NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
35 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 4, 2024
Engine
There is a known defect with the GM Ecotec engines, specifically the lack of retaining clip for the internal PCV valve, allowing it to become dislodged and drawn into the engine. Without the PCV valve, tremendous engine pressure is produced, leading to broken gaskets causing vacuum leaks, misfiring, severe vibration, and loss of…
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There is a known defect with the GM Ecotec engines, specifically the lack of retaining clip for the internal PCV valve, allowing it to become dislodged and drawn into the engine. Without the PCV valve, tremendous engine pressure is produced, leading to broken gaskets causing vacuum leaks, misfiring, severe vibration, and loss of power when accelerating (which can be a safety issue). Dorman produced a video outlining the issue and has re-engineered the part to prevent the issue from occurring: "Why GM 1.4L Ecotec engine intake manifold and valve covers repairs are often related" [XXX] This appears to be a fairly wide-spread issue with the GM Ecotec engines, and GM should perform a recall to replace these parts, and reimburse those who had to replace themselves. This also causes error codes requiring spark plugs to be replaced (they get fouled by oil) and the MAF Sensor. In troubleshooting, I also had to replace the distributor power bar and air intake hose. I have recipts for all parts, but file upload is not working on this site. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11563558
80,000 miles · Jul 24, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and waited for the vehicle to cool down. Once the vehicle cooled down, the contact was able to operate the vehicle normally…
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The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and waited for the vehicle to cool down. Once the vehicle cooled down, the contact was able to operate the vehicle normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11534118
47,000 miles · Jul 14, 2023
EngineFire
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 safe…
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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 ODI #11532298
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2023
EnginePower Train
Back in July 2022 I started receiving error messages of the stabilitrak system to get checked by OnStar. I took to Ed Martin Buick in Carmel, In they thought that it was from possibly pressing brake and pedal at same time and fixed code. Then about two weeks later I got the same error code, I took to Ray Skillman Northeast Buick…
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Back in July 2022 I started receiving error messages of the stabilitrak system to get checked by OnStar. I took to Ed Martin Buick in Carmel, In they thought that it was from possibly pressing brake and pedal at same time and fixed code. Then about two weeks later I got the same error code, I took to Ray Skillman Northeast Buick they said it was a transmission manufacturing defect and had to do with Manifold which they fixed under power train warranty. Now February 2023 I have same issue Stabilitrak error message. I have to take back again to Ray Skillman Northeast Buick. This is an ongoing issue and should not be receiving same codes car only has 67,000 miles and should not be having transmission issues either.
NHTSA ODI #11505622
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2022
Engine
Bought a 2017 Buick Encore November 2020 less than 6 months into owning the car check engine light came on. Purge solenoid as well as the Camshaft and 1 other component had a leak brought it to dealership and it was covered under warranty for repairs. Fast forward about a year and a half there is another leak will be bringing ba…
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Bought a 2017 Buick Encore November 2020 less than 6 months into owning the car check engine light came on. Purge solenoid as well as the Camshaft and 1 other component had a leak brought it to dealership and it was covered under warranty for repairs. Fast forward about a year and a half there is another leak will be bringing back to dealership and paying out of pocket for leaks because of a rough idle, poor fuel economy, and another check engine light problem. Have also read articles about this particular cars not fairing well in the temperatures changes during the seasonal changes. Yet there is no recalls and no mention of Buick or GMC being held responsible for this recurring problem.
NHTSA ODI #11494319
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2022
Engine
Vehicle check engine light (illuminated amber picture of an engine) came on. Vehicle started running rough. Difficulty keeping the vehicle running at idle. Engine running rough/poor acceleration. Drove vehicle to local service center and left for diagnosis and repair. Service center scanned computer for codes. Found the P.C.V. …
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Vehicle check engine light (illuminated amber picture of an engine) came on. Vehicle started running rough. Difficulty keeping the vehicle running at idle. Engine running rough/poor acceleration. Drove vehicle to local service center and left for diagnosis and repair. Service center scanned computer for codes. Found the P.C.V. vacuum control in the valve cover had torn its diaphragm and the engine was running with 19" of vacuum in it, where it is normally at 2"- 3" of vacuum. Service center obtained and installed new dealer valve cover assembly with P.C.V. control valve and gasket. Service center said they have repaired three-four of these in past few weeks. Service center said recall may be forthcoming. Have documentation.
NHTSA ODI #11489848
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Vehicle has been in and out of shop since Feb 2022 for 'limp mode' disabled due to faulty booster or something. Vehicles leave driver stranded unable to accelerate or maneuver vehicle to avoid a collision. I'm told this is a well known problem for both this vehicle and the chevy cruze although no recalls are out for this huge sa…
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Vehicle has been in and out of shop since Feb 2022 for 'limp mode' disabled due to faulty booster or something. Vehicles leave driver stranded unable to accelerate or maneuver vehicle to avoid a collision. I'm told this is a well known problem for both this vehicle and the chevy cruze although no recalls are out for this huge safety issue. Somebody is seriously going to get injured if driver is unable to move car to safety when it just dies on the highway or road. All documentation is available for the excessive repairs that don't resolve the issue the correction only last from 24 hours to 2 weeks before the light comes on again and car dies.
NHTSA ODI #11463635
29,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
Engine
STARTED STALLING AT IDLE, THEN JUST SHUTTERED AND STALLED WHILE MOVING, 28882.MOLES. HAD CRANK, AIR WOULD RUN BUT WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND TOLD ME WAS BATTERY. WEIRD BECAUSE IT HAD CRANK BUT WOULDNT START. HAD IT BACK AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICE DID NOT ACCELERATE RIGHT, VERY HESITANT AND AT IDLE NEARLY STALLE…
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STARTED STALLING AT IDLE, THEN JUST SHUTTERED AND STALLED WHILE MOVING, 28882.MOLES. HAD CRANK, AIR WOULD RUN BUT WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND TOLD ME WAS BATTERY. WEIRD BECAUSE IT HAD CRANK BUT WOULDNT START. HAD IT BACK AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICE DID NOT ACCELERATE RIGHT, VERY HESITANT AND AT IDLE NEARLY STALLED, FELT LIKE WAS "MISSING". A FEW DAYS LATER IT STALLED TWICE WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT ON BUSY STREET RIGHT IN FRONT OF DEALERSHIP! IT STALLED AGAIN 2 DAYS LATER SO BACK TO DEALERSHIP. NO CODES OF COURSE. THEY SAID DROVE IT FOR MILES AND COULDN'T DUPLICATE. THEY ACTUALLY DROVE IT FOR 9 MILES! GAVE ME LOANER AND WILL KEEP IT OVER WEEKEND. AFRAID SOMEONE IS GONNA RUN INTO BACK AT A LIGHT WHEN IT STALLS. SOMETHING IS WRONG AND NOONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT.
NHTSA ODI #11242681
12,000 miles · Apr 18, 2019
EngineFire
MY 2017 ENCORE BURST INTO FLAMES. I ARRIVED TO WORK AFTER LUNCH, I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I PAUSED JUST A MOMENT TO SEE IF IT WAS GOING TO STOP BUT IT GOT WORSE VERY FAST. I GRABBED MY PURSE AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FRONT END CLOSEST TO THE WINDSHIELD WAS …
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MY 2017 ENCORE BURST INTO FLAMES. I ARRIVED TO WORK AFTER LUNCH, I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I PAUSED JUST A MOMENT TO SEE IF IT WAS GOING TO STOP BUT IT GOT WORSE VERY FAST. I GRABBED MY PURSE AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FRONT END CLOSEST TO THE WINDSHIELD WAS BECOMING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 BUT BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, IT WAS TOO LATE TO SAVE THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11197274
8,000 miles · Apr 2, 2019
EngineFire
THIS VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD ONLY BEEN SERVICED ONE TIME BY THE DEALER (OIL CHANGE IN MAY 2018) THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND CONSUMED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS IN THE DRIVE THROUGH LANE OF A KFC RESTAURANT WHEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. 03 MY 89 YEAR OLD MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS DRAGG…
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THIS VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD ONLY BEEN SERVICED ONE TIME BY THE DEALER (OIL CHANGE IN MAY 2018) THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND CONSUMED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS IN THE DRIVE THROUGH LANE OF A KFC RESTAURANT WHEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. 03 MY 89 YEAR OLD MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS DRAGGED FROM THE CAR TO SAFETY BY 2 BYSTANDERS BUT COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN KILLED. HAVE THERE BEEN ENGINE FIRE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE? A CAR WITH LOW MILES THAT WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER SHOULD NOT SPONTANEOUSLY ERUPT INTO A FIREBALL.
NHTSA ODI #11193318
Official recalls
2Jul 10, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags:frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Sep 8, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Air Bags:frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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