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2015 Buick Encore Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~10.3 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 10 Buick Encore years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2015 Buick Encore, cited in 30 of 124 filed complaints (24%).
Engine is next (29 complaints, 23%), followed by Steering (27), Service Brakes (21), Air Bags (16).
Across all complaints, 6 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 7 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 2 crash, 3 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2015 Buick Encore, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 124.
Electrical System 30 1 fire
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering wheel was locked. Additionally, a burning odor was detected, and the tachometer was inoperable while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11443985, 2021 · fire
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The traction control warning light and the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message to “Contact Dealer for Service” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the wiring harnesses connected with the CPU had failed. The wiring harness in the CPU was replaced. After the repair, while driving 60 MPH, the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11677619, 2025
“tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break”
NHTSA complaint #11601793, 2024
Engine 29
“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. This was discovered by Buckeye Auto Service. No repairs have been made as first shop keeps brushing me off.”
NHTSA complaint #11753438, 2026
“The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known. It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does n…”
NHTSA complaint #11746663, 2025
“check engine light came onforP0299 code and heard that there's a lot of vehicles with turbos having this problem”
NHTSA complaint #11679703, 2025
Steering 27 1 fire
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering wheel was locked. Additionally, a burning odor was detected, and the tachometer was inoperable while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11443985, 2021 · fire
“Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes”
NHTSA complaint #11742919, 2026
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The traction control warning light and the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message to “Contact Dealer for Service” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the wiring harnesses connected with the CPU had failed. The wiring harness in the CPU was replaced. After the repair, while driving 60 MPH, the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11677619, 2025
Service Brakes 21 2 crash 1 injury
“ON 5/25/18, ABS FAILED WHEN BRAKES APPLIED AT AROUND 30 MPH LEADING TO A REAR END CRASH ON WET RAINY ROAD AT A ROUNDABOUT AT JACARANDA BOULEVARD AND EAST VENICE AVENUE, VENICE, FL.”
NHTSA complaint #11100704, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN AN UNHEATED GARAGE FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. I STARTED IT, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND PUT IT IN GEAR (R). THE CAR LUNGED BACK AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE. TO AVOID HITTING A VEHICLE BEHIND IT IN THE DRIVEWAY, I SHIFTED TO DRIVE (D) AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED FORWARD STILL AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE BRAKES DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I BUMPED THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE AND AGAIN SHIFTED INTO R. THE CAR STARTED MOVING BACK AGAIN AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THE CAR BEGAN SLOWING AND CAME TO A ST…”
NHTSA complaint #11083404, 2018 · crash
“Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes”
NHTSA complaint #11742919, 2026
Air Bags 16 2 crash 3 injury
“A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF MY WIFE. SHE STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK. THIS CAUSED HER INJURIES. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN A 35 MPH ZONE AND ON A 4 LANE ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11376729, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“MY CAR WAS IN MOTION GOING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH WHEN IT HIT A STATIONARY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO HIT MY BRAKES BUT STILL HIT THE CAR IN ALMOST FULL FORCE, HEAD ON. BOTH MY CAR AND THE CAR I HIT ARE TOTALED, AND I WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPUTAL AFTER, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #10994050, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The seatbelt systems light has come on in my 2015 Buick Encore.”
NHTSA complaint #11737000, 2026
Unknown Or Other 15 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“MY CAR WAS IN MOTION GOING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH WHEN IT HIT A STATIONARY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO HIT MY BRAKES BUT STILL HIT THE CAR IN ALMOST FULL FORCE, HEAD ON. BOTH MY CAR AND THE CAR I HIT ARE TOTALED, AND I WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPUTAL AFTER, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #10994050, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“MY 2015 BUICK ENCORE CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY WIFE RETURNED HOME FROM TOWN. IT WAS PARKED AND SHE HAD JUST EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WALKED TO THE BACK TO ATTEMPT TO GET GROCERIES OUT. SHE SMELLED SMOKE AND LOOKED THROUGH THE CAR TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD AND COULD SEE FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.”
NHTSA complaint #10865205, 2016 · fire
“The cooling system malfunctions. Repaired six times in a year. Overheats. Coolant issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11512934, 2023
Power Train 11 1 crash
“1. THE VEHICLE ROLL BACKWARDS IN UNPREDICTABLE WAYS EVEN ON SMALL INCLINES WHEN FOOT IS TAKEN OFF THE BRAKES. AT TIMES VEHICLE WILL GO FORWARD AND AT OTHER TIMES IT WILL ROLL BACK ON THE EXACT SLOPE. WE WERE TOLD BY BUICK DEALERS THAT THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT SEE THIS AS AN ISSUE. HOWEVER, BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN STARTLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN WAYS THAT WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE. WE CONSIDER OURSELVES TO BE VERY SAFE DRIVERS AN HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 20 YEARS IN THE US WITH NO ACCIDENT CLAIMS. NONE OF THE VEHICLES WE HAVE OWNED OR DRIVEN HAD BEEN THIS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER.…”
NHTSA complaint #10993344, 2017 · crash
“Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes”
NHTSA complaint #11742919, 2026
“The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known. It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does n…”
NHTSA complaint #11746663, 2025
Fuel/Propulsion System 7
“The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known. It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does n…”
NHTSA complaint #11746663, 2025
“My check engine light came on so I took it to a repair shop. They put it on their Diagnostic System Check Computer and the code #PO299 came up. After further inspection and investigation, the failed part is the Turbocharger- A1140104N. This vehicle's, vin number, model year and mileage qualifies it for warranty replacement and labor for the faulty part. However, because it is a Buick and not a Chevy the dealership is not authorizing the repair, even though it is the exact same system and part that is being replaced in the Chevy models. Without this part functioning properly, it affects perform…”
NHTSA complaint #11603657, 2024
“It’s it’s firing and shaking, and I have kept up on the oil changes. It’s a lot of money”
NHTSA complaint #11554626, 2023
Exterior Lighting 5
“The Body Control Module went out. I had it replaced. I do not know how long my back running light were out. I had brake and tag lights. There were no warning messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11444103, 2021
“THE DISPLAY SCREEN GOES BLACK DURING THE DAY LIGHT HRS. THEN COMES BACK ON SOMETIME LATER. SO YOU CAN'T SEE THE RADIO STATIONS.”
NHTSA complaint #11173453, 2018
“DURING THE DAY, DASH LIGHTS ARE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. AT NIGHT THE DASH LIGHTS UP, BUT DURING DAY TIME DRIVING THEY ARE HORRIBLE. THIS COULD BE A REAL HAZARD WHEN HAVING TO LOOK DOWN & STUDY THE GAUGES & TAKE YOUR EYES FROM THE ROAD. WHY DOESN'T GM CORRECT THIS PROBLEM? THIS PROBLEM EXISTS WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING STILL DURING DAY LIGHT HOURS.”
NHTSA complaint #10885561, 2016
Structure 5 2 crash 3 injury
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while their son was driving at approximately 30 mph when they suddenly heard a booming sound from underneath the body of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then suddenly gear towards the right and the driver had lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then crashed into another nearby vehicle which caused the vehicle to flip upside down. The air bags did deploy. A police incident report was filed. There were injuries to their hands, shoulders and back that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed however had n…”
NHTSA complaint #11432136, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“MY CAR WAS IN MOTION GOING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH WHEN IT HIT A STATIONARY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO HIT MY BRAKES BUT STILL HIT THE CAR IN ALMOST FULL FORCE, HEAD ON. BOTH MY CAR AND THE CAR I HIT ARE TOTALED, AND I WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPUTAL AFTER, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #10994050, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“WE HAD JUST LEFT THE GROCERY STORE, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING, AND LESS THAN A MILE INTO OUR TRIP HOME SOMETHING FAILED BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OF THE CAR THAT CAUSED HOT LIQUID (COOLANT?) TO POUR ONTO MY LOWER LEG AND FOOT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT FOOT WELL. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY BEEN RUNNING FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES AND THE COOLANT WASN'T AT ITS FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, SO THE BURN WAS NO WORSE THAN A COFFEE SPILL AND DIDN'T CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY. IF THE VEHICLE HAD FULLY WARMED UP AND THE COOLANT WAS 200+ DEGREES, I WOULD HAVE BEEN BURNED VERY BADLY. I JUST WANT GM TO KNOW T…”
NHTSA complaint #10995469, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)
Suspension 5 1 crash 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while their son was driving at approximately 30 mph when they suddenly heard a booming sound from underneath the body of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then suddenly gear towards the right and the driver had lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then crashed into another nearby vehicle which caused the vehicle to flip upside down. The air bags did deploy. A police incident report was filed. There were injuries to their hands, shoulders and back that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed however had n…”
NHTSA complaint #11432136, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“1. Both rear springs have broken within 1 year of each other. There were no accidents or any kind or off road driving. These are Expensive to fix. 2. Driver side airbag light is on. No idea why. Afraid to drive this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11557217, 2023
“It’s it’s firing and shaking, and I have kept up on the oil changes. It’s a lot of money”
NHTSA complaint #11554626, 2023
Vehicle Speed Control 5 1 crash
“THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN AN UNHEATED GARAGE FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. I STARTED IT, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND PUT IT IN GEAR (R). THE CAR LUNGED BACK AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE. TO AVOID HITTING A VEHICLE BEHIND IT IN THE DRIVEWAY, I SHIFTED TO DRIVE (D) AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED FORWARD STILL AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE BRAKES DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. I BUMPED THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE AND AGAIN SHIFTED INTO R. THE CAR STARTED MOVING BACK AGAIN AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THE CAR BEGAN SLOWING AND CAME TO A ST…”
NHTSA complaint #11083404, 2018 · crash
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The traction control warning light and the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message to “Contact Dealer for Service” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the wiring harnesses connected with the CPU had failed. The wiring harness in the CPU was replaced. After the repair, while driving 60 MPH, the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11677619, 2025
“My car started surging when I was sitting at a traffic light and as I was crossing abridge The check engine light came on - 2 codes - transmission module 0700 and module 0073”
NHTSA complaint #11499335, 2022
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4
“THERE WAS A PIPE OR LINE THAT PART OF THE AIR CONDITIONING. THE MANIFOLD HAS BURNED THAT PIPE AND NOW AC ISN'T WORKING. THE FIX WILL BE $900. THE SYSTEM THAT IS IN CONTROL OF THE SEAT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO ADJUST THE SEAT WHEN YOU GET INTO CAR DOES NOT WORK. WIRELESS DOESN'T REMEMBER THE PHONE CONNECTIONS FROM ONE DRIVE TO THE NEXT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11337370, 2020
“WHILE DRIVING MOSTLY ON HIGHWAY AFTER APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MINUTES THE STABILITRAK LIGHT BEGINS TO FLASH ON AND OFF, THEN IT GOES SOLID, THEN THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMES ON, THEN THE SERVICE POWER STEERING DISPLAY LIGHTS UP AND THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY GOES OUT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS REVERSE NO LONGER WORKS. ON 12/10/19 I HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO WILKINS BUICK, THEY KEPT IT FOR 2 DAYS, NOTED THAT THEY DID SEE MULTIPLE DETECTS FOR LOSS OF COMMUNICATION W/POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND SAID THE BATTERY CABLE WAS LOOSE, CHARGED ME $440.60. ON 1/10/20 LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN, WE UNHOOKE…”
NHTSA complaint #11308490, 2019
“HAD TROUBLE GETTING INTO THE CAR THE ENGINE LIGHT AND POWER STEERING WARNING CAME ON. THE RADIO FACE WAS NOT WORKING BUT THE RADIO WAS ON WITH NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION. TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT WILL NOT TURN OVER. TOOK SEVERAL MINUTES TO GET IN/OUT OF THE VEHICLE. ONCE I EXITED THE CAR I WENT BACK TO GET THE VIN AND AGAIN THE RADIO WAS ON NO KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND THE SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS JUST TRYING TO START MY CAR TO GO TO WORK AND IT'S LIKE IT'S POSSESSED”
NHTSA complaint #11184265, 2019
Seat Belts 4 1 crash 2 injury
“A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF MY WIFE. SHE STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK. THIS CAUSED HER INJURIES. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN A 35 MPH ZONE AND ON A 4 LANE ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11376729, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break”
NHTSA complaint #11601793, 2024
“REAR CENTER SEAT BELT LOCKS WHEN SEAT IS PUT IN CARGO POSITION MAKING 2/3 OF THE REAR SEAT UNUSABLE. VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY WHEN THE SEAT WAS LOWERED, BUT RETURNING THE CAR WAS 2K MILES OVER WARRANTY. CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP 3 DAYS BEFORE LEAVING FOR TRIP, SO THEY WERE AWARE OF THE MILEAGE. DEALER CUT THE SEAT BELT SO THE SEAT COULD BE RAISED, BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS DIRECTED TO CONTACT GM FOR ASSISTANCE. GM WAS OF LITTLE HELP AND CONTACTED ME 2 WEEKS LATER STATING THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT RETURN THEIR CALLS TO DISCUSS. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOUND AT VARIOUS SITES…”
NHTSA complaint #11269365, 2019
Engine And Engine Cooling 3
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact became aware of oil underneath the vehicle on the driveway, resulting in a complete loss of power. The vehicle leaked oil and lost the vehicle lost power twice. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined that the mass air flow sensor had failed. The MAF sensor was replaced twice, the Oxygen sensors were replaced three times, and the turbocharger was replaced once. The failures persisted. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11687354, 2024
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle, before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11627505, 2024
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved and he was unable to shift the vehicle into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The contact referenced TSB Number: PIP5495H for the turbocharger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11497643, 2022
Visibility/Wiper 3
“THE SIDE OBJECT DETECTION IN THE SIDEVIEW MIRRORS CAN BECOME DISABLED, AND THE WARNING MESSAGE "SIDE OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM DISABLED" ONLY APPEARS FOR A SHORT PERIOD IN THE DIC. HOWEVER, THE SIDE OBJECT DETECTION REMAINS DISABLED (WITHOUT THE MESSAGE) UNTIL THE NEXT KEY CYCLE. FOR SAFETY, I BELIEVE THAT THE MESSAGE SHOULD STAY ON THE ENTIRE TIME THAT THE SIDE OBJECT DETECTION IS DISABLED. WHEN A DRIVER DOES NOT KNOW THAT THE STSTEM IS DISABLED, A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. GENERAL MOTORS HAS ISSUED DOCUMENT ID 4426193, #16-NA-069: SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE OR INTERMITTENTLY S…”
NHTSA complaint #10876295, 2016
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTENSE GLARE THAT IMPACTED VISIBILITY IN WHICH THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED WHILE DRIVING DURING THE DAY TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ; VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE SHOULD BE BEFORE INCIDENT DATE UPDATED 05/10/18*JB *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10809649, 2015
“1. WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE, EVEN A SMALL INCLINE, THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARDS 6-12" WHEN MOVING FOOT FROM BRAKE TO ACCELERATOR (THE VEHICLE HAS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). WE HAVE COME CLOSE TO HITTING TWO VEHICLES BEHIND US WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE SLID BACKWARDS. 2. BECAUSE OF DESIGN, THERE ARE COLUMNS REDUCING VISIBILITY THROUGH AN ALREADY SMALL REAR WINDOW. THE PROVIDED REAR VIEW CAMERA HAS ALMOST NO RESOLUTION AND UNDER MOST NORMAL LIGHTING CONDITIONS IS TOTALLY USELESS,. THE RESULT IS THERE IS NO WAY TO SEE WHAT IS BEHIND YOU WHEN BACKING UP OR BACKING OUT OF A…”
NHTSA complaint #10781784, 2015
Seats 1
“THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT LOCKS WHEN SEAT IS PUT IN CARGO POSITION. THIS MAKES 2/3 POF THE REAR SEATS NON-USABLE AND PASSENGERS INCLUDING CHILDREN CANNOT RIDE SAFELY IN VEHICLE. DEALER TECHNICIAN REPORTED TO ME HE SAW 16 COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITE HE USED TO CONFER WITH ME. RESOLUTION IS TO COMPLETELY REMOVE REAR SEATS TO UNLOCK. THIS LEAVES CONSUMER WITH UNUSABEL AND UNSAFE REAR SEATS.”
NHTSA complaint #11221375, 2019
Traction Control System 1
“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH downhill during inclement weather, the vehicle experienced intermittent brake failure. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and ran off the roadway to prevent a crash. The vehicle drove over a curb before coming to a stop. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the Traction Control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where it remained unrepaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…”
NHTSA complaint #11455708, 2022
Visibility 1 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TINT ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND TWO FRONT WINDOWS DID NOT PREVENT EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE SUNLIGHT BURNED THE CONTACT'S ARMS AND PRODUCED BLISTERS WHILE SHE WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0.”
NHTSA complaint #10992727, 2016 · 1 injury(ies)
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2015 Buick Encore draws about 10.3 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 10 among the Buick Encore model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.