2019 Buick Encore Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 31 3 crash 3 injury 1 death

“I got my car from Buick of Long Island City I was giving the wrong key mess up battery the car will not start and I crashed”
NHTSA complaint #11504755, 2023 · 1 death(s)

“OCT 9TH - I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ON OCTOBER 9TH AFTER WORKING A 12-HOUR SHIFT. IT WAS DARK. I WAS GOING SOUTH ON HAPPY VALLEY. I PULLED UP TO A FOUR-WAY STOP ON HAPPY VALLEY AND VICTORY ROAD. I STARTED TO PULL INTO THE INTERSECTION. A GIRL TRAVELING EAST TO WEST DIDN'T STOP AT HER STOP SIGN. WHEN I GOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, SHE HIT ME. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 45 MPH COMING FROM HER DIRECTION, BUT I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING. SHE HIT MY CAR AND IT SPUN MY CAR. I REMEMBER HITTING MY HEAD 2 TIMES ON THE SIDE WINDOW AND MY BODY TWICE AGAINST THE DOOR. MY AIRBAGS…”
NHTSA complaint #11376707, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED IN A DRIVE THRU TACO BELL AND THE CLERK DROPPED MY CHANGE DOLLARS FROM MY PURCHASE SO I REACTED BY OPENING THE DOOR TO PICK UP THE MONEY BY TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WITHOUT PUTTING IT IN PARK BECAUSE IT WAS A REACTION. THE CAR'S STOP START FEATURE SURGED THE CAR FORWARD PINNING MY LEGS BETWEEN THE CAR AND THE BUILDING. I COULDN'T PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE MY LEGS WERE PINNED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFT WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. I SCREAMED AND THE CLERK HAD TO TAKE MY SHOES OFF SO I COULD PULL MY LEGS IN THE CAR. I WENT DIRECTLY TO URGENT CARE. MY LEGS WERE SEVERELY BRUISED. THIS IS…”
NHTSA complaint #11268006, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 12

“My check engine light continues to turn on and the code is related to the wastegate actuator/turbo charger. My car is running rough and doesn't accelerate properly. It sometimes rocks back and forth when I try to accelerate. Which is a KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BUICK. GMC REFUSES TO RECALL THIS WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE. And naturally, it becomes an issue after the warranty expires. Mileage: 67,067”
NHTSA complaint #11735620, 2026

“Turbocharger gasket failed resulting in leaking coolant and overheating of engine. Damages resulted turbocharge replacement and replacement of water outlet in $4463.43 repair bill.”
NHTSA complaint #11709627, 2026

“92,000 miles my catalytic convertor went bad, had for 5 years. This resulted in lag when trying to accelerate and pull out in traffic. It cost $3,000 to fix as well as the turbocharger being broke. The blind spot detection to passenger side mirror stays on at all times and should only come on when there is an object detected in the right side blind area. I'm [XXX] old and have never ever has a catalytic convertor go bad. Buick should be responsible for these repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11751732, 2025

Unknown Or Other 12 3 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“OCT 9TH - I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ON OCTOBER 9TH AFTER WORKING A 12-HOUR SHIFT. IT WAS DARK. I WAS GOING SOUTH ON HAPPY VALLEY. I PULLED UP TO A FOUR-WAY STOP ON HAPPY VALLEY AND VICTORY ROAD. I STARTED TO PULL INTO THE INTERSECTION. A GIRL TRAVELING EAST TO WEST DIDN'T STOP AT HER STOP SIGN. WHEN I GOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, SHE HIT ME. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 45 MPH COMING FROM HER DIRECTION, BUT I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING. SHE HIT MY CAR AND IT SPUN MY CAR. I REMEMBER HITTING MY HEAD 2 TIMES ON THE SIDE WINDOW AND MY BODY TWICE AGAINST THE DOOR. MY AIRBAGS…”
NHTSA complaint #11376707, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 smoke changed from black to white and then green before the fire intensified. I safely exited the vehicle before the fire spread. The exact component that failed is unknown. Based on my observations, the fire appeared to originate from the engine compartment or underneath the front of the vehicle. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11750846, 2026 · fire

“At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11486786, 2022 · crash

Air Bags 11 5 crash 7 injury

“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 daughter and granddaughter were both injured and were later treated at the local hospital for soreness in various parts of their body. Both occupants sustained emotional trauma as a result of the accident. The other driver was also injured as a result of the accident and was transported to the hospital b…”
NHTSA complaint #11706615, 2025 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the vehicle was suddenly rear-ended when the other vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign. As a result, the vehicle spun around and hit the curb, and a stop sign where it came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. After the impact, the contact received a notice on her phone that there was a problem with the air bag. The vehicle failed to restart after the crash. The contact went to the Urgent care clinic and was transported to the Hospital via ambulance. The contact suffere…”
NHTSA complaint #11633125, 2024 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The airbags never deployed. I sustained a brain injury in the accident along with whiplash. I told the deputy on scene, that they did not deploy. My insurance looked at it. They totaled the car out. It is now sitting in a junk yard somewhere.”
NHTSA complaint #11685017, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 10 1 crash 2 injury 1 death

“I got my car from Buick of Long Island City I was giving the wrong key mess up battery the car will not start and I crashed”
NHTSA complaint #11504755, 2023 · 1 death(s)

“I WAS STOPPED IN A DRIVE THRU TACO BELL AND THE CLERK DROPPED MY CHANGE DOLLARS FROM MY PURCHASE SO I REACTED BY OPENING THE DOOR TO PICK UP THE MONEY BY TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WITHOUT PUTTING IT IN PARK BECAUSE IT WAS A REACTION. THE CAR'S STOP START FEATURE SURGED THE CAR FORWARD PINNING MY LEGS BETWEEN THE CAR AND THE BUILDING. I COULDN'T PUT THE CAR IN PARK BECAUSE MY LEGS WERE PINNED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFT WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. I SCREAMED AND THE CLERK HAD TO TAKE MY SHOES OFF SO I COULD PULL MY LEGS IN THE CAR. I WENT DIRECTLY TO URGENT CARE. MY LEGS WERE SEVERELY BRUISED. THIS IS…”
NHTSA complaint #11268006, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 problem is. There are no warning lights on and it does not show any codes when hooked up to a diagnostic machine. I have called Buick Corp.and she told me to take it to a mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #11691122, 2025

Power Train 9 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after several attempts with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle driven and towed to several different dealers however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The engine was replaced however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train) which he li…”
NHTSA complaint #11423574, 2019 · crash

“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 later, the gear shift lever failed to function as intended. The service warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and retrieved DTC: P171D (For transmission pressure issue and oil leak). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the deal…”
NHTSA complaint #11708397, 2025

“•On January 25th 2025 I paid approximately $3,383 for a turbocharger repair on my 2019 Buick Encore. This included a turbocharger oil return tube, turbocharger oil supply and re, intercooler, int. man. & vAL. COV. Kit, R&R inter cooler, R&R turbocharger, R&R intake manifold, and turbocharger assembly. Since that time, the same problem has recurred and I have returned the vehicle to the same location on four separate occasions without resolution. It is currently available for inspection. •August 11th, 2025: Vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection as I attempted to accelerate from a sto…”
NHTSA complaint #11684367, 2025

Service Brakes 7

“When I apply brakes the car accelerates instead of stopping. This occurs randomly and not all the time. It has occurred at traffic lights or when I am at a location to park the suv. I was in a accident in May which caused damages to another car. I reported this to GM back in May of this year and they stated that they sent a engineer to inspect the car and could not find anything wrong. at that time the car had been towed to the dealership. I went and picked the car up It drove fine for a while and now its back doing the same thing again. It will run thru red lights, stop signs and does…”
NHTSA complaint #11540811, 2023

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely hard to depress. The contact stated after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle abruptly stopped with a burning odor coming from the front passenger’s side brakes. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger side brake calipers and brake pads were burned and charred and needed to be replaced. The front driver’s and passenger’s side brake calipers and brake pads were replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken bac…”
NHTSA complaint #11526237, 2023

“Right Rear Wheel locked up (froze) while operating vehicle in cold conditions (mid 20's) - brake caliper froze - ruined rear tire”
NHTSA complaint #11506412, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 7 2 crash

“At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11486786, 2022 · crash

“PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND THE CAR TOOK OVER AND WAS SPEEDING AND HIT THE CONCRETE POLE,AIR BAGS WENT OFF THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329518, 2020 · crash

“When I'm driving sometimes the car seems like it's about to cut off or something & the check engine light plus stabilizer track message bones on & I start losing power & it's happened more than 10 times ! I let the car sit for a few minutes & it works !”
NHTSA complaint #11707372, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 5

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the odor of burning oil inside the cabin of the vehicle, before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve cover, intake manifold, and oxygen sensors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,360”
NHTSA complaint #11718695, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a blown turbo charger caused by low oil pressure. The contact stated that the turbo charger was previously replaced due to the same failure. The contact stated there was a recall for the for 2017-2018 Buick Encore for the same issue; however, the 2019 model year was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11713427, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and jerking abnormally. The contact stated her daughter reported there were several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The driver exited the highway and pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and the engine needed to be disassembled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11675136, 2025

Exterior Lighting 5 1 injury 1 death

“I got my car from Buick of Long Island City I was giving the wrong key mess up battery the car will not start and I crashed”
NHTSA complaint #11504755, 2023 · 1 death(s)

“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 problem is. There are no warning lights on and it does not show any codes when hooked up to a diagnostic machine. I have called Buick Corp.and she told me to take it to a mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #11691122, 2025

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE TURNS ITSELF OFF. HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND THERE IS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL CRANK ITSELF WITHOUT TOUCHING THE START BUTTON. SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT WILL REMAIN ON LONG ENOUGH TO START DRIVING AGAIN. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF ENGINE SHUTDOWN. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR IN TOWN. TONIGHT IT TOOK OVER 2 HOURS TO TRAVEL A NORMAL 20 MINUTE DRIVE. IT ALL STARTED 27 FEB 21 AND TODAY (28 FEB 21) IT IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. MOST OF T…”
NHTSA complaint #11398316, 2021

Suspension 4

“Car has airbag light on. The car keeps leaking which then caused damage to my spark plugs and coil pack. It then led to the O2 sensors being burned. It has been at the dealership multiple times within a 3-week time frame. The low fuel light comes on when it is on a full tank, then it begins to hesitate and the car lunges forward when at a complete stop. Tires act like they cannot keep traction when all 4 tires are brand new and front rotors and brakes have been replaced. Yes, all my concerns have been brought to many dealerships' attention. It is unsafe and unreliable. The dealership said they…”
NHTSA complaint #11736708, 2026

“When I'm driving sometimes the car seems like it's about to cut off or something & the check engine light plus stabilizer track message bones on & I start losing power & it's happened more than 10 times ! I let the car sit for a few minutes & it works !”
NHTSA complaint #11707372, 2025

“Catastrophic control arm failure. The part is available for inspection. Problem confirmed by certified technician at Brake Master repair shop in Santa Fe NM. No visible damage to control arm prior to catastrophic part failure from apparent metal fatigue. Only 37,000 miles on this 2019 Encore. There were no indications of this problem prior to the part failure. The vehicle began making a loud clunking noise and heavy physical clunk when the brakes were applied. Because of the possible safety concerns I had the vehicle towed to the Brake Master facility. Upon inspection the control arm was seen…”
NHTSA complaint #11546499, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“my car engine did not shut off i had to call on star to assist turn off my engine. there is problem with ANTI theft system and cruise control. i had to press cruise button numberous time to shut it off. on start customer advice me to take it to dealer to take look. they did on board diagnosit test they found these code”
NHTSA complaint #11584728, 2024

“My radar to let me know i was going to hit something didn't go offer. It has never failed before and has been overactive actually which I appreciated before. I was doing 60 with my paraplegic wife (luckily not our 5 year old as well though) in the right lane because it's safer to go slower and be there. I was distracted by a strange machine being transported on a truck to my left. This was my fault. I hear the ultimate responsibility and the majority if not all of it. I saw the road construction trucks 400 feet ahead of me at most. Maybe less than 300 and luckily no one was to my right the t…”
NHTSA complaint #11570974, 2024

“Right Rear Wheel locked up (froze) while operating vehicle in cold conditions (mid 20's) - brake caliper froze - ruined rear tire”
NHTSA complaint #11506412, 2023

Tires 3

“The full type of this tire is Continental ContiProContact P215/55 R18 94H Also DOT is IP5 OF8PAO 5323. Note there are two letter "O". Either one or both of those could be the number 0. I cannot tell the difference on my tire. When I was driving in a parking lot I heard a loud noise and did not know what it was. I did not think to look at my instrumental panel so I drove around a half mile home. Then I noticed the TPMs warning and saw that the tire was completely flat. I saw sidewall damage that look like something cut into my side wall or perhaps that was the blowout. It was cut about a…”
NHTSA complaint #11586927, 2024

“Tire pressure warning came on on highway and FL tire went flat in seconds, pulled over to the shoulder. Tire had ruptured sidewall and apparent dry-rot. Tire shop checked all other 4 tires and all show clear signs of dry rot (cracked rubber) on side wall. ContiProContact P215/55 R18, failed tire DOT LMOA BN7 0718. Other tires 1x same DOT and 2x : LMOA BN7 0618. Tires are OEM, original with vehicle purchase. Vehicle mileage 44220. Replaced all 4 tires already but have pictures of all original.”
NHTSA complaint #11555782, 2023

“On highway pressure warning come on and within seconds tire ran flat. AAA service said sidewall was split due to dry rot. Vehicle has 40k miles. Tires are OEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11554912, 2023

Lane Departure 2

“92,000 miles my catalytic convertor went bad, had for 5 years. This resulted in lag when trying to accelerate and pull out in traffic. It cost $3,000 to fix as well as the turbocharger being broke. The blind spot detection to passenger side mirror stays on at all times and should only come on when there is an object detected in the right side blind area. I'm [XXX] old and have never ever has a catalytic convertor go bad. Buick should be responsible for these repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11751732, 2025

“85,000 miles bought new. Was having hesitation and power issues, experienced increased fatigue the longer I drove. Took it in for service at 85,000 miles and the turbo PVC valve was bad as well as the catalytic converter. I’ve never had a catalytic converter go bad on any vehicle in my 42 years of driving. Cost = $2,000 for just the catalytic converter and extended warranty covered. Advised at time of being repaired that blind spot monitoring on right side of passenger mirror was malfunctioning. The dealer insisted I make a separate appointment which is another $100 co-pay so they can fix it.…”
NHTSA complaint #11705468, 2020

Steering 2

“My radar to let me know i was going to hit something didn't go offer. It has never failed before and has been overactive actually which I appreciated before. I was doing 60 with my paraplegic wife (luckily not our 5 year old as well though) in the right lane because it's safer to go slower and be there. I was distracted by a strange machine being transported on a truck to my left. This was my fault. I hear the ultimate responsibility and the majority if not all of it. I saw the road construction trucks 400 feet ahead of me at most. Maybe less than 300 and luckily no one was to my right the t…”
NHTSA complaint #11570974, 2024

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact pulled off the roadway into a parking lot, placed the vehicle in park, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the power steering resumed normal functionality. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred only once. The manufacturer had be…”
NHTSA complaint #11506642, 2023

Seat Belts 1

“Dealership has been notified multiple times with no results or repairs given to customer”
NHTSA complaint #11637933, 2025

Structure 1 1 crash

“PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND THE CAR TOOK OVER AND WAS SPEEDING AND HIT THE CONCRETE POLE,AIR BAGS WENT OFF THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11329518, 2020 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 1

“the intermittent windshield wiper does not function. it has been inspected and no root cause has been found. the dealer is aware and has changed the sensor without success, this has been ongoing for 5 months. multiple trips to the dealer without resolution. no warning lamps or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11459594, 2021

Wheels 1

“Right Rear Wheel locked up (froze) while operating vehicle in cold conditions (mid 20's) - brake caliper froze - ruined rear tire”
NHTSA complaint #11506412, 2023