2014 Buick Encore Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 25

“The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.”
NHTSA complaint #11694037, 2025

“Coolant leak and cover gasket failure. Buick has been in the shop multiple times for coolant issues and leaks. Next step is for the shop to remove the entire front end to adequately repair. Constant issue and other complaint relay the same”
NHTSA complaint #11684754, 2025

“On March 18 , 2025 I purchased a 2014 Buick Encore with an implied warranty, the vehicle had 128,644 miles on the odometer. At the time of purchase the check light was not on and the vehicle had no visible or audible mechanical issues. Not 14 days after purchase there was a strong odor of burning oil due to an oil leak dripping into the splash shield. A certified mechanic advised me that the problem was a very common issue with the 2014 Buick Encore and the oil cooler associated with the turbo charger needed to be replaced. This issue is so common that the NHTSA issued a GM part failure warnin…”
NHTSA complaint #11664894, 2025

Electrical System 13 1 injury

“WHEN START UP, AC AUTOMATICALLY STARTS AND COMPRESSOR SOUNDS LIKE LOUD DRAGGING NOISE AND NO COLD AIR COMES OUT!! THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED ON 1/18/2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11297902, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. In addition, the low air pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was stopped by the Police due to the taillight on the driver’s side being inoperable. The bulb was checked, and the bulb was not blown. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was started; however, the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or r…”
NHTSA complaint #11667527, 2025

“My 2014 Buick encore at random times when I turn the key to start the vehicle it just clicks once then complete power out even though the battery is fully charged. To deal with the issue I need to open the hood, unplug the negative from the battery and reconnect it. Then try again. I do this at least once every week, sometimes multiple times throughout a single day. It also does it when a new battery is used. Ive also has a mechanic inspect the vehicle and was so frustrated that everything seems okay but just couldnt figure out why the vehicle don't start. 12 hours of searching for the source…”
NHTSA complaint #11630912, 2024

Power Train 9

“I PURCHASED MY 2014 BUICK ENCORE APRIL 2021 THAT NEXT YEAR 2022 MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO O'REILLY THEY TURNED IT OFF TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR MY VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING ROUGH I WAS HAVING TROUBLE TAKING OFF ONCE I DID IT WOULD IDLE UP HIGH WHEN I CAME TO A STOP IT WOULD START SHAKING AND IT WOULD TURN OFF CARS WENT AROUND ME I COULDN'T ACCELERATE IT KEPT HESITATING SO NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY THIS YEAR 2023 ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON CURRENTLY HERE'S THE CODE THAT CAME UP p020 THEY DAY MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON APRIL 5TH MY MILEAGE WAS 94,357 MY AC STOPPED WORKING…”
NHTSA complaint #11535394, 2023

“The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that twice while her son was driving the vehicle at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights had illuminated. After the most recent failure, the vehicle had become inoperable and failed to restart after multiple attempts. The vehicle had been towed to an independent mechanic and a dealer however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired.…”
NHTSA complaint #11456939, 2021

“I WAS DRIVING ON A 70MPH HIGHWAY. WENT TO PASS SLOWER VEHICLE. THE CAR DID NOT REACT TO THE ACCELERATOR. IN FACT IT SLOWED DOWN WITH THE ENGINE TRYING TO REV UP. LUCKILY, THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES TRYING TO PASS AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE I HAD TO DROP BACK. CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BUICK DEALERSHIP FOR ENGINE PROPULSION REPAIR. DO NOT HAVE COMPLETE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR YET. WAS TOLD COULD BE APPROX $2300. ONE YEAR EARLIER, AT 50000 MILES HAD SIMILAR ACCELERATION PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF CATALYST CONVERTER. THE CATALYST CONVERTER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.”
NHTSA complaint #11403651, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 8

“The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.”
NHTSA complaint #11694037, 2025

“On March 18 , 2025 I purchased a 2014 Buick Encore with an implied warranty, the vehicle had 128,644 miles on the odometer. At the time of purchase the check light was not on and the vehicle had no visible or audible mechanical issues. Not 14 days after purchase there was a strong odor of burning oil due to an oil leak dripping into the splash shield. A certified mechanic advised me that the problem was a very common issue with the 2014 Buick Encore and the oil cooler associated with the turbo charger needed to be replaced. This issue is so common that the NHTSA issued a GM part failure warnin…”
NHTSA complaint #11664894, 2025

“SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT (PO420 CODE) CAME ON AND VEHICLE BEGIN TO VIBRATE AT START UP ESPECIALLY. TEMP GAUGE SHOWED OVERHEATING WITH NO SIGNS OF OVERHEATING. THERMOSTAT HOUSING REPLACED. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AFTER REPAIR. MECHANIC SHOP REPLACED CONVERTER THAT WAS FAULTY (PO420 CODE) A WEEK LATER. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (PO 420 CODE) (171 CODE) MECHANIC SHOP REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, R&R FRONT. , LEFT SHOP THAT DAY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. REPLACE CATALYTIC SENSOR, NEXT DAY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. REPLACE OXYGEN REGULATOR PART AND VALVE COIL, (SAME CODE…”
NHTSA complaint #11361178, 2020

Unknown Or Other 6 1 injury

“WHEN START UP, AC AUTOMATICALLY STARTS AND COMPRESSOR SOUNDS LIKE LOUD DRAGGING NOISE AND NO COLD AIR COMES OUT!! THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED ON 1/18/2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11297902, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“During lane departure the size of the rear view mirrors do not display a vehicle in an adjacent lane until it’s too late. However, although the lane departure does notify the driver with a flashing light in the mirror the flashing light is easily missed. An audible warning would be more effective when the turn signal is activated. I departed my lane nearly colliding with an unseen vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11504563, 2023

“I pulled out of a gas station and about 1 mile down the road my car all of a sudden would not accelerate; it was stuck at a maximum of 35mph. The transmission/check engine light did not go on for at least another mile until I was able to pull off the side of the road. Car was towed to a local AAMCO where it was determined that entire transmission failed with no warning whatsoever.”
NHTSA complaint #11444688, 2021

Air Bags 5 3 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while in idle traffic going onto the express way when they were suddenly hit in the rear of the vehicle when the seat belts failed to restrain the contact from going forward. The contact stated there was no air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact received injuries to their shoulders, neck and chest that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact had not spoken with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11456286, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVED RESIDENTIAL ROAD, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR, TIRE, BUMPER, AND HOOD OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE IMPACT PUSHED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ONTO THE LAWN. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HIP THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V651000 (AIR BAG, SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: [XXX] WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE APPROX…”
NHTSA complaint #11203121, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE SERRA DEALERSHIP IN WASHINGTON, MI ON 3/20/17 TO HAVE THE FRONTAL AIRBAG AND PRETENSIONER NON DEPOY SAFETY RECALL (16007) REPAIRED. ON, 6/15/17, I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT TRAVELING AT ROUGHLY 50 MPH AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A FORD F-150 TURNED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITHOUT LOOKING CAUSING THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE OF HER TRUCK. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ISSUED THE CITATION FROM THE POLICE. MY BUICK ENCORE IS MOST LIKELY TOTALED (AWAITING CONFIRMATION ON THAT).”
NHTSA complaint #10995504, 2017 · crash

Service Brakes 5

“MY GIRLFRIENDS 2014 BUICK ENCORE WITH ABOUT 15,000 SUDDENLY HAD THE BRAKE PEDAL GO "SPONGY". TWICE AT INTERSECTIONS WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN IT WOULD SUDDENLY DROP ABOUT 1/2" LOWER. ALSO WHILE SITTING AT A STOP WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING IT BECAME POSSIBLE TO CONTINUALLY PUSH ON THE BRAKE PEDAL UNTIL IT REACHED THE FLOOR. HER 2014 ENCORE HAS ONLY ABOUT 5000 MILES OF IN TOWN DRIVING WITH THE REST OF THE MILEAGE BEING HIGHWAY. THE LOCAL BUICK DEALER (BACHRODT IN ROCKFORD ILL) NOTICED A SMALL DROP IN THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LEVEL, BUT DISMISSED THIS DROP AND THE PEDAL CHANGE TO "NORM…”
NHTSA complaint #10851798, 2016

“MOSTLY IN MORNINGS, BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND SLOW DOWN THE CAR. HAPPENS MOST COOLER DAYS”
NHTSA complaint #10893593, 2015

“TOOK CAR TO DEALER SHIP 5 TIMES FOR SQUEEKING WHEELS WHEN APPLYING BRAKE, COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKING NOT FEELING CORRECT/LOCKING UP AND THEY ONLY SWITCHED THE TIRES AROUND SO I WOULDN'T HEAR IT ON MY SIDE,,,REALLY!! ITS STILL THERE NOW ON THE OTHER SIDE..I GIVE UP. I DIE I BLAME THEM.”
NHTSA complaint #10888503, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the 02 sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact had the vehicle towed to another mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to another mechanic to…”
NHTSA complaint #11667168, 2025

“The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the water outlet and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the turbo charger. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired…”
NHTSA complaint #11529336, 2023

“The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate and lost power while on an incline. Traction and engine warning light was illuminated The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the thermostat heater control circuit and a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 61,009”
NHTSA complaint #11549478, 2021

Lane Departure 3

“During lane departure the size of the rear view mirrors do not display a vehicle in an adjacent lane until it’s too late. However, although the lane departure does notify the driver with a flashing light in the mirror the flashing light is easily missed. An audible warning would be more effective when the turn signal is activated. I departed my lane nearly colliding with an unseen vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11504563, 2023

“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON MARCH 26, 2020, MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO KELLER'S PROFESSIONAL AUTO, WHO DETECTED THAT MY TURBO HAD A CRACK ALL THE WAY ACROSS, SO I HAD TO REPLACE IT. I ONLY HAD 45,352 MILES ON MY CAR. ACCORDING TO KELLER'S AND MY RESEARCH, THE TURBO SHOULD LAST FOR 100,000 TO 150,000 MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11377760, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BLIND SPOT DETECTOR FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02/19/16*LJ UPDATED 02/25/16.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10787694, 2014

Seat Belts 3 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while in idle traffic going onto the express way when they were suddenly hit in the rear of the vehicle when the seat belts failed to restrain the contact from going forward. The contact stated there was no air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact received injuries to their shoulders, neck and chest that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact had not spoken with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11456286, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVED RESIDENTIAL ROAD, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR, TIRE, BUMPER, AND HOOD OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE IMPACT PUSHED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ONTO THE LAWN. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HIP THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V651000 (AIR BAG, SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: [XXX] WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE APPROX…”
NHTSA complaint #11203121, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SEAT BELT IS HARD TO LOCK AND STICKS WHEN YOU TRY TO ADJUST IT. IT WILL LOCK UP AROUND YOUR NECK. IT WILL LOCKUP IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR 02/07/2018”
NHTSA complaint #11322859, 2017

Exterior Lighting 2

“During the past 3 years I have had to replace the battery 3 times, my daytime running lamps keep turning off, I have had to replace the ignition coil and now my car has been at the dealership for a week because there is an electrical problem they cannot figure out. The chassis control module was replaced but did not fix the problem. My personal mechanic advised the TCM was coding, but dealership said no. I am beyond frustrated! These problems started around 60000 miles and now it has 83000 miles on it and can't be driven. If GM knew about the issues (as found in multiple articles on line) why…”
NHTSA complaint #11421526, 2019

“INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING IN BRIGHT DAYLIGHT, WHILE WEARING SUNGLASSES, IS INSUFFICIENT. IN ORDER TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER EITHER ON THE ANALOG DIAL OR ON THE SMALL DIGITAL DISPLAY WHILE DRIVING, REQUIRES THE REMOVAL OF THE SUNGLASSES, TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD, AND PEER INTO THE PANEL IN ORDER TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER. THE GAS AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES ARE NOT VISIBLE AT ALL. ADJUSTING THE INTENSITY SWITCH HAS NO EFFECT DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE LOCAL BUICK SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS BUICK HEADQUARTERS. THEY SAID THEY WILL INFORM THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10606632, 2014

Steering 2

“On two occasions, there was a loss of steering assist while making a 90 degree right turn at an intersection. After forcing the steering wheel back straight, steering assist resumed. The vehicle can be made available for inspection. No warning lamps illuminated. Contacted Buick customer assistance. 2015 Buick Encore has a recall for loss of steering assist, but 2014 model is not included.”
NHTSA complaint #11595246, 2024

“Arked my car started back up power steering malfunctioned. Took to dealer they said gears striped on electronic assist. Front axle needs to be replaced a d there are no parts available unknown when any will be. It has been sitting at the dealer since. Lafontaine of highland mi.”
NHTSA complaint #11450944, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“I PURCHASED MY 2014 BUICK ENCORE APRIL 2021 THAT NEXT YEAR 2022 MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO O'REILLY THEY TURNED IT OFF TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR MY VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING ROUGH I WAS HAVING TROUBLE TAKING OFF ONCE I DID IT WOULD IDLE UP HIGH WHEN I CAME TO A STOP IT WOULD START SHAKING AND IT WOULD TURN OFF CARS WENT AROUND ME I COULDN'T ACCELERATE IT KEPT HESITATING SO NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY THIS YEAR 2023 ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON CURRENTLY HERE'S THE CODE THAT CAME UP p020 THEY DAY MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON APRIL 5TH MY MILEAGE WAS 94,357 MY AC STOPPED WORKING…”
NHTSA complaint #11535394, 2023

“I WAS DRIVING ON A 70MPH HIGHWAY. WENT TO PASS SLOWER VEHICLE. THE CAR DID NOT REACT TO THE ACCELERATOR. IN FACT IT SLOWED DOWN WITH THE ENGINE TRYING TO REV UP. LUCKILY, THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES TRYING TO PASS AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE I HAD TO DROP BACK. CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BUICK DEALERSHIP FOR ENGINE PROPULSION REPAIR. DO NOT HAVE COMPLETE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR YET. WAS TOLD COULD BE APPROX $2300. ONE YEAR EARLIER, AT 50000 MILES HAD SIMILAR ACCELERATION PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF CATALYST CONVERTER. THE CATALYST CONVERTER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.”
NHTSA complaint #11403651, 2021

Equipment 1

“REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM: WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE DURING LIGHT HOURS THE DISPLAY IS USELESS. THE LIGHT SENSOR TAKES FROM ONE MINUTE TO FIFTEEN MINUTES BEFORE THE DISPLAY GOES BRIGHT. SINCE MY DRIVEWAY CROSSES A SIDEWALK THE DISPLAY IS USELESS IN THAT SITUATION AND A SAFETY HAZZARD. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THE LIGHT SENSOR IS MOUNTED ON TOP OF THE DASHBOARD, SO IT HAS A CLEAR VIEW OF LIGHT CONDITIONS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10649716, 2014

Seats 1

“The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.”
NHTSA complaint #11694037, 2025

Tires 1

“TIRES WITH WEAK SPOTS ON ALL 4 TIRES OF THE SAME BRAND, LINE AND SIZE. CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT P215/55 R18 94H P5OA BN7 1114”
NHTSA complaint #10787800, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 1

“THE LOWER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD FOGS ON THE CENTER AND PASSENGER SIDE AT THE START OF THE ENGINE THEN BECOMES A FULL WINDSHIELD FOG WHEN I TURN ON THE DEFOG AND FAN _ COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTING VISION. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR BEING DRIVN. CURRENTLY, IT IS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 2ND TIME REQUESTING REPAIRS. THE EVENT IS RECURRING.”
NHTSA complaint #11288008, 2019

Wheels 1

“TOOK CAR TO DEALER SHIP 5 TIMES FOR SQUEEKING WHEELS WHEN APPLYING BRAKE, COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKING NOT FEELING CORRECT/LOCKING UP AND THEY ONLY SWITCHED THE TIRES AROUND SO I WOULDN'T HEAR IT ON MY SIDE,,,REALLY!! ITS STILL THERE NOW ON THE OTHER SIDE..I GIVE UP. I DIE I BLAME THEM.”
NHTSA complaint #10888503, 2015