car dangerous to drive. This issue has almost caused multiple accidents because the car is so u
2015
- RecallSteering: electric power assist system15V146000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed
- RecallEquipment: other: labels15V162000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire placards that do not provide the rim size inform
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive; seat belts: pretensioner16V651000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Poli
- RecallAirbags: frontal; air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive; seat belts: pretensioner17V437000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Subur
- Complaint clusterSteering27 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes
- Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
- Complaint clusterBrakes13 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
HANDBRAKE RELEASE BUTTON BROKE AWAY FROM HANDLE TO REPLACE ENTIRE HANDBRAKE ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED COSTING AROUND $600.00 DOLLARS AT BUICK DEALERS. BAD DESIGN !
- Complaint clusterEngine12 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Weber road auto service replaced the engine using county PRC and out-of-pocket funds, and the newly installed used engine has an active engine oil cooler leak, creating an immediate vehicle fire and sudden engine stalling hazard. Also there’s a leak at the ac compressor, condenser and coupler valves
- Complaint clusterAirbags12 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The seatbelt systems light has come on in my 2015 Buick Encore.
Cost to own$20,100 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$24,065–$24,600
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,100/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
30
Highway MPG
32
Combined MPG
31
Horsepower
138 hp
Doors
4
Cargo volume
18.8 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
48.4 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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