Owners have filed 193 complaints
about the 2015 Buick Encore with NHTSA between 2015 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Buick Encore. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64
12.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
108.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1612.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2318.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2419.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2923.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1310.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
97.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2015peak 10Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2015 Buick Encore
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016439362,263 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances. Failure of frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy in a crash (when warranted) could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reflash the SDM with new software. In vehicles with any previous deployment events recorded in the SDM, the dealers will replace the existing SDM with a new SDM containing the latest software. Note: This recall affects 2014-2017 model year Sierra LD/Silverado LD models and 2015-2016 model year Sierra HD/Silverado HD model vehicles.
Recall 20151172,061 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 – Tire Selection and Rims. The Tire and Loading Information Label does not contain the rim size information for the front or rear wheels, contrary to the requirements of the standard. This could result in incorrect replacement rims being installed on the vehicle, which could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will provide new corrected labels.
Recall 2015107133 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering column assembly housing may come into contact with the power steering printed circuit board. This contact could eventually cause enough wear on the power steering printed circuit board to cause a sudden loss of power steering assist. If the power steering assist is lost, a malfunction indicator light is displayed on the instrument panel to inform the driver. Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but will require greater driver effort particularly at low vehicle speeds. The sudden change in steering effort may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the steering column assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 71,000 milesWaukesha, WIFire
STEERING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesWaukesha, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesVallejo, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 not been decided to be deemed totaled as of yet. The contact stated that when a family member who was a licensed contractor in welding examined the vehicle they noticed the axle may have not been welded with appropriate material due to noticing that the material welding axle itself had deteriorated and began to detach from the axle. The contact was concerned that the failure could have resulted in a fatality had the driver been driving at higher speeds. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11432136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesVallejo, CACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
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 not been decided to be deemed totaled as of yet. The contact stated that when a family member who was a licensed contractor in welding examined the vehicle they noticed the axle may have not been welded with appropriate material due to noticing that the material welding axle itself had deteriorated and began to detach from the axle. The contact was concerned that the failure could have resulted in a fatality had the driver been driving at higher speeds. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11432136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpartanburg, SCCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpartanburg, SCCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Columbus, OH
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkhart, IN
POWER TRAIN
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 not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11746663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkhart, IN
ENGINE
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 not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11746663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkhart, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11746663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
POWER TRAIN
Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes
NHTSA complaint #11742919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
STEERING
Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes
NHTSA complaint #11742919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes
NHTSA complaint #11742919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adairsville, GA
AIR BAGS
The seatbelt systems light has come on in my 2015 Buick Encore.
NHTSA complaint #11737000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11687354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Commerce, GA
ENGINE
check engine light came onforP0299 code and heard that there's a lot of vehicles with turbos having this problem
NHTSA complaint #11679703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesCarrollton, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 reoccurred and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesCarrollton, TX
STEERING
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 reoccurred and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesCarrollton, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 reoccurred and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oldtown, FL
ENGINE
Leaking oil from oil coolant pipe under car and timing chain or belt gasket blowing oil.i have seen on Google in 2016 a stop update on 2015 had issue with the s02ame problem.
NHTSA complaint #11639035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lima, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oyster Bay, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
The painting on my 2015 Buick Encore started peeling about 2 years ago and has continued to worsen, and I am concerned about the longevity and overall appearance of my vehicle. As a loyal customer, I expect the paint job to last for a reasonable amount of time, and I believe this issue should be addressed by the manufacturer. I would like to request that Buick fixes this issue free of charge. I understand that my vehicle is no longer under warranty. This is particularly concerning as the peeling paint is affecting the resale value of my car, and I would like to maintain its value as much as possible. I understand that paint issues can occur, and I appreciate that this is not necessarily a reflection on the overall quality of the vehicle. However, I am requesting that Buick take responsibility for this issue and repair the paint free of charge. I believe that the paint peeling issue is covered under the vehicle's warranty, and I hope that I am hopeful that Buick will make every effort to keep this cost to a minimum and to ensure that I am not left out of pocket for a problem that is beyond my control.
NHTSA complaint #11626505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N. Canton, OH
STEERING
While driving the dash signal came on stating that the power steering unit had gone off. The car was being driven without power steering. The message state to get serviced immediately. There was a recall for this problem but research states that my vin number did not show my car was part of this recall. WELL, IT IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS OTHERS. Please advise as to how I can get this fixed by the dealership under a recall #15168/15U14600. There is only 18,000 miles on this car, YES eighteen thousand. This recall needs to include my vehicle. Please respond immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11623230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,600 milesGarland, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and jerking while attempting to accelerate while driving at various speeds, and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was informed about the failure and confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 86,600.
NHTSA complaint #11611564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,600 milesGarland, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and jerking while attempting to accelerate while driving at various speeds, and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was informed about the failure and confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 86,600.
NHTSA complaint #11611564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,172 milesPhiladelphia, PA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact stopped the vehicle and added coolant and drove to the residence. The contact stated that the next day while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. Additionally, the radio and instrument panel became inoperable. The message "Check Power Steering Unit" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 108,172.
NHTSA complaint #11606836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 performance and the car's ability to accelerate when needed which makes it a hazard to drive if you should need to accelerate quickly.
NHTSA complaint #11603657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mukwonago, WI
SEAT BELTS
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
NHTSA complaint #11601793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mukwonago, WI
AIR BAGS
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
NHTSA complaint #11601793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mukwonago, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
NHTSA complaint #11601793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lagrange, GA, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY KEY GETS STUCK IN THE EGNITION, MY MACHANIC SAID IT IS SPECIFIC TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11582072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.