2018 Buick Encore problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (19) · Air Bags (9) · Power Train (8)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Buick Encore model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
28 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (899)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-26 · PIT5698F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi provides diagnostics tips on how the lin bus works and how to diagnosis it.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-04 · PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Unknown Or Other 2026-07-21 · PIT5099J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
pi to help diagnose a/c concern
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-01 · PIT3271Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP6104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a gds2 session log and upload to a technical assistance case in cx connect.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP4902V · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Showing the 6 most recent of 899 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-02 · Fuel/Propulsion System“not long after i purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high rpms during normal use. there was also a p0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently. i discovered a turbo special coverage n232395330 and took it to williams gmc in charlotte. after i told them very…”
2026-07-31 · Engine“general motors issued a special policy n202299080 covering 2014 buick encores. my 2018 encore had the same issues and symptoms as this policy. my concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. general motors issued a service information bulletin 19-na-114 in may 2019 about invol…”
2026-07-20 · Fuel/Propulsion System“strong odor of gasoline, followed by a crack in the high pressure fuel line. gasoline poured out under pressure from fuel line approximately 1 foot ahead of the right rear tire. major amount of spillage - literally several gallons within a minute or so, that eventually faded as the system lost pressure. could have been a significant safety issue…”
2026-06-10 · Engine“request for goodwill assistance – turbocharger failure (special coverage xxx) dear general motors customer assistance, i am writing to request a one-time goodwill repair for my 2018 buick encore (vin: [xxx]). approximately two months after purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and diagnostic testing identified code p0299, i…”
2026-04-29 · Steering“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 v…”
2026-03-23 · Power Train · 85,000 mi“the contact owned a 2018 buick encore. while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "service awd" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the warning light remained illuminated while driving. the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired, but…”
2026-02-20 · Air Bags“the front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. the manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to "see" you, it may turn off. i have a bad back, and i need my 2-inch seat cushion for long trips, or i will be in pain. but when i use my seat cush…”
2026-01-22 · Engine“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 issu…”
2026-01-02 · Unknown Or Other“after filling up fuel vehicle starts and stalls out. this occurs while driving at stop signs. and also while driving loss of power. there is something wrong in the engine, timing belt, fuel, etc.…”
2025-11-17 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · 20,401 mi“the contact owns a 2018 buick encore. the contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle lost power. the stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure however, where the failure was not duplicated. the vehicle was taken to the same dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the brake sen…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.