88 of the 905 complaints filed about the Buick Encore are about the electrical system — 10% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.
88
Complaints
10%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ignition switch getting very hot
NHTSA complaint #11750168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078 cash for repairs after being told the issue was fixed, but the same dangerous defect happened again afterward.The vehicle has remained at the dealership for 15+ consecutive days, causing loss of transportation and work hardship. I am also concerned by inconsistent repair documentation and possible repairs performed that were not clearly disclosed or authorized. This vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and the defect has not been corrected despite multiple repair attempts. I believe this may involve a serious electrical, braking, steering, or control system failure that warrants investigation before someone is injured.
NHTSA complaint #11734491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been correct but told there is no recall to fix these issues.
NHTSA complaint #11712726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was stopped at a traffic light and began moving forward to make a turn into traffic. As I activated my turn signal and started to proceed through the intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. Another vehicle was entering the intersection at the same time, creating a near-collision situation. I was forced to restart the vehicle in traffic. The incident occurred within less than 250 miles of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle had recently received an oil change and inspection. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the stall. This event created a serious safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11709530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have been calling Autonations for months now since my car started driving funny. I was first told it was a head gasket that needed replacement however using my vin number the engine that’s currently inside the vehicle is not the one that matches with what pulls up using the vin number. Than the antifreeze leaks out, the oil leaks out and one day the car started smoking on the freeway with my children and I inside. It just stopped and haven’t been working ever since. I literally just got messed out of money because I purchased this vehicle a year ago not knowing it was a recall and this is one of the recalls now I am completely screwed over without a car and my money!! Now I’m being told I have to pay because this car was sold to me already over the mileage limit to be fixed for free!!
NHTSA complaint #11687171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car experienced issues with the fan turning off when car was turned off. It caused the battery to die. The car was serviced at the dealership and the tech found that the fuse block overheated and melted, causing poor electrical connections. They replaced the damaged parts and repaired the wiring. This still did not explain the fan not turning off and after the fuse block repair, the cooling fan was still sticking on. After pushing the dealership to further look into the issue the mechanic determined the issue was inside the fan assembly (it was assembled in the wrong direction), so they replaced the cooling fan. The dealership stated that this was a manufacturing error. They said this could have caused an engine fire and there was absolutely no warnings - just a fan that was stuck on. This could have put me and my new baby at risk for an engine fire and could cause issue for other owners if there were more assembly errors. The car is available for inspection if needed. It was only inspected by technicians at the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11682271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. In addition, the low air pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was stopped by the Police due to the taillight on the driver’s side being inoperable. The bulb was checked, and the bulb was not blown. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was started; however, the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11667527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2014 Buick encore at random times when I turn the key to start the vehicle it just clicks once then complete power out even though the battery is fully charged. To deal with the issue I need to open the hood, unplug the negative from the battery and reconnect it. Then try again. I do this at least once every week, sometimes multiple times throughout a single day. It also does it when a new battery is used. Ive also has a mechanic inspect the vehicle and was so frustrated that everything seems okay but just couldnt figure out why the vehicle don't start. 12 hours of searching for the source of the problem , After giving up on the vehicle I turn the key and it turned on. Other time the vehicle will turn off when already driving. I need this problem fixed. I honestly regret financing this vehicle in January 2024. I was dealing with this problem since May 2024. 73000miles when I bought the vehicle and now at 84000mile. Half of the year 2024 it's been repeat problems with this vehicle. This vehicle should have been a lemon.
NHTSA complaint #11630912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
NHTSA complaint #11601793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Imthe original owner and purchased the car new 4 years ago. At 89,000 miles, the check engine light came on indicating codes for emission controls not working efficiently. Later additional codes indicated problems with the fuel evaporator. The car started having problems every time I filled up the gas tank it would stall, hesitate and have problems starting shortly after the fill up. Problem also occurred if I let the fuel level run down to 1 gallon when the reserve indicator light came on the fuel tank. So now I fill up when I reach a quarter tank. Steady driving for at least 10 minutes would clear the problem temporarily. Car hesitates, stalls and misfires when going uphill, steep hills and also when coming to full stop Such as a red light. Later additional problem of car hesitating and misfiring during acceleration. I have replaced the spark plugs and ignition coil. No change noticed. Awaiting mechanic diagnosis. This problem seems very similar to another complaint filed under NHTSA ID 11548946 in October 2023
NHTSA complaint #11588190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My antitheft alarm keeps going off and on. Yesterday my info screen went black had no back up cameras no way to control any of the car panel instruments. That was 1-26-24. Sometimes the info screen will blink off and on as I’m driving. It acts like there’s a short or something somewhere. My door locks do not always respond sometimes the doors unlock themselves. That has been going on for the last year. (2023)
NHTSA complaint #11568161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NOTHING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT STARTED WENT TO DRIVE OFF !! BANG 2000 BOUNDS OF PRESSURE IN MY FACE! MY WHOLE BODY!! IT WAS A RENTAL !! LOOK INTO THIS VECHICAIL !HAIR BURNT! FRIED WIRE SMELL STILL ON MY BURNT JACKET!! LOOK INTO THIS WITH GREAT CONCERN AS IAM REACHING OUT WITH SHOCK AND AWE ABOUT THIS WHOLE SITUATION THAT ACCURED** THERE IS VIDEO OF ACCURANCE IN PARKING LOT * THINK THE OWNER IS GOING TO TRY TO COVER UP WHAT EVER HE CAN , SAYING THAT FOR REASON'S OF MY OWN! PLEASE SOMEONE'S JOB TO INVESTAGTE RIGHT ! BLACK BOX DATA SPEED WHICH 2 MILES A HOUR WAS SPEED .. COULDNT SEE * AIR BAGS EVEN CAME UP FROM THE PEDDLES?? WHY ?? SO CANT PUT THE BREAKS ON? LIKE IWAS TRAPPED HURT DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON .
NHTSA complaint #11557296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have to constantly jump start my vehicle. Took it to the dealers and they stated there is nothing wrong with the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11544897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On six occasions the vehicle stalled in moving traffic. The car had to be stopped, placed in park and restarted. Buick Service repair in Johnston, Rhode Island cannot repair. The car has been taken to them 6 times with no resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11518939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The cooling system malfunctions. Repaired six times in a year. Overheats. Coolant issues.
NHTSA complaint #11512934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSTANT airflow problems. Turbo on engine already gone out, engine light and air flow codes constantly.
NHTSA complaint #11512118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.