Model-year record

2013 Buick Encore
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Complaints filed
52
Reports to NHTSA, 2013
Safety recalls
6
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
28
EPA estimate
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (27% of 52 reports), followed by electrical system (12%).
+ 7 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 52 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11561388, ODI 11532722, ODI 11258455, ODI 11232474, ODI 11205773.
Individual complaint reports(52)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsEngineDec 2023 · ODI 11561388Details +Close −
My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets. I research online similar complaints with other Buick Encore 2013. I just this car March 2023 has about 89000. I am making payments.
- Reported
- Dec 2023
- Incident date
- Dec 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2023 · ODI 11532722Details +Close −
The check engine light came and took the car to O'Reillys and was informed it had low turbo boost code took car to the dealership and they indeed confirmed that was the issue and that it would be over $3000.00 to fix!!! I bought this car 4 months ago and this seems to be an issue with a few other owners as well Buick needs to recall this part!!! If not fixed it may cause deceleration or overheat and start to burn into the manifold of the exhaust. No other parties have looked at the car except the dealership. only lamp that came on was the check engine light and it was sometimes go off and then come back on.
- Reported
- Jul 2023
- Incident date
- May 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainAug 2021 · ODI 11430630Details +Close −
The turbo charger is underboost and can explode the engine with oil flying everywhere
- Reported
- Aug 2021
- Incident date
- Aug 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2019 · ODI 11258455Details +Close −
TURBO WENT OUT TWICE WITHIN 3 MONTHS. ALSO I WAITED FOR 6 WEEKS ON A BACK ORDERED PART. SO MUCH SERVICE WORK... PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM THIS CAR IS A LEMON. THE PAINT LITERALLY FELL OFF THE MIRRORS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR.
- Reported
- Sep 2019
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2019 · ODI 11232474Details +Close −
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WAS DETERMINED CADILLAC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ONLY HAS 89105 MILES ON IT
- Reported
- Jul 2019
- Incident date
- Jul 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherMay 2019 · ODI 11206613Details +Close −
I WANTED TO REGISTER A CONCERN ABOUT MY 2013 BUICK ENCORE. TWO DAYS AGO, WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED. THE GLASS SHARDS DIDN'T INJURE ME, BUT I FELT HELPLESS WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THERE WAS NOTHING INDICATING CONCERNS OR ISSUES WITH THE SUN ROOF, I AM FORTUNATE TO ESCAPE HARM, BUT WANTED GM TO BE AWARE OF THIS DANGER. WE HAVE BEEN LIFELONG GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMERS FOR OVER NEARLY 50 YEARS, AND FELT THE NEED TO BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION.
- Reported
- May 2019
- Incident date
- Apr 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2019 · ODI 11205773Details +Close −
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN STARTED FLASHING WHILE IN MOTION. THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY. THE ENGINE HAD REDUCED POWER AND AT TIMES WOULD ONLY GO 30-35MPH EVEN WITH PEDAL MASHED ALL THE WAY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO O'REILLY'S AND THEY CHECKED THE CODES WHICH SHOW CAMSHAFT SENSOR, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE, TURBO UNDERBOOST CODE AND ABS CODE. SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF ISSUES FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 67,000 MILES.
- Reported
- May 2019
- Incident date
- May 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMar 2019 · ODI 11186693Details +Close −
THE ENGINE OIL COOLER IS LEAKING. THE FRONT DRIVER AXLE SHAFT SEAL IS LEAKING. THE CAR IS RUNNING TOO LEAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I REPLACED THE AIR FILTER AND CLEAN FUEL INJECTORS AND THE CAR IS SPUTTERING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THE CAR SPUTTERS WHEN STATIONARY AS WELL AS MOVING.
- Reported
- Mar 2019
- Incident date
- Mar 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainNov 2018 · ODI 11154446Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL FAILURES. ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE HEATED THROUGH THE VENTS WHILE THE OTHER SIDE WAS NOT ABLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO JERKED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED REGARDING THE JERKING AND HEATING FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Aug 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2018 · ODI 11145335Details +Close −
EARLY THIS YEAR WE START HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON THEN THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMING ON, SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IF FROM. SO FIRST WE HAD TO HAVE THREE SENSORS CHANGED, WE DID THAT AND AFTER THAT WAS DONE IT STILL KEPT JUMPING ON 4 TIME BEFORE IT STOPPED. THEN JUNE OF THIS YEAR IT STARTED BACK WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THEN THEY TELL US WE NEED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HAVE THAT REPLACED AGAIN IT KEEPS DOING 3 MORE TIMES THEN IT STOPS. WELL WE FIGURE WE HAVE THE PROBLEM SOLVED, BUT NO ON 10/26/2016 AS MY SISTER IS GETTING ON HIGHWAY 57 IN CHICAGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMES ON, SO NOW SHE IS PULLED OVER ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TRYING TO GET THIS CAR TO ACT RIGHT, FINALLY AFTER SHE HAD TO KEEP STARTING IT UP AND SHUTTING IT OFF SHE GETS IT ACT RIGHT , BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON, AFTER SHE LEFT THE EVENT SHE WAS AT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF. NOW ON 11/04/2018 I'M ON THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY IN CHICAGO ONE OF OUR MOST BUSIEST AND DANGEROUS HIGHWAYS IT DOES IT AGAIN, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE REDUCE POWER TO THE ENGINE ACTIVATES, SO NOW I'M PULLED OVER PRAYING I DON'T GET HIT BY A TRUCK, I GET IT TO ACT RIGHT FINALLY AND I GET OFF JUST ENCASE IT DO IT AGAIN, I MAKE IT TO MY DESTINATION AND WHEN I GET READY TO LEAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF. ON 11/05/2018 I'M ONLY 5 BLOCKS FROM HOME AND IT DOES IT AGAIN,I GET IT TO ACT RIGHT AFTER I HAVE TO KEEP STARTING IT UP AND SHUTTING IT OFF AND LOW AND BEHOLD I GET 10 BLOCKS AND IT DOES IT AGAIN GET IT TO ACT RIGHT MAKE IT BACK HOME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON WHEN I GET TO THE DEALERSHIP THEN TURN IT OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF. THIS IS BEGINNING TO BE A BIG PROBLEM CAUSE IT'S GOING TO CAUSE A ACCIDENT WHEN IT DOES THAT, AND THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Nov 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesNov 2018 · ODI 11144647Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE BRAKES SQUEAKED AND MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SID DILLON BUICK GMC - FREMONT DEALER (402-317-5718, 2420 E 23RD ST, FREMONT, NE 68025) WHERE THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ABOUT TWO YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE BRAKE PADS AND THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED ON THE REAR BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,437. *TT*JB
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Nov 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineApr 2018 · ODI 11090264Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOKMAN OF WELLSVILLE CHEVROLET, BUICK, GMC, CADILLAC (81 S MAIN ST, WELLSVILLE, NY 14895) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PISTONS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,700. *TT *TR
- Reported
- Apr 2018
- Incident date
- Apr 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2018 · ODI 11072142Details +Close −
STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 2/9/2018 PAID OUT $545.00 TO HAVE PURGE SOLENOID AND EVAP FLOW CHANGED AND TO HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND ADJUSTED. WELL 4 1/2 HOURS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND IT STARTS WITH THIS REDUCE POWER TO THE ENGINE AGAIN. THE REDUCE POWER TO THE ENGINE DID THIS 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF WAIT 30 SECONDS AND RESTART THE CAR AND EACH TIME IT DID THIS I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR 4 TIME BEFORE IT WOULD GO OFF AND THE CAR WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR 4 HOURS BEFORE IT WENT OFF, WELL THAT DIDN'T LAST LONG BEFORE I START HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN ON 2/11/2018 LETTING THE CAR WARM UP THE REDUCE POWER TO THE ENGINE CAME ON AND I WAS STILL IN THE GARAGE, THAT WAS 7:30 AM THEN AGAIN AT 8:05 THEN AGAIN AT 8:37 SO NOW AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I WANT GET ON THE EXPRESSWAY CAUSE OF THIS FOR I MIGHT GET KILLED OR INJURED, GM REALLY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS AND SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE THEM REPAIR THIS PROBLEM
- Reported
- Feb 2018
- Incident date
- Feb 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlFeb 2018 · ODI 11071842Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE DEALER (GLOCKER BUICK OF IRONTON, 911 S 3RD ST, IRONTON, OH 45638) INFORMED THE CONTACT OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR WHEN THE ENGINE MAY GO INTO REDUCE ENGINE POWER MODE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE, WHICH DID NOT FALL UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILURE WAS NOT A PART OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY; THEREFORE, BUICK DID NOT HAVE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
- Reported
- Feb 2018
- Incident date
- Dec 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJan 2018 · ODI 11061140Details +Close −
LATELY I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, FIRST MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I CAN BE AT A LIGHT OR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCE WARNING COMES ACROSS MY DISPLAY SCREEN, I CAN'T ACCELERATE SO I HAVE TO COAST IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT IT OFF, WAIT 30 SECONDS AND RESTART THE CAR. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO DO THIS 2 OR 3 TIMES BEFORE IT DRIVES RIGHT AGAIN, SO I WENT ON THE BUICK FORUM AND SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE, THAT THEY HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CHANGED AND IT MAKES NO DIFFERENT, THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. SO NOW I WANT GET ON THE EXPRESSWAY JUST IN CASE IT WANTS TO DO IT AGAIN, AND I'M GETTING SCARED TO DRIVE IT ON THE STREETS CAUSE IT KEEPS HAPPENING. SOME SAY CAUSE IT'S COLD WHERE THE LIVE BUT I FEEL IT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING ALL, LIKE ON 1/8/2018 IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING AND THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS 35 F AND THAT'S ABOVE FREEZING. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS CAUSE GM IS NOT REPORTING IT TO THE NHTSA, SO IF YOU DON'T GO ON THERE FORUM YOU DON'T KNOW.....HELP SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR
- Reported
- Jan 2018
- Incident date
- Jan 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlJun 2017 · ODI 11001327Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOOSE POWER AND THE ACCELERATION DECREASED EVEN WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE HOUSE AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COGGINS BUICK IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Reported
- Jun 2017
- Incident date
- Jun 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2017 · ODI 11000670Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2017
- Incident date
- Jun 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsApr 2017 · ODI 10980551Details +Close −
THE WARNING LIGHT CONNECTED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYS THE OFF SIGN EVEN WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE WARNING LIGHT READS OFF EVEN IF A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT.
- Reported
- Apr 2017
- Incident date
- Apr 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsApr 2017 · ODI 10969995Details +Close −
PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR DETECTS PASSENGER ABOUT 60% OF TIME, AT RANDOM OCCASIONS SETTING IN DRIVEWAY OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE 40% AIRBAG IS OFF AND OUT OF SERVICE. WE HAVE DEALT WITH GMC BUICK AND THEY HAVE RUN TEST AT DEALERSHIP COULD NOT COME UP A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. IF THE AIRBAG IS OFF AT ANYTIME THE PASSENGER IS AT RISK OF GREATER INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT, WHY IS 60% ACCEPTABLE WITH BUICK MANAGEMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
- Reported
- Apr 2017
- Incident date
- Dec 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2017 · ODI 10968775 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 40-50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A DEER, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FLIP OVER AND EVENTUALLY LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
- Reported
- Mar 2017
- Incident date
- Mar 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Unknown Or OtherFeb 2017 · ODI 10954775Details +Close −
EXHAUST SMELL IN CAR ESPECIALLY WHEN AIR RECYCLE BUTTON ON. SMELL IS WORSE AT STOPS AND AFTER CAR IS RETURNED TO GARAGE. HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM BUICK FOR THREE YEARS. NO CAUSE FOUND.
- Reported
- Feb 2017
- Incident date
- Feb 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
TiresDec 2016 · ODI 10934980Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 (NA) BUICK ENCORE EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE: P215/55/R18 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES CONTINUED TO LOSE AIR PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
- Reported
- Dec 2016
- Incident date
- Jun 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingOct 2016 · ODI 10915373Details +Close −
THERE ARE TOXIC FUMES AND AN ODOR EMANATING FROM THE INTERIOR OF MY 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE UPHOLSTERY SEEMS TO BE THE MOST LIKELY SOURCE. THE FUMES HAVE BEEN CAUSING A CHRONIC BURNING SENSATION IN OUR EYES, NOSE, THROAT, AND WHICH OCCASIONALLY RESULTS IN STOMACH DISCOMFORT AND NAUSEA. THE FUMES AND ODOR INTENSIFY ON SUNNY DAYS AND WHEN TAKING EXTENDED TRIPS. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE GM DEALER, WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT TAKEN ACTION TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, NOR HAVE THEY TAKEN THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY. WE WOULD LIKE TO GET THE CAR TESTED FOR TOXIC INTERIOR EMISSIONS, AND WOULD LIKE HELP FINDING THE PROPER TESTING FACILITY OR COMPANY THAT PERFORMS THIS TEST. COULD YOU PLEASE RECOMMEND SOMEONE, WHETHER A PRIVATE COMPANY OR GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY THAT PERFORMS THIS SERVICE. ANY DIRECTION OR IDEA WOULD BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL AT THIS POINT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND ASSISTANCE. *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2016
- Incident date
- Jun 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainOct 2016 · ODI 10914280Details +Close −
HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING TO ENTER FREEWAY OR PASS
- Reported
- Oct 2016
- Incident date
- Aug 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2016 · ODI 10899686Details +Close −
PURCHASED A USED 2013 BUICK ENCORE WITH 21,115 MILES. AFTER TWO (2) MONTHS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT STARTING SHOWING OFF WHEN MY WIFE WAS SEATED IN THE CAR, SHE WEIGHS 110 LBS. IT WOULD COME ON THEN GO OFF OR NOT COME ON AT ALL. TOOK CAR TO NEARBY DEALERSHIP, THEY STATED "NO PROBLEM, WE CAN ADJUST THE SENSOR ALL THE WAY DOWN TO 85 LBS." ABOUT HALF WAY HOME THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AFTER SIX (6) TRIPS BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH INCLUDED REPLACING THE SEAT SENSOR AND THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE, THE ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER HOOKED UP A COMPUTER TO THE CAR WITH MY WIFE IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT OFF. HE SAID THE COMPUTER WAS SHOWING THE SEAT OCCUPIED BUT THE AIRBAG DISABLED. HE THEN STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO KEEP THE CAR AND TALK TO THE ENGINEERS AT DETROIT. THE NEXT DAY I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE DEPT. SAYING MY WIFE WOULD HAVE TO WEIGH 125 LBS BEFORE THE AIRBAG SENSOR WOULD ACTIVATE AND IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE AIRBAG TO BE OFF AND THAT IT WOULD ACTUALLY BE BETTER FOR MY WIFE IF IT THE AIRBAG DIDN'T WORK. I FIND THIS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.
- Reported
- Aug 2016
- Incident date
- Dec 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2016 · ODI 10897718Details +Close −
CONTACT WAS DRIVING A 2013 BUICK ENCORE (~58,000 MILES) IN A LARGE PARKING LOT WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN DECELERATION, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP AND TRACTION OFF LIGHT CAME ON WITH A MESSAGE "ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED." MESSAGE CLEARED AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING; MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP REMAINED ON. DEALERSHIP STATES PROBLEM WITH THROTTLE BODY AND NEED TO "CLEAN CARBON" -- $1,059 SO FAR.
- Reported
- Aug 2016
- Incident date
- Aug 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2016 · ODI 10863108Details +Close −
I HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE TURBOCHARGER
- Reported
- May 2016
- Incident date
- Jan 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EquipmentApr 2015 · ODI 10706356Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAS NOT PROPERLY GENERATING THE CORRECT ROUTES WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VOICE RESPONSE FEATURE WAS NOT RECOGNIZING THE CONTACT'S VOICE. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE FAILURE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE RADIO, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC FROM THE SECOND DEALER STATED THAT THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE REMEDY NEEDED TO BE DETERMINED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO RECEIVE THE WRONG ROUTE INFORMATION WITHOUT VOICE COMMAND CONNECTION WITH THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- Reported
- Apr 2015
- Incident date
- Jun 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlApr 2015 · ODI 10704562Details +Close −
MY CAR DROVE FINE AND THEN I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AT A BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN MY TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD. THE LIGHTS, WIPERS, RADIO AND ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I HAD TO WAVE PEOPLE TO GO AROUND ME PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT IT DOWN FOR 30 SECONDS. WHEN I TURNED IT ON AGAIN I HAD TO PUT IT IN REVERSE AND KEEP PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL TO GET OUT OF THE INTERSECTION THEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND JUST KEPT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND INCHED MY WAY INTO A PARKING SPACE. AFTER SHUTTING IT OFF AND PARKING IT FOR 2-3 MINUTES I TURNED IT ON THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON BUT THE CAR DROVE LIKE NORMAL TO GET ME TO THE DEALERSHIP. I GOT THIS CAR IN MAY OF 2013 AND THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS FEB 2014 PRETTY COLD TEMPS AND NOW APRIL 2015 ABOUT 56 DEGREES F OUTSIDE. BOTH TIMES THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND PERFORMED IDLE RELEARN PROCEDURE. I DON'T HAVE TIME OR MONEY TO REPLACE THIS PART EVERY YEAR. I LOVED THE SIZE, GAS MILEAGE, DESIGN AND COMFORT OF THIS VEHICLE, HOWEVER I WON'T BE BUYING ANOTHER GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE AGAIN. I ALWAYS OWNED GM VEHICLES BUT NOT ANYMORE I SIMPLY DON'T FEEL SAFE. *TR
- Reported
- Apr 2015
- Incident date
- Apr 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMar 2015 · ODI 10695143Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE REDUCTION IN THE ENGINE POWER AND A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED CAUTIOUSLY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DISCOVERED A FAILURE CODE RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE COMPONENT THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
- Reported
- Mar 2015
- Incident date
- Mar 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMar 2015 · ODI 10691789Details +Close −
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAUGES IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE VERY HARD TO BE SEEN WHILE THE SUN WAS OUT. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. UPDATED 3/31/15*CN
- Reported
- Mar 2015
- Incident date
- Feb 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsFeb 2015 · ODI 10690537Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V488000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 03/24/15*LJ UPDATED 9/26/2017*CN
- Reported
- Feb 2015
- Incident date
- Feb 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
TiresJan 2015 · ODI 10678822Details +Close −
CONTINENTAL PRO CONTACT 215/55/18 UNKNOWN DAMAGE ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP. 2ND OCCURRENCE WITHIN 2 MONTHS. TIRE UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO FIND CAUSE. LEASING BUICK ENCORE 2013. *TR
- Reported
- Jan 2015
- Incident date
- Nov 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJan 2015 · ODI 10671754Details +Close −
WAS MAKING A TURN FROM A SIDE STREET AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND THEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPOT NEAR THE CORNER. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RE-START AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP UPDATED STEERING WHEEL CODES. *TR
- Reported
- Jan 2015
- Incident date
- Jan 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsDec 2014 · ODI 10659585Details +Close −
2013 BUICK ENCORE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF RECALLS ARE REAL OR JUST SOME OF THEM *CN
- Reported
- Dec 2014
- Incident date
- Sep 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SeatsOct 2014 · ODI 10648907Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V488000 (SEATS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
- Reported
- Oct 2014
- Incident date
- Oct 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Seat BeltsOct 2014 · ODI 10644204Details +Close −
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR LAST YEAR THE DEALER TOOK $1900 OF MY MONEY IN A RUSE - I WILL DIE BEFORE EVER STEPPING FOOT IN [XXX] EVER AGAIN. I WILL NOT TAKE THIS VEHICLE IN FOR ANY SAFETY RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2014
- Incident date
- Oct 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainOct 2014 · ODI 10643646 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC GETTING READY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE RACED CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE AND SLAM INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER CAR CAUSING OVER $5K WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE ENCORE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. THE IMPACT WAS SO INTENSE THAT THE REAR GLOVE BOX OPENED TOSSING THE CONTENTS OUT INTO THE TRUNK. *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2014
- Incident date
- Aug 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Electrical SystemOct 2014 · ODI 10643038Details +Close −
**NO ACCIDENT** SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE OF MY CAR I HAVE HAD TROUBLE SLIDING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. IT NORMALLY TAKES AT LEAST A FEW ATTEMPTS AND CAN REQUIRE SOME LIGHT FORCE TO INSERT THE KEY. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, MY LOCAL BUICK DEALERSHIP WILL BE REPLACING THE IGNITION DURING MY APPOINTMENT THIS WEEK. AS WELL, THE LAST TIME I WAS AT THE DEALER, ANOTHER CUSTOMER HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT WITH THE BUICK ENCORE. I AM REPORTING THIS ISSUE SIMPLE OUT OF CONCERN DUE TO ALL OF THE IGNITION ISSUES GM HAS RECENTLY HAD. AS THIS IS ANOTHER POTENTIAL ISSUE I STRONGLY FEEL IT SHOULD BE RESEARCHED. THANK YOU! *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2014
- Incident date
- Sep 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingOct 2014 · ODI 10641239Details +Close −
PREMIUM TRIM LEVEL HAS FORWARD COLLISION WARNING. ON AT LEAST SIX OCCASIONS BEGINNING NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR (2013), THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING HAS COME ON WITH NO VEHICLE IN FRONT FOR HUNDREDS OF FEET AND HAS DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL, ESSENTIALLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COAST UNTIL THE ACCELERATOR WAS MANUALLY DEPRESSED. FOUR INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AT 65 TO 68 MPH; ONE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A LOCAL ROAD AT 45 MPH; AND ONE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A LOCAL ROAD TRAVELING AT 35 MPH (POLICE PATROLLED AREA, USE CRUISE TO NOT EXCEED SPEED LIMIT). DURING EACH EPISODE, ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND CALM (NO DEBRIS FLYING IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA TO TRIGGER THE FEATURE, NOR WINDSHIELD WIPER IN USE). AFTER THE FIRST TWO INCIDENTS, IT WAS BROUGHT UP VERBALLY WITH SERVICE TECH WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, AND MOST RECENTLY LAST MONTH WHEN VEHICLE WAS CHECKED FOR SEAT TRACK SAFETY RECALL. THIS COMPLAINT WAS NOT PUT ON THE SERVICE RECORD EITHER TIME. BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING MUST HAVE TRIGGERED THE CAMERA. NOTHING WENT ACROSS MY WINDSHIELD TO TRIGGER THIS FEATURE. CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IS UNSAFE. *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2014
- Incident date
- Nov 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2014 · ODI 10637180Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED. THE "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE COLLAR, WHICH CONTROLLED ALL THE FUEL THAT FEEDS TO THE ENGINE, WAS DEFECTIVE. THE THROTTLE COLLAR WAS REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,561.
- Reported
- Sep 2014
- Incident date
- Aug 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemAug 2014 · ODI 10626070Details +Close −
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DOES NOT LIGHT UP ENOUGH ON A SUNNY DAY TO BE ABLE TO CHECK SPEED, FUEL OR THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE. THESE SHOULD BE EASILY READ AT A GLANCE SO AS TO KEEP EYES ON THE ROAD. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO SO ON THE ENCORE. ON ONE OCCASION, I ACTUALLY HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO CHECK THE FUEL GAUGE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AND ALSO TO BUICK AND THEY TELL ME THAT EVERYTHING IS OPERATING ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATION. THIS IS AN UNSAFE AUTOMOBILE TO NOT BE ABLE TO QUICKLY CHECK SPEED ETC. *TR
- Reported
- Aug 2014
- Incident date
- Sep 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
TiresJul 2014 · ODI 10610531Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE 215/55R18 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES CONTINUOUSLY FLATTENED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PATCHED UP THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 11,800. UPDATED 8/22/14*CN
- Reported
- Jul 2014
- Incident date
- Apr 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2014 · ODI 10587368Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING IN REVERSE, SHE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,776. ...UPDATED 06/25/14 *BF UPDATED 06/30/2014 *JS
- Reported
- May 2014
- Incident date
- Apr 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2014 · ODI 10576467Details +Close −
I WAS DRIVING A BUICK ENCORE, RENTAL CAR, AND AFTER USING THE WIPERS, MY HAND TOUCHED THE IGNITION KEY (BARELY TOUCHED IT) AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. I MANAGED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PUT IT INTO PARK TO RESTART THE CAR. I RETURNED IT TO THE RENTAL PLACE RIGHT AWAY AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THEM. *TR
- Reported
- Apr 2014
- Incident date
- Mar 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesMar 2014 · ODI 10574525 · crashDetails +Close −
2013 BUICK ENCORE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ABS AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES WOULD SQUEAK, RUB AND GRAB. ON THANKSGIVING DAY, WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIS DRIVEWAY, ON SNOWY DAY, THE ABS LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD INTO A PLOWED SNOW BANK, IN WHICH THE BUMPER WAS CRACKED. ALSO, AS HE WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT, AS SHE BRAKED. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE AWD DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. *JB
- Reported
- Mar 2014
- Incident date
- Nov 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
EngineMar 2014 · ODI 10573306Details +Close −
I LIVE IN MINNESOTA. ON A -30 DEGREE DAY IN JANUARY I DROVE TO WORK (30 MILES ONE WAY). WHEN I LEFT FOR LUNCH I DROVE ABOUT A QUARTER MILE AND STARTED SMELLING A BURNING SMELL SIMILAR TO WHEN FOLLOWING A VEHICLE THAT IS BURNING OIL. MY CAR WAS NEW SO I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS ME. I WENT ABOUT 2 MILES AND STOPPED FOR A STOP LIGHT AT WHICH POINT MY ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE. I MANAGED TO PULL OUT OF TRAFFIC AND WITH BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TAILPIPE, THE CAR DIED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND STRANGELY IT WAS THE SECOND ENCORE THAT DAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER SITTING IN THE WARM GARAGE OVER NIGHT, THE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THE DIAGNOSTICS SHOWED NOTHING. I PICKED THE CAR UP AFTER A FEW DAYS AND IT WAS FINE FOR TWO WEEKS. THEN ON ANOTHER BITTERLY COLD DAY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL, BLEW BLACK SMOKE AND DIED. AGAIN IT WAS TOWED. AT THAT POINT A GM ENGINEER OUT OF MINNEAPOLIS CAME UP TO ASSESS MY CAR AS WELL AS SOME OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TIME PARTS WERE REPLACED INCLUDING THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR AND SOME AIR INTAKE PARTS. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH IT IS NOT UNCOMMON IN COLDER CLIMATES. I HAVE BEEN ON THE BUICK FORUMS AND HAVE FOUND OTHER INCIDENCES DOCUMENTED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE THE SAME PARTS THAT FAILED BEFORE SO THIS IS A PATCH NOT A FIX. NEXT WINTER THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. IT IS AWFUL TO HAVE A NEW CAR THAT I CAN'T TRUST. I'M NERVOUS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT WHEN IT'S REALLY COLD. NEXT TIME IT COULD DIE WHILE I'M IN TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTATE OR I COULD BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE IN DANGEROUSLY COLD TEMPERATURES. *TR
- Reported
- Mar 2014
- Incident date
- Jan 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMar 2014 · ODI 10566897Details +Close −
CAR RAN GREAT THEN I STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. WHEN IT TURNED GREEN THE TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE POWER REDUCED CAME ACROSS DASH AND THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR, RADIO AND LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. ALMOST CAUSED 3 DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS TRYING TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC.SCAN CHECK SYSTEM, P2101, PER DOCUMENT ID:[XXX] DIAGNOSIS WAS TO REPLACE THROTTLE BODY AND PERFORM JDLE RELEARN PROCEDURE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- Reported
- Mar 2014
- Incident date
- Feb 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlFeb 2014 · ODI 10566380Details +Close −
LEAVING A STOP SIGN ONTO THREE LANE ROAD GOING DOWN A HILL,WHEN THE CAR HAD NO ACCELERATION, I PUT ON FLASHERS AND COASTED TO CURB,HAD TO CALL WRECKER AND BE TOWED TO DEALER,SAID IT WAS A THROTTLE BODY SENSOR,THAT IS SENSITIVE TO COLD WEATHER,2 DEALERS SAID THE SAME THING. NEW PART WAS ORDERED,BUT I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN OUR COLD WEATHER IF THIS HAPPENS ON HIGHWAY AND IT STOPS I AM SO AFRAID I WILL BE RUN OVER BY TRAFFIC MOVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT AND MY ENCORE JUST STOPS. FEEL MY NEW PART IS NOT THE FIX FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE, THEY SAY THEY CAN'T SAY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. ALSO READ SOMEONE IN N.D. WAS HAVING SAME ISSUE. HOPE YOU CAN LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
- Reported
- Feb 2014
- Incident date
- Jan 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemFeb 2014 · ODI 10563044Details +Close −
2013 BUICK ENCORE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CAN NOT BE READ IN SUNNY WEATHER. *SMD THE SPEEDOMETER, HEAT AND FUEL GAUGES COULD NOT BE READ.*JB
- Reported
- Feb 2014
- Incident date
- Feb 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls(6)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Electrical SystemMay 2016 · 16V502000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Seat BeltsAug 2014 · 14V488000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.
Risk: If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air BagsJun 2014 · 14V298000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
Risk: If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.
Open full NHTSA recall record →EquipmentFeb 2014 · 14V417000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Steering · 13V105000Details +Close −
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.
Risk: If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will be provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall began on May 21, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Seats · 14V446000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Crash-test ratings
2013 Buick Encore SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2013 Buick Encore SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare the year-by-year record
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2013 Buick Encore: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2013 Buick Encore?
Owners filed 52 NHTSA complaints about the 2013 Buick Encore. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2013 Buick Encore?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (27% of complaints) and electrical system (12%).
How many recalls does the 2013 Buick Encore have?
6 recalls have been issued that affect the 2013 Buick Encore, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Buick Encore get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Buick Encore at 28 mpg combined.