2018 BUICK ENCORE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
100
Owner Complaints
0
Recalls
13
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 BUICK ENCORE
The 2018 BUICK ENCORE has received a total of 100 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. 13 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (26 complaints), Air Bags (10 complaints), and Service Brakes (10 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE
There are no recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE. No Active Recalls
Owner Complaints for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE
100 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 10 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 10 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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 cushion, the sensor turns the air bag off. So, if I use my seat cushion (or the sensor otherwise decides to turn the air bag off), I am not protected in the case of an accident. If I don't use my seat cushion, I am in pain from my back. The front passenger air bag should have a manual switch and have the ability to be kept on all of the time, that decision being made by the passenger and not a sensor that is not smart enough to adjust to an additional cushion or other situation.
Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been correct but told there is no recall to fix these issues.
Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been correct but told there is no recall to fix these issues.
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE
The 2018 BUICK ENCORE received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE
General Motors, LLC has issued 13 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
18-NA-171 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This service bulletin provides a procedure to repair the mechanical components and then reprogram the throttle body to prevent the conditions of a rough running engine, MIL Illuminated.
22-NA-067 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct customer concerns of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions, PCV Bypass Hose and Charge Air Cooler Icing for LUV Engines, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
18NA171 — STRUCTURE
This service bulletin provides a procedure to repair the mechanical components and then reprogram the throttle body to prevent the conditions of a rough running engine, MIL Illuminated.
18NA056 — EQUIPMENT
This service bulletin provides a procedure to apply aluminum butyl tape around the lower side object modules and the fascia to aid in deflecting the radar away from the ground and stop triggering false alerts.
18NA171 — EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to repair the mechanical components and then reprogram the throttle body to prevent the conditions of a rough running engine, MIL On from happening again.
18NA171 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to repair the mechanical components and then reprogram the throttle body to prevent the conditions of a rough running engine, MIL On from happening again.
16NA405 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to install a PCV heater or a charge air cooler to correct the turbo charger system from freezing causing cold weather performance issues.
19NA168 — AIR BAGS
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to remove the driver front seat outboard seat back airbag and re-seat the CPA clip for the airbag.
18NA333 — ENGINE
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on, whistle type noise at startup, DTC P1101 set.
PIC6317A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary information communicates to dealers that if a repair is preformed in which the instrument panel accessory bezel has to be removed to disconnect the electrical connectors from the switches in the bezel or damage/disconnect can occur.
Showing 10 of 13 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 BUICK ENCORE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the BUICK ENCORE
- 2013 BUICK ENCORE — 70 complaints
- 2014 BUICK ENCORE — 92 complaints
- 2015 BUICK ENCORE — 185 complaints
- 2016 BUICK ENCORE — 118 complaints
- 2017 BUICK ENCORE — 120 complaints
- 2018 BUICK ENCORE (current)
- 2019 BUICK ENCORE — 113 complaints
- 2020 BUICK ENCORE — 28 complaints
- 2021 BUICK ENCORE — 9 complaints
- 2022 BUICK ENCORE — 11 complaints
- 2023 BUICK ENCORE — 0 complaints
Other BUICK Models
- BUICK LESABRE — 4,864 total complaints
- BUICK REGAL — 4,444 total complaints
- BUICK ENCLAVE — 3,194 total complaints
- BUICK LACROSSE — 2,882 total complaints
- BUICK CENTURY — 2,393 total complaints
- BUICK PARK AVENUE — 1,880 total complaints
- BUICK RENDEZVOUS — 1,795 total complaints
- BUICK LUCERNE — 1,322 total complaints