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2017 Buick Encore Problems & Owner Complaints

89 NHTSA owner complaints
12 crash 4 fire 28 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~8.9 complaints per year on the road — ranking 3 of 10 Buick Encore years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2017 Buick Encore, cited in 35 of 89 filed complaints (39%).

Air Bags is next (13 complaints, 15%), followed by Power Train (9), Fuel/Propulsion System (8), Seat Belts (8).

Across all complaints, 12 report a crash, 4 report a fire, 28 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 9 crash, 1 fire, 27 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2017 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 89.

Engine 35 2 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“CAR WAS PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND OUTSIDE HOME. ATV ACCIDENTALLY RAN INTO REAR BUMPER OF CAR (HAD MOVED APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET). CAR ROLLED AWAY AND ENDED UP ROLLING DOWN A SMALL HILL, JUMPING A DITCH AND RESTING ON ANOTHER HILL. CAR MOVED APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET PRIOR TO COMING TO A STOP. WHEELS WERE NOTED TO BE TURNING AND ROLLING NORMALLY AND CAR HAD MINIMAL RESISTANCE TO MOVING. CAR WAS IN PARK WITH SECURE BREAK WHEN WE ARRIVED AT CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11076493, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was at a standstill in a traffic light, she saw smoke exiting from the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a bystander informed the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle was a total loss. The vehicle was t…”
NHTSA complaint #11532298, 2023 · fire

“MY 2017 ENCORE BURST INTO FLAMES. I ARRIVED TO WORK AFTER LUNCH, I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I PAUSED JUST A MOMENT TO SEE IF IT WAS GOING TO STOP BUT IT GOT WORSE VERY FAST. I GRABBED MY PURSE AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FRONT END CLOSEST TO THE WINDSHIELD WAS BECOMING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 BUT BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, IT WAS TOO LATE TO SAVE THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11197274, 2019 · fire

Air Bags 13 9 crash 1 fire 27 injury

“On 12/27/22 around 9:40pm my husband and I were traveling home on the 580 Altamont pass going towards Tracy. I was traveling next to the slow lane. My speed limit was at 65! There was 18 wheeler 53 footer on the right of me on the slow lane. The 18th wheeler with no signal began drifting his trailer in my lane hit my right side and proceeded to drag my 2017 Buick Encore all the way to the left slammed the truck up against the cement barrier. And rolled the back end of his trailer onto the hood of the right side of the car and he disconnected. Side air bags and front airbags did not deploy. Whi…”
NHTSA complaint #11501163, 2022 · crash · 20 injury(ies)

“I WAS AT A STANDSTILL WAITING ON TRAFFIC TO PASS TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. I WAS REAR ENDED AND IT CAUSED ME TO GO INTO SOMEONE'S YARD AND HIT THEIR CAR AS WELL. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THIS ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT WAS ENOUGH TO SEND ME DOWN THE STREET INTO SOMEONE'S YARD BUT NOT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY MY AIRBAGS?”
NHTSA complaint #11414325, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DISTRACTED BY AN INSECT ON THE WINDSHIELD, THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED A 2019 GMC ARCADIA. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT AND HIS HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS HEAD AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE EMERGING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KELLY BUICK (585 STATE AVE, EMMAUS, PA 18049 (610) 364-5957) WHERE IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT ON STAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…”
NHTSA complaint #11242221, 2019 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 13 1 crash

“WE HIT 2 DEERS AT 70 MPH IT DAMAGED THE WHOLE FRONT PART OF OUR CAR . NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE 4 WAY FLASHERS CAME ON THE SEATBELTS LOCKED UP YET NO AIRBAGS. ALSO THIS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME THE 4 WAY FLASHERS WORKED. THE CAR HAS BEEN FIXED AND NO 4 WAY FLASHERS AGAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11269561, 2019 · crash

“UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have one when this occured. I have contacted Buick Corporate and now they are saying that they are sending my matter to the legal department. Buick corporate told me to have my vehicle towed to the Buick Dealer which I did because I wanted to know why that happened. I paid to have it towed and tom…”
NHTSA complaint #11740762, 2026

“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 [XXX] , owner of a 2017 Buick Encore. The vehicle was serviced by Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on or about May 20, 2026, for a turbocharger failure covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232395330. The vehicle had recently passed Pennsylvania safety and emissions ins…”
NHTSA complaint #11739555, 2026

Power Train 9

“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 [XXX] , owner of a 2017 Buick Encore. The vehicle was serviced by Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on or about May 20, 2026, for a turbocharger failure covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232395330. The vehicle had recently passed Pennsylvania safety and emissions ins…”
NHTSA complaint #11739555, 2026

“First the car started to act odd, jumpy or you could tell there was issues with the turbo. On [XXX] car overheated??? Out of nowhere. Mileage 82049. No warnings, no lights. We had it towed to shop where we were told we need new turbo, new engine, power steering service, ac service. The total Cost was $6813.54. We had to take out 2 loans - 90 days same as cash then 145% interest as well as pay $243.54 in Cash. We were guaranteed the car was in great condition. We picked it up on 1/24/25. Then on [XXX] - Odometer reading 82509 - We pulled over on the side of the road to grab something from the t…”
NHTSA complaint #11652657, 2025

“Back in July 2022 I started receiving error messages of the stabilitrak system to get checked by OnStar. I took to Ed Martin Buick in Carmel, In they thought that it was from possibly pressing brake and pedal at same time and fixed code. Then about two weeks later I got the same error code, I took to Ray Skillman Northeast Buick they said it was a transmission manufacturing defect and had to do with Manifold which they fixed under power train warranty. Now February 2023 I have same issue Stabilitrak error message. I have to take back again to Ray Skillman Northeast Buick. This is an ongoing is…”
NHTSA complaint #11505622, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 8

“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 propulsion while actively driving. This severe power degradation makes it incredibly dangerous to accelerate, merge into highway traffic, or clear busy intersections safely, as the vehicle fails to respond to throttle input and drops speed rapidly. The vehicle is displaying an active diagnostic trou…”
NHTSA complaint #11752260, 2026

“I have went to the dealership for the past two years with this problem and they keep saying they are not getting any codes: when the air conditioner is on it’s pulling the power from the motor and makes it hard to go up hill. Hard To accelerate when going on to the freeway as well. The problem is only getting worse and worse.”
NHTSA complaint #11687912, 2025

“First the car started to act odd, jumpy or you could tell there was issues with the turbo. On [XXX] car overheated??? Out of nowhere. Mileage 82049. No warnings, no lights. We had it towed to shop where we were told we need new turbo, new engine, power steering service, ac service. The total Cost was $6813.54. We had to take out 2 loans - 90 days same as cash then 145% interest as well as pay $243.54 in Cash. We were guaranteed the car was in great condition. We picked it up on 1/24/25. Then on [XXX] - Odometer reading 82509 - We pulled over on the side of the road to grab something from the t…”
NHTSA complaint #11652657, 2025

Seat Belts 8 3 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DISTRACTED BY AN INSECT ON THE WINDSHIELD, THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED A 2019 GMC ARCADIA. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE CONTACT AND HIS HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS HEAD AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS SMOKE EMERGING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KELLY BUICK (585 STATE AVE, EMMAUS, PA 18049 (610) 364-5957) WHERE IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT ON STAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…”
NHTSA complaint #11242221, 2019 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 28 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE AND SHE HIT HER CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL; SHE ALSO HIT HER LEFT KNEE ON THE DASHBOARD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS WIFE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SHE WAS TREATED FOR BRUISES TO HER CHEST AND LEFT KNEE. THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO CLASSIC CHEVROLET CADILLAC (3855 EAST…”
NHTSA complaint #11315616, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAD JUST LEASED THIS CAR, DROVE LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM HOME WHEN MY BRAKES FAILED. I APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, IT SLOWED TO 14 MPH - KEPT MOVING UNTIL I SLAMMED INTO TRUCK APPROX 3-400' AHEAD OF ME, HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP. PRETENSIONER FAILED - DRIVER SEATBELT COLLAPSED AROUND ME WHILE LOCKED IN PLACE THE SECOND I SLAMMED ON BRAKE. DRIVER SEATBELT WAS ON PASSENGER SIDE - VISA-VERSA - GM REP SAW THE SEATBELTS AT MY HOME - I SHOWED THEM TO HIM. HE TOLD ME WHICH BELT BELONGS ON WHICH SIDE AND I TOLD HIM THEY WERE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDES. HE PICKED EACH UP AND SHO…”
NHTSA complaint #11128510, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

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Service Brakes 8 4 crash 2 injury

“CAR WAS PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND OUTSIDE HOME. ATV ACCIDENTALLY RAN INTO REAR BUMPER OF CAR (HAD MOVED APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET). CAR ROLLED AWAY AND ENDED UP ROLLING DOWN A SMALL HILL, JUMPING A DITCH AND RESTING ON ANOTHER HILL. CAR MOVED APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET PRIOR TO COMING TO A STOP. WHEELS WERE NOTED TO BE TURNING AND ROLLING NORMALLY AND CAR HAD MINIMAL RESISTANCE TO MOVING. CAR WAS IN PARK WITH SECURE BREAK WHEN WE ARRIVED AT CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11076493, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAD JUST LEASED THIS CAR, DROVE LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM HOME WHEN MY BRAKES FAILED. I APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, IT SLOWED TO 14 MPH - KEPT MOVING UNTIL I SLAMMED INTO TRUCK APPROX 3-400' AHEAD OF ME, HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP. PRETENSIONER FAILED - DRIVER SEATBELT COLLAPSED AROUND ME WHILE LOCKED IN PLACE THE SECOND I SLAMMED ON BRAKE. DRIVER SEATBELT WAS ON PASSENGER SIDE - VISA-VERSA - GM REP SAW THE SEATBELTS AT MY HOME - I SHOWED THEM TO HIM. HE TOLD ME WHICH BELT BELONGS ON WHICH SIDE AND I TOLD HIM THEY WERE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDES. HE PICKED EACH UP AND SHO…”
NHTSA complaint #11128510, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11209909, 2019 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 8 1 crash

“5 MONTH AFTER I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR I WAS GOING 35 MPH DOWN A REGULAR STREET WHEN THE CAR STOP THEN WHEN I WANT TO MOVE AGAIN THE ACCELERATOR BUT THEN THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHERE THE ENGINE HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF IT. THE DEALER SAID THAT THERE WAS A BIG HOLE IN THE ENGINE. AFTER THEY REPAIR IT NO MORE THAN TWO WEEKS LATER I WAS GOING DOWN A ROAD WHERE THE CAR JUST TURNED OFF AND IT DID NOT EVEN LET ME MOVE OUT OF THE ROAD WAY. AND NOW 3 WEEKS AGO I WAS GOING DOWN A STREET GOING 45 MPH WHEN THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED ALL OF A SUDDEN AND I HIT MY BRAKE SO HARD BUT THEY HAD NOT R…”
NHTSA complaint #11129502, 2018 · crash

“On numerous occasions, windshield wipers stop moving even though wipers are engaged to on, causing poor visibility for driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11461985, 2022

“THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING NOISES AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SCREEN WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE, BUT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS OUT. RADIO STOPPED WORKING, MY SCREEN WENT DARK AND THE BACKUP CAMERA DIDN'T WORK. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE SECOND IT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT A PARKING SPOT.”
NHTSA complaint #11384992, 2020

Engine And Engine Cooling 7

“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 service the vehicle because the vehicle had a salvage title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11725893, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle experienced reduced power. The stabili-trak and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a diagnostic trouble code for a cylinder misfire was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cylinder #1 ignition coil and spark plug were replaced, but the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the engine might need to be replaced; however, the mechanic did not specialize in engine di…”
NHTSA complaint #11723105, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact smelled smoke and became aware that the smoke was coming from under the hood. The failure reoccurred while driving the following day. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of Special Coverage: N232395330 (Turbocharger Replacement), and the manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement. A case was opened; however, the manufact…”
NHTSA complaint #11712977, 2025

Electrical System 4

“Vehicle has been in and out of shop since Feb 2022 for 'limp mode' disabled due to faulty booster or something. Vehicles leave driver stranded unable to accelerate or maneuver vehicle to avoid a collision. I'm told this is a well known problem for both this vehicle and the chevy cruze although no recalls are out for this huge safety issue. Somebody is seriously going to get injured if driver is unable to move car to safety when it just dies on the highway or road. All documentation is available for the excessive repairs that don't resolve the issue the correction only last from 24 hours to 2…”
NHTSA complaint #11463635, 2022

“THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING NOISES AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SCREEN WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE, BUT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS OUT. RADIO STOPPED WORKING, MY SCREEN WENT DARK AND THE BACKUP CAMERA DIDN'T WORK. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND THE SECOND IT OCCURRED WHILE BACKING OUT A PARKING SPOT.”
NHTSA complaint #11384992, 2020

“REAR SEATBELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. ALL INSTRUMENTS STOPPED WORKING MOMENTARILY WHILE DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11184418, 2019

Steering 4 1 crash 1 injury

“CAR WAS PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND OUTSIDE HOME. ATV ACCIDENTALLY RAN INTO REAR BUMPER OF CAR (HAD MOVED APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET). CAR ROLLED AWAY AND ENDED UP ROLLING DOWN A SMALL HILL, JUMPING A DITCH AND RESTING ON ANOTHER HILL. CAR MOVED APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET PRIOR TO COMING TO A STOP. WHEELS WERE NOTED TO BE TURNING AND ROLLING NORMALLY AND CAR HAD MINIMAL RESISTANCE TO MOVING. CAR WAS IN PARK WITH SECURE BREAK WHEN WE ARRIVED AT CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11076493, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Steering wheel locked up, had to replace rack and pinion, locking up when turning, therefore needing a wheel alignment.”
NHTSA complaint #11662532, 2024

“THE POWER STEERING WORKS INTERMITTENT. IN THE MORNING WHEN IT IS COLD THERE IS NO POWER STEERING FOR YOU PARK IT IN THE SUN AND LET THE INSIDE OF THE CAR HEAT UP IT WILL START WORKING. ALSO, WHEN IT IS COLD IF YOU LET IT RUN WITH THE HEATER GOING ON THE FLOOR IT WILL START WORKING AFTER SOME TIME. THE DEALER IS SAYING THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE IS BAD. I HAVE SEEN THAT BUICK HAS RECALLS FOR OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME ISSUES.”
NHTSA complaint #11383631, 2020

Structure 4

“UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have one when this occured. I have contacted Buick Corporate and now they are saying that they are sending my matter to the legal department. Buick corporate told me to have my vehicle towed to the Buick Dealer which I did because I wanted to know why that happened. I paid to have it towed and tom…”
NHTSA complaint #11740762, 2026

“Rear passenger doors fail to engage internal lock when Child-Lock feature is on, door can still be opened from interior. Rear door locks fail to properly engage when locking and unlocking vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11718605, 2025

“This car is not mine but someone somehow fraudulently registered it in my name. I got the VIN # from truth finder when I did a search on myself. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #11644612, 2024

Tires 3

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended in the driveway in front of the residence, the front passenger’s side tire suddenly blew out. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The turbocharger had previously become inoperative. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Boyd's Chevrolet (1875 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792)…”
NHTSA complaint #11750740, 2026

“Will vehicle was parked in my driveway there was a loud like explosion. It just exploded. My passenger size of my vehicle is totalled. I do have a video of the car blowing up. I am so happy that it was late in the early mornings. I have grandkids that play here and one of them could have got hurt or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #11738379, 2026

“P215/55R18 94H M+S Nothing has happened yet, but we need to get all new tires! When we got these [XXX] they were 80,000 mile tires. The mileage on our car when installed was 33,231 and is now 74,434, so no where near 80,000 miles. There are cracks all around all 4 tires L Front the worst, on the sidewall by the tread! We have only been back to Sams once for rotation etc., because it is 20 miles away, so we do it locally at our Buick dealership, or the Les Schwab tire store every 3500 miles. Needless to say we will not be going back to Sams to get tires, ever again! I seriously have never…”
NHTSA complaint #11584589, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable the determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11622557, 2024

“I was sitting at the bank drive through about to leave when out of nowhere I got a warning sign on my dashboard that said service stabilitrak my engine light starts flashing and my stabilizer light came on. My suv acted like it lost power and I had problems getting it to go it was like my gas petal was stuck for a second. When the car shifted it self it started jerking.”
NHTSA complaint #11529256, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated when the vehicle was first started, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 10 MPH and then the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the check engine and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an Auto Parts store where DTC code: P2138 was retrieved. The failure was related to the accelerator position sensor. The contact was informed that the accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure m…”
NHTSA complaint #11543849, 2022

Suspension 2

“Suspension problems rattle in front end.Found both front stabilizer links failed in test drive. Had to replace front stabilizer links on both sides in front.”
NHTSA complaint #11583216, 2024

“THE STABLITRAK LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE HAS A THROBBING COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE, TAKING VEHICLE INTO HAVE CHECKED AS WHEN YOU APPLY BRAKES IT IS FELT. THE THROBBING ALSO HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND DEALER ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE”
NHTSA complaint #11384889, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle experienced reduced power. The stabili-trak and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a diagnostic trouble code for a cylinder misfire was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cylinder #1 ignition coil and spark plug were replaced, but the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the engine might need to be replaced; however, the mechanic did not specialize in engine di…”
NHTSA complaint #11723105, 2026

Exterior Lighting 1

“MY DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WILL NOT LIGHT UP ORANGE FOR A SIGNAL. THE DEALERSHIP BUT A NEW LIGHT ON THE ENCORE AND IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. THE LIGHT WORKS FINE EXCEPT THE TOP LIGHT THAT LOOKS LIKE AN UPSIDE DOWN CHECK MARK WILL NOT LIGHT UP ORANGE FOR THE SIGNAL.”
NHTSA complaint #11338489, 2020

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Electrical System/Technical Issues with Intellink features. Vehicle will not come out of VALET Mode. Wifi shows several addresses of info I'm never used & I'm not using. The Cruise Control feature of vehicle Has Never worked since car was purchased Brand New off the lot. Warning signal constantly appears on dashboard in red for a second but unable to read it* too brief. The dealership has all the info. Part was already replaced. Has been reset many times over & reported then it starts back for no clear stated reason. Dealership will have best date info. Please assist.”
NHTSA complaint #11428384, 2018

Lane Departure 1

“Electrical System/Technical Issues with Intellink features. Vehicle will not come out of VALET Mode. Wifi shows several addresses of info I'm never used & I'm not using. The Cruise Control feature of vehicle Has Never worked since car was purchased Brand New off the lot. Warning signal constantly appears on dashboard in red for a second but unable to read it* too brief. The dealership has all the info. Part was already replaced. Has been reset many times over & reported then it starts back for no clear stated reason. Dealership will have best date info. Please assist.”
NHTSA complaint #11428384, 2018

Wheels 1

“UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have one when this occured. I have contacted Buick Corporate and now they are saying that they are sending my matter to the legal department. Buick corporate told me to have my vehicle towed to the Buick Dealer which I did because I wanted to know why that happened. I paid to have it towed and tom…”
NHTSA complaint #11740762, 2026

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 2017 Buick Encore draws about 8.9 complaints per year on the road, ranking 3 of 10 among the Buick Encore model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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