Buick Encore Problems, Recalls and Mobile Repair
600 owner complaints and 13 safety recalls are on file with NHTSA for 2008–2024 Encore models. Here is what owners report most, which years drew the most complaints, and which fixes a mobile mechanic can do where the car sits.
NHTSA data pulled September 2026.
The most reported Encore problems
The systems named most often in NHTSA owner complaints for 2008–2024 Buick Encore models, and whether a mobile mechanic can usually help. A complaint can name more than one system.
| System | Complaints | Share | Mobile mechanic? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 222 | 37% | Diagnose first |
| Electrical system | 88 | 15% | Often in the driveway |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 76 | 13% | Usually a shop |
| Airbags | 70 | 12% | Dealer or recall |
| Fuel system | 63 | 11% | Diagnose first |
| Brakes | 63 | 11% | Usually on the spot |
| Steering | 48 | 8% | Diagnose first |
| Throttle and cruise control | 33 | 6% | Diagnose first |
Symptoms owners describe
Complaints are reports owners file with NHTSA, the federal vehicle-safety agency. NHTSA does not verify each one, and a year or model that sold more cars usually gets more complaints, so treat the counts as a map of what to check, not a reliability score. Data pulled from NHTSA's public complaint and recall databases in September 2026.
Complaints by model year
The 2015 Encore drew the most complaints (124). Newer years have had less time on the road, so their counts are still growing.
Buick Encore recalls
13 safety recalls cover 2008–2024 Encore models. The most recent 12 are below.
| Reported | Campaign | Model years | System | What can happen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-10 | 20V668000 | 2019–2020 | Transmission and drivetrain | 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. |
| 2020-09 | 20V537000 | 2020 | Seats | If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant. |
| 2018-11 | 18V774000 | 2019 | Airbags | If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 2017-07 | 17V437000 | 2014–2017 | Airbags | 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. |
| 2016-09 | 16V651000 | 2014–2017 | Airbags | 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. |
| 2016-07 | 16V502000 | 2013 | Electrical system | If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 2015-03 | 15V162000 | 2015 | Equipment | If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 2015-03 | 15V146000 | 2015 | Steering | The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 2014-08 | 14V488000 | 2013 | Seat belts | 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. |
| 2014-07 | 14V446000 | 2013–2014 | Seats | A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash. |
| 2014-07 | 14V417000 | 2013–2014 | Equipment | Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in. |
| 2014-06 | 14V298000 | 2013 | Airbags | 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. |
Plus 1 older recall. Check your VIN for the full list.
Safety recall repairs are done free by the brand's dealers. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls on your exact car. "Park it" means NHTSA and the maker say not to drive the vehicle until it is fixed.
What Encore owners told NHTSA
“After the most recent failure, the vehicle had become inoperable and failed to restart after multiple attempts.”
“My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check.”
“If not fixed it may cause deceleration or overheat and start to burn into the manifold of the exhaust.”
“While the vehicle was idling in the park position, the vehicle stalled without warning.”
What a mobile mechanic can do on an Encore
Most everyday Encore repairs fit in a van, including work on the electrical system, brakes, wipers, windows and mirrors. A mobile mechanic can read codes, test the battery and charging system, replace brakes, starters and alternators, and handle most cooling-system parts where the car is parked.
Transmission rebuilds, internal engine work and anything under a safety recall belong in a shop or at a dealer – a good mobile mechanic will tell you that before driving out. What mobile mechanics can and can't do
What common jobs cost
| Job | Repair shop average | Mobile mechanics we list | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $125–183 | $85–130 | Usually credited toward the repair |
| Battery replacement | $456–493 | $125–250 | Some mobile prices are install only |
| Brake pads, per axle | $335–394 | $125–215 | Pads and rotors: $310–390 mobile, $549–629 at a shop |
| Starter | $565–796 | $200–440 | Some mobile prices are labor only |
| Alternator | $809–1,088 | $200–500 | Some mobile prices are labor only |
Repair shop average: RepairPal national estimates, parts and labor before tax (updated Sep 3, 2026); pads and rotors from Kelley Blue Book (Jun 2026). Mobile: the middle half of prices that 90 mechanics listed on MobileMechanics.ai publish on their own websites (checked Oct 2026); some are labor only, so ask whether parts are included. Prices vary by vehicle and city; the mechanic quotes after looking. How we got these numbers
More Buick problem guides
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Buick Encore recalls and news
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Buick Encore: questions
What are the most common Buick Encore problems?
In NHTSA owner complaints for 2008–2024 models, the systems named most often are the engine, electrical system, transmission and drivetrain. The 2015 model year drew the most complaints (124).
How many recalls does the Buick Encore have?
NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls covering 2008–2024 models. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.
Are Buick Encore recall repairs free?
Yes, safety recall repairs are done free by the brand's dealers. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work, but can fix most other problems where the car is parked.
Can a mobile mechanic work on a Buick Encore?
Yes, for most everyday repairs: diagnostics, batteries, starters, alternators, brakes and many cooling-system parts. Transmission and internal engine work need a shop. Find a mobile mechanic in your city.
Where this data comes from
- NHTSA – vehicle safety complaints (public complaint database)
- NHTSA – recalls lookup by VIN
- NHTSA – Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing (vPIC)
Complaint and recall records for Buick Encore model years in range, retrieved September 2026. Owner quotes are short excerpts from public NHTSA complaint records, lightly cased for reading.