Best and worst Buick Encore years — which to avoid

The Buick Encore is a luxurious mid-priced subcompact SUV and could be an excellent choice if you enjoy smaller but comfortable vehicles, but that doesn’t mean this little Buick hasn’t had its fair share of issues. Because of repetitive faults, there were some Buick Encore years to avoid and we’ll tell you all about it for proper buying guidance.

We’ll not only discuss the Buick Encore complaints and recalls by NHTSA logs, but also genuine first-hand experiences that drivers had with the model. That will help us determine the best and worst model years, and you’ll have an easier time figuring out which problems you may have to face if you go for a bad model year.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Buick Encore years

As we ranked the Buick Encore years by best and worst, we noticed how easy it is to get carried away and misjudge a model if you don’t have trustworthy information. So, we made sure to help you find all of the information needed right here in this one guide, and we started with NHTSA and IIHS records.

We used those for official Encore recalls and complaints, as well as safety ratings for the start. We also compared all these pieces of information with driver reports and ratings found on Buick Encore evaluation sites including KBB, Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and others.

Most common Buick Encore problems

The Buick Encore SUV is one of the brand’s finest SUVs and has been around for a while, offering a variety of engines and transmission options.

Although it is a tough SUV, some Buick Encore models have prominent issues. The following are the most common problems with various Encore models.

1. Engine problems

The engine problems in the 2017 Buick Encore can be severe. Some owners have reported that their SUVs would exhibit various problems, including poor acceleration, excessive smoke, and stalling. They’ve also revealed that one of their Encores caught fire unexpectedly near the front of the vehicle. Many owners have expressed dissatisfaction as a result of these issues. They usually happen to Encores that are under 11,400 miles.

According to reports, these engine problems have resulted in confirmed injuries and accidents. Some owners took their vehicles to dealerships, but technicians could not find anything wrong with them. If you notice any signs of engine trouble with your Encore, have it checked right away to avoid any serious complications.

2. Defective airbags and seatbelts

One of the most noticeable issues with the 2015-2017 Buick Encore is its faulty airbags and seatbelts. As a result, General Motors LLC (GM) was forced to recall over 3.6 million vehicles of various makes and models.

A faulty airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software may activate its diagnostic test mode. In the event of a collision, it can prevent the frontal airbags and seat belt tensioners from deploying. GM has advised that owners of affected Encores can have their SDMs replaced for free at their dealerships. If your SUV is subject to this recall, contact Buick as soon as possible for more information.

3. Brake problems

One of the most common 2015 Buick Encore issues is severe brake problems, which can increase the risk of an accident. Owners have reported hearing abnormal noises while driving or braking. Some people have complained that their brakes did not provide enough force, resulting in a longer braking distance.

Others have reported excessive brake pedal vibrations and vehicle control loss due to brake malfunction. They have reported that these brake problems typically occur in relatively new Encores with around 13,000 miles. Some people have taken their vehicles to dealerships, but mechanics have yet to pinpoint the source of the problem. If you encounter a Buick Encore with brakes squeaking or pedal vibration issues, it could be a good idea to do some more checking before making the purchase.

4. Faulty battery

The 2014 Buick Encore was reported to have problems starting, usually caused by a faulty battery or battery discharge warning. Some owners reported that the battery in their SUV died every four to six weeks. According to reports, some owners discovered that their Encores could not start due to a dead battery, even if they had been working fine the day before. They were disappointed because their SUVs were relatively new, with only about 12,000 miles on them.

Some have reported that their batteries were replaced, but the problem persisted. Issues in your electrical system could cause this problem, so contact your mechanic immediately if you’re having this problem with your Encore.

5. Faulty radio

Buick Encore radio issues are relatively common, particularly with the 2015 model year. These issues may not impact vehicle performance, but they can be inconvenient if you need to use your radio and its display. Some owners have reported various problems, including a malfunctioning radio display and volume settings that change on their own.

Some owners have stated that they took their Encores to dealerships, but mechanics could not determine the exact cause. These complications could be related to electrical issues, so it’s best to consult a professional as soon as you notice radio issues.

6. Poor acceleration

Bad turbochargers cause the 2013 Buick Encore to lose acceleration. Some owners reported that other symptoms, such as an illuminated check engine light, unusual noises, and excessive rattling, accompanied the loss of acceleration. According to reports, the turbochargers usually give out at around 94,000 miles. 

Some owners have reported that getting their turbochargers replaced solved the problem. In such cases, the part must be replaced immediately to prevent further damage to other components. Repairs are costly, usually costing around $1,650.

Worst Buick Encore years to avoid

Like any car, some Buick Encores were less desirable than others. Most of these models cost their owners a lot of money because they had issues with electrical and engine systems, which are vital parts and systems.

Because of all those issues, the key question to ask yourself before buying a used Encore is – what are the worst Buick Encore years? The worst Buick Encore years are 2015 and 2016, but you should also avoid any of the following years:

• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
• 2017

We’ll make sure to explain each of these more thoroughly so you can understand which issues may be behind the corner if you don’t avoid these model years.

First-generation Encore (2013-2015 and 2017 model years)

The 2013 Buick Encore is the ideal illustration of why purchasing a lineup’s base model is never a good idea. Drivers have lost a lot of money because this one entered the market with significant engine problems. Six recalls have been issued for the car, making it one of the worst Encores.

While less than 500,000 units were typically affected by recalls, the largest recall involved front seats that could move around during collisions, increasing the risk of injuries, other recalls involved flaws that could potentially result in engine failure.

The 2014 Buick Encore has the most problems and complaints in the entire series. These issues necessitate high repair costs, resulting in lower mileage and increased depreciation. Four recalls were issued for the model, affecting over 3 million vehicles.

The recalls were for front seats that were not stable. Another issue was the malfunctioning airbags, which prevented them from deploying in the event of a car accident.

The seats had a more serious problem in that they would not stay anchored in the event of a collision. The battery also had issues, going out and dying too quickly. The door locks received numerous complaints for not working properly. While Buick was able to address various issues raised by car owners in the two previous models, they now faced new problems, some of which persisted.

Electrical, air conditioning, and brake problems plagued the 2015 Buick Encore. Similarly, four different recalls were issued, including one for one of the airbags not deploying.

The main problem with the brakes was that they made loud grinding noises that interfered with the driving experience. Another issue carried over from the 2014 model was the battery dying too quickly. The engine’s turbocharger was also not repaired and lacked power.

2017 was another bad year for Buick because the problem with the airbag deployment had not been fixed, the check engine light would frequently come on, and the engine would suffer.

The back brakes were subpar, and some drivers experienced engine failure. Buick, though, took the criticism seriously and had been getting better with each passing year.

What are the best Buick Encore years to buy?

The Buick Encore is a newer vehicle, having been produced since 2012 and going through two generations. As with any car, some model years have a better track record in terms of reliability and the absence of major mechanical issues than others.

The Encore models listed below have been relatively safe and reliable, with only a few owner complaints. So, if you’re looking for an Encore, these model years are the most reliable:

• 2016
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

After receiving a redesign in 2017, the Buick Encore’s second generation of the vehicle entered into production in 2020. Although some model years are preferable to others, most Encore models are renowned for being reliable and excellent for a secondhand car.

2020 Buick Encore

While the 2020 Buick Encore had some minor issues with wheel hubs and steering, it was still one of the best model years out there. In fact, it has an impeccable rating with little to no complaints and that only adds up to the reliability of this one.

The engine options are pretty solid, whether you pick the naturally aspirated or turbo option, and the transmission never failed a driver so far so we feel like it’s a safe bet to go with.

Is the Buick Encore worth buying?

The subcompact Buick Encore has been manufactured by General Motors since 2012. Like its larger cousins, the Enclave and Envision, the Encore features a sleek appearance.

It also has a lot of high-tech equipment and a few extra elements that add to its opulent appearance. Effective, comfortable, and responsive.

The Buick Encore is a reasonably wise investment, and its engine has few lemon problems. Still, the essential thing is to thoroughly analyze the vehicle before you buy it to avoid becoming stuck with a model year that will ultimately drain your finances.

Before you make your final pick on a new car, take a moment to check out our articles on models and their best and worst years. Diving into Chevy Trax years to avoid, and Mazda CX-3 years to avoid, could save you from a bumpy ride ahead.