← New search

2019 Buick Encore

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Buick Encore do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 67.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Encore years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

30 reports with mileage · 54 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

12 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2026
Unknown Or OtherFire

On XXX, at approximately 1:00 p.m., my 2019 Buick Encore unexpectedly caught fire while I was operating it in [XXX]. Prior to the fire, I experienced abnormal symptoms, including the vehicle failing to restart, a hissing sound, smoke coming from the engine compartment, and then visible flames. The smoke changed from black to whi…

Read full complaint

On XXX, at approximately 1:00 p.m., my 2019 Buick Encore unexpectedly caught fire while I was operating it in [XXX]. Prior to the fire, I experienced abnormal symptoms, including the vehicle failing to restart, a hissing sound, smoke coming from the engine compartment, and then visible flames. The smoke changed from black to white and then green before the fire intensified. I safely exited the vehicle before the fire spread. The exact component that failed is unknown. Based on my observations, the fire appeared to originate from the engine compartment or underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was declared a total loss. This incident placed my safety at serious risk because the fire occurred without warning while I was using the vehicle. Had I not exited when I did, the outcome could have been much worse. The incident also created a hazard to nearby motorists and anyone in the surrounding area. The problem has not been reproduced because the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The vehicle was inspected by General Motors after the incident as part of a product allegation investigation. General Motors later informed me that it found “no merit” to my product allegation but refused to disclose the basis for its conclusion, stating that its investigation materials are confidential and proprietary. As a result, I still have not been provided with an explanation for what caused my vehicle to catch fire. I am submitting this complaint because I believe an unexpected vehicle fire is a significant safety concern that should be documented and evaluated. If other owners have experienced similar inci INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11750846

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2026
Unknown Or Other

FRONT RADIATOR COLLANT OVERFLOW EXPANION TANK W/CAP & SENSOR FLUID LEVEL GETS EXTREMELY LOW AND SETS OFF A DASHBOARD MESSAGE STATING ENGINE OVERHEATING - ONCE I FILL UP THE COLLANT THE LIGHT GOES OFF THIS CONTINUALLY OCCURS EVERY FEW WEEKS/MONTHS WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO OCCURED? I HAD IT SERVICED AND A LEAK HAS NOT BEEN DETECTE…

Read full complaint

FRONT RADIATOR COLLANT OVERFLOW EXPANION TANK W/CAP & SENSOR FLUID LEVEL GETS EXTREMELY LOW AND SETS OFF A DASHBOARD MESSAGE STATING ENGINE OVERHEATING - ONCE I FILL UP THE COLLANT THE LIGHT GOES OFF THIS CONTINUALLY OCCURS EVERY FEW WEEKS/MONTHS WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO OCCURED? I HAD IT SERVICED AND A LEAK HAS NOT BEEN DETECTED 2019 BUICK ENCORE AWD

NHTSA ODI #11749910

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2026
Unknown Or Other

Car purchased new in Nov 2018. Within 3 years needed a turbocharger replacement. At this time this was covered under warranty. Recently had to undergo replacement for the turbocharger again. This time it was not covered under the warranty. In researching this problem I saw that in Feb of 2024, Buick extended the warranty on th…

Read full complaint

Car purchased new in Nov 2018. Within 3 years needed a turbocharger replacement. At this time this was covered under warranty. Recently had to undergo replacement for the turbocharger again. This time it was not covered under the warranty. In researching this problem I saw that in Feb of 2024, Buick extended the warranty on the Buick 2017-2018 Encores, due to a manufacturer defect in the turbocharger. This add'lwarranty covered the cost of the repair & was good for up to 120,000 miles. Since we purchased the car in 2018, the parts used to build it had to be the same as those used on 2018 Encores. Asking to see what we can do to see if this car, under these circumstances qualifies for the recall.

NHTSA ODI #11748662

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other

SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened. Had thermostat and water pump replaced. Not fixed. Coolant keeps running out if bottom of suv. It is at dealership and blown head gasket and probably much worse. Apparently these models have something wrong with cooling system. The engine cost will be a…

Read full complaint

SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened. Had thermostat and water pump replaced. Not fixed. Coolant keeps running out if bottom of suv. It is at dealership and blown head gasket and probably much worse. Apparently these models have something wrong with cooling system. The engine cost will be about what I owe on it. Buick needs to pay for another engine for my SUV. I have a warranty but they won’t honor the engine replacement and I’m out of a vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11727136

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

Transmission whirring, vehicle is skipping while driving, gear/rpm not downshifting after acceleration

NHTSA ODI #11609546

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2023
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

When I apply brakes the car accelerates instead of stopping. This occurs randomly and not all the time. It has occurred at traffic lights or when I am at a location to park the suv. I was in a accident in May which caused damages to another car. I reported this to GM back in May of this year and they stated that they sent a e…

Read full complaint

When I apply brakes the car accelerates instead of stopping. This occurs randomly and not all the time. It has occurred at traffic lights or when I am at a location to park the suv. I was in a accident in May which caused damages to another car. I reported this to GM back in May of this year and they stated that they sent a engineer to inspect the car and could not find anything wrong. at that time the car had been towed to the dealership. I went and picked the car up It drove fine for a while and now its back doing the same thing again. It will run thru red lights, stop signs and doesn't stop when I pull into parking spaces, this is very dangerous, I am getting the run around with General motors. I need some one's help before someone gets injured or killed with this vehicle. I hope its not me.

NHTSA ODI #11540811

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2022
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlCrash

At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11486786

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2022
Unknown Or OtherCrash

When I pulled into a parking space at docs office, my car suddenly lurched forward very fast, over the curb and into rocks. I had foot on brake and put in reverse, only to have it reverse very fast and hit a parked car! I was shocked! It had a mind of its own! This has never happened before. I do recall that sometimes when I bac…

Read full complaint

When I pulled into a parking space at docs office, my car suddenly lurched forward very fast, over the curb and into rocks. I had foot on brake and put in reverse, only to have it reverse very fast and hit a parked car! I was shocked! It had a mind of its own! This has never happened before. I do recall that sometimes when I back out of garage at home, I keep foot on brake and it seems like it wants to “go”. I read on a website that another Encore had very similar incident as mine. My son found online “Transmission slipping” problems with Buicks. I am so thankful no one was walking in the parking lot at the time it happened. Problem has not been reproduced.. police officer didn’t know if there was any recalls for this either. I put a claim in with State Farm and they recommended an auto shop to go to, a few blocks from my condo. I went today (Carstar auto) and they looked at damage. They are trying to order parts for it. He said I can drive it, but honestly, I am afraid this will happen again. I have to go to work, so I’m hoping this doesn’t happen again. I don’t know what to do. The only warning I had on dashboard was to replace the battery in my key fob. I went to O’Reilly’s Auto Store and bought battery and My friends adult son replaced it for me. Most damage is to rear. Some in front underneath I can’t see. Man at Carstar auto saw it.

NHTSA ODI #11472028

12,700 miles · Nov 27, 2020
Air BagsEngineUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

OCT 9TH - I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ON OCTOBER 9TH AFTER WORKING A 12-HOUR SHIFT. IT WAS DARK. I WAS GOING SOUTH ON HAPPY VALLEY. I PULLED UP TO A FOUR-WAY STOP ON HAPPY VALLEY AND VICTORY ROAD. I STARTED TO PULL INTO THE INTERSECTION. A GIRL TRAVELING EAST TO WEST DIDN'T STOP AT HER STOP SIGN. WHEN I GOT IN THE MIDDLE OF …

Read full complaint

OCT 9TH - I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ON OCTOBER 9TH AFTER WORKING A 12-HOUR SHIFT. IT WAS DARK. I WAS GOING SOUTH ON HAPPY VALLEY. I PULLED UP TO A FOUR-WAY STOP ON HAPPY VALLEY AND VICTORY ROAD. I STARTED TO PULL INTO THE INTERSECTION. A GIRL TRAVELING EAST TO WEST DIDN'T STOP AT HER STOP SIGN. WHEN I GOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, SHE HIT ME. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 45 MPH COMING FROM HER DIRECTION, BUT I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING. SHE HIT MY CAR AND IT SPUN MY CAR. I REMEMBER HITTING MY HEAD 2 TIMES ON THE SIDE WINDOW AND MY BODY TWICE AGAINST THE DOOR. MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. MY CAR FACED THE AIRPORT WHEN IT CAME TO A STOP AND WAS FACING WEST.

NHTSA ODI #11376707

30 miles · Nov 26, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

HACKER ITS BEING ABLE TO CHANGE STEREO AND PENETRATE INTO THE UNIT AND MANIPULATE CAR SETTINGS AS HE'S PLEASE. DANGEROUS WHILE I AM DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11376463

Official recalls

2

20V668000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 29, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

18V774000 · Air Bags; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

Nov 1, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.