FaultScore

FaultScore report

2017 Buick Encore problems

Owners have filed 136 complaints about the 2017 Buick Encore with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 10 worst.

F

FaultScore 88/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Buick Encore.

How this is worked out

The numbers

136

Complaints

21

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

14

Injuries reported

32,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

60%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 75 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 75
Against the median year of the Buick Encore. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2017 compares with every other Buick Encore

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2017 Buick Encore

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 42 30.9%

2 crashes, 3 fires · median 48,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,000 mi

Airbags 13 9.6%

9 crashes, 1 fires · median 38,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 9 6.6%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

Seat Belts 8 5.9%

3 crashes, 1 fires · median 35,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 8 5.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 8 5.9%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

Brakes 8 5.9%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,800 mi

Tires 5 3.7%

Median failure at 129,000 miles

Body & Structure 4 2.9%

Median failure at 13,000 miles

Steering 4 2.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 19,750 mi

Electrical System 4 2.9%

Median failure at 23,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 2.2%

Median failure at 22,000 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 1.5%
Suspension 2 1.5%

Median failure at 35,765 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 0.7%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

Wheels 1 0.7%
Lights 1 0.7%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 7.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 11 16.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 13 19.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 21 30.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 6 8.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 7 10.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 4 5.9%
150,000+ miles 1 1.5%

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.

Jul 2017 peak 12 Jul 2026

Recalls on the 2017 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 2016439 362,263 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Lawrence, KS Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

While traveling at approximately 77 mph on the interstate, I was forced off the road by another vehicle, causing my car to collide with a cable barrier. The initial impact was to the front driver’s side corner, and the vehicle then scraped along the driver’s side against the barrier. Despite the high-speed impact, no airbags deployed. •Component or System That Failed: The frontal airbag system failed to deploy. •Safety Risk: The non-deployment of the airbags at this speed and impact angle posed a serious risk to my safety. The lack of airbag activation during a high-speed frontal crash greatly increased the likelihood of injury. •Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Shop? No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealership or repair facility, and the issue has not been confirmed or diagnosed by a professional. •Has the Vehicle or Component Been Inspected by Manufacturer, Police, Insurance, or Others? No. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party as of this report. •Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Before the Incident: No warning lights or messages were active before the crash. There were no known symptoms or alerts indicating a problem with the airbag system.

NHTSA complaint #11672365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Chicago, IL Fire

ENGINE

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 towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11532298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stockton,, CA Crash 20 injured

AIR BAGS

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. Which cause injury to my front of my body and back and spine injuries to my body and to my husband as well.

NHTSA complaint #11501163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fredericktown, OH Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Was rear ended by a suspect fleeing police, he hit me about 100 mph, pushed my car into the rear of the car in front of me. Air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA complaint #11419457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Greenville, MS Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,000 miles Silsbee, TX Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

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 EASTEX FWY, BEAUMONT, TX 77706). THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.*BF

NHTSA complaint #11315616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Saint Cloud, FL

ENGINE

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 trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost condition).The manufacturer, General Motors, is fully aware of this exact component defect and has issued corporate Special Coverage Adjustment Bulletin N232395330 to address cracked turbo housings and wastegate failures on this model. However, because my vehicle is over their arbitrary 120,000-mile corporate warranty limit, GM’s Executive Resolution Team (Case #103125607) has issued a final refusal to repair the component.The manufacturer's mileage limitation leaves a documented, highly dangerous engine propulsion defect completely uncorrected on an active vehicle, posing a continuing, severe safety risk to the occupants and other drivers on public roads.

NHTSA complaint #11752260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Cloud, FL

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost condition).The manufacturer, General Motors, is fully aware of this exact component defect and has issued corporate Special Coverage Adjustment Bulletin N232395330 to address cracked turbo housings and wastegate failures on this model. However, because my vehicle is over their arbitrary 120,000-mile corporate warranty limit, GM’s Executive Resolution Team (Case #103125607) has issued a final refusal to repair the component.The manufacturer's mileage limitation leaves a documented, highly dangerous engine propulsion defect completely uncorrected on an active vehicle, posing a continuing, severe safety risk to the occupants and other drivers on public roads.

NHTSA complaint #11752260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Cander, MP

TIRES

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). After three weeks, the dealer made an unknown diagnosis and replaced the tire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 129,000 miles Cander, MP

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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). After three weeks, the dealer made an unknown diagnosis and replaced the tire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

ENGINE

There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flange, resulting in boost pressure loss. There is already a recall associated with this problem in other VIN’s with the same year and type of vehicle, recall needs to be expanded because this is a known and ongoing problem.

NHTSA complaint #11743618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Candler, NC

WHEELS

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 tomorrow I have to pay to have it towed back home until legal gets back in touch with me. The way that the vehicle exploded I am scared to even get back into the vehicle. I am so thankful that this occured at 1 am and my grandson was in bed This could have really hurt or killed someone. I thank God that I wasn't driving it. When the tow truck driver arrived he said oh your air bag exploded . I told him that I didn't know what caused it. The Buick dealer never inspected the vehicle. The Buick dealer stated that it was the tire that blew from his visual inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11740762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Candler, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 tomorrow I have to pay to have it towed back home until legal gets back in touch with me. The way that the vehicle exploded I am scared to even get back into the vehicle. I am so thankful that this occured at 1 am and my grandson was in bed This could have really hurt or killed someone. I thank God that I wasn't driving it. When the tow truck driver arrived he said oh your air bag exploded . I told him that I didn't know what caused it. The Buick dealer never inspected the vehicle. The Buick dealer stated that it was the tire that blew from his visual inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11740762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Candler, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 tomorrow I have to pay to have it towed back home until legal gets back in touch with me. The way that the vehicle exploded I am scared to even get back into the vehicle. I am so thankful that this occured at 1 am and my grandson was in bed This could have really hurt or killed someone. I thank God that I wasn't driving it. When the tow truck driver arrived he said oh your air bag exploded . I told him that I didn't know what caused it. The Buick dealer never inspected the vehicle. The Buick dealer stated that it was the tire that blew from his visual inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11740762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greensburg, PA

POWER TRAIN

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 inspection on April 30, 2026. The turbo-related diagnostic code appeared on or about [XXX]. Crivelli completed the minimum turbocharger warranty repair but then informed the customer that additional intake/manifold-related repairs were needed and would not be covered. The customer disputed this because the additional failure appeared during the same repair sequence and appears directly related to the covered turbocharger failure. A written request was faxed asking Crivelli to review the invoice, compare the repair to GM’s covered parts list, and submit the related intake/manifold issue to GM for collateral coverage, goodwill review, or warranty consideration. Crivelli did not respond to the fax notice and did not return the customer’s calls. When the customer attempted to follow up with the service department, Scott from the service department refused to review the concern, refused to provide further service, and refused to contact GM regarding the related warranty issue. Based on the conduct, tone, refusal to review the documentation, refusal to escalate to GM, and refusal to provide equal service, I believe the customer was denied fair consumer service because of race.The customer is not asking for special treatment. The customer is asking for equal treatment, proper review of GM’s own warranty/special coverage bulletin, and fair handling of a related mechanical INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA complaint #11739555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greensburg, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 inspection on April 30, 2026. The turbo-related diagnostic code appeared on or about [XXX]. Crivelli completed the minimum turbocharger warranty repair but then informed the customer that additional intake/manifold-related repairs were needed and would not be covered. The customer disputed this because the additional failure appeared during the same repair sequence and appears directly related to the covered turbocharger failure. A written request was faxed asking Crivelli to review the invoice, compare the repair to GM’s covered parts list, and submit the related intake/manifold issue to GM for collateral coverage, goodwill review, or warranty consideration. Crivelli did not respond to the fax notice and did not return the customer’s calls. When the customer attempted to follow up with the service department, Scott from the service department refused to review the concern, refused to provide further service, and refused to contact GM regarding the related warranty issue. Based on the conduct, tone, refusal to review the documentation, refusal to escalate to GM, and refusal to provide equal service, I believe the customer was denied fair consumer service because of race.The customer is not asking for special treatment. The customer is asking for equal treatment, proper review of GM’s own warranty/special coverage bulletin, and fair handling of a related mechanical INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA complaint #11739555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greensburg, PA

ENGINE

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 inspection on April 30, 2026. The turbo-related diagnostic code appeared on or about [XXX]. Crivelli completed the minimum turbocharger warranty repair but then informed the customer that additional intake/manifold-related repairs were needed and would not be covered. The customer disputed this because the additional failure appeared during the same repair sequence and appears directly related to the covered turbocharger failure. A written request was faxed asking Crivelli to review the invoice, compare the repair to GM’s covered parts list, and submit the related intake/manifold issue to GM for collateral coverage, goodwill review, or warranty consideration. Crivelli did not respond to the fax notice and did not return the customer’s calls. When the customer attempted to follow up with the service department, Scott from the service department refused to review the concern, refused to provide further service, and refused to contact GM regarding the related warranty issue. Based on the conduct, tone, refusal to review the documentation, refusal to escalate to GM, and refusal to provide equal service, I believe the customer was denied fair consumer service because of race.The customer is not asking for special treatment. The customer is asking for equal treatment, proper review of GM’s own warranty/special coverage bulletin, and fair handling of a related mechanical INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA complaint #11739555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Candler, NC

TIRES

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Candler, NC

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Euless, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 44,000 miles New Haven, CT

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to GM Special Coverage Number: N232395330; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 44,000 miles New Haven, CT

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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 diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to GM Special Coverage Number: N232395330; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Upperco, MD

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Penn Yan, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 manufacturer later informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11712977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Tonawanda, NY

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wipers will not shut off.

NHTSA complaint #11711722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mentor, OH

ENGINE

4/2025-Engine coolant water outlet needed to be replaced 5/2025- Turbo boost replaced (under recall) 6/2025- Engine fan needed to be replaced 12/2025- There was active leaking in the engine oil cooler and lines- needed to be replaced Engine ventilation , engine oil weep along valve cover seals- needed to be replaced

NHTSA complaint #11710027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greenwood, IN

ENGINE

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greenwood, IN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lansing, MI

ENGINE

The turbo charge is not providing adequate power. I was on the highway and the car began to chugging then accelerated on its own and all the lights on the dash came on then all went off like it was going to shut down. I put my hazards on and started to pull to the side of the highway. I gave it a moment for the car and for me because I was terrified, my kids were in the car and traffic was going steady around 70-75 miles per hour and I was scared as it began to shut down that I would be hit by traffic behind me before I could get over. It started driving again. It still drives but is hard to accelerate and even when stopped you can see the RPM rising. It’s as if the car never idles, it feels as though is constantly under load. I have had it looked at professionally at Midas but they will only say they think it is the turbo as there are no codes coming up. I have had it looked at by mechanics I know who have fixed other things that may cause similar issues and nothing has worked and they also believe it is the turbo. I’ve know other people with Buicks and they have had similar problems I’m confused as to why this 1.4 liter turbo has not been recalled.

NHTSA complaint #11679247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,189 miles Empire, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water outlet housing, the blower motor, A/C condenser, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, turbo charger, and the fan were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,189.

NHTSA complaint #11675455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt failed to work as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The front driver’s side seat belt also failed to work as intended. The contact had to push the front seat all the way back to release the seat belt. The contact stated that the seat belt was too tight and pressed into her stomach. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had become aware of the failure after the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11675097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.