2018 Buick Encore reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2018 Buick Encore holds 74 complaints after 9 years, a rate of 6 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Encore years here — over the median of the other years, which is 5. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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9
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (29 of 74), then Service brakes (11) and Air bags (10). Those filings include 10 that report a crash and 5 that report an injury.
The 2017 Encore has 89 complaints, 7 per year, and the 2019 has 86 complaints, 8 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2018 Buick Encore. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (74 total)
Show 8 more Show less
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5
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then…"
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"General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized…"
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"Strong odor of gasoline, followed by a crack in the high pressure fuel line. Gasoline poured out under pressure from fuel line approximately 1 foot ahead of the right rear tire. Major amount of spillage - literally…"
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"Request for Goodwill Assistance – Turbocharger Failure (Special Coverage XXX) Dear General Motors Customer Assistance, I am writing to request a one-time goodwill repair for my 2018 Buick Encore (VIN: [XXX]).…"
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"I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Encore SUV AWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2018 Buick Encore SUV FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 25 | 33 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Encore | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 27 | 33 | 30 MPG | $2150 |
| Encore all-wheel drive | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | All-wheel drive | 26 | 31 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Encore all-wheel drive | 1.4L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | All-wheel drive | 24 | 30 | 27 MPG | $2400 |
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 15V-146 covers certain 2015 Buick Encore vehicles: the steering column housing may wear the power-steering circuit board and cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist; dealers inspect and replace the column as needed. Campaign 16V-651 covers certain 2014-2017 Encore vehicles among a large multi-model GM population where SDM software may prevent frontal air bags or pretensioners from deploying; dealers reflash or replace the SDM. Campaign 18V-774 covers certain 2019 Encore vehicles left in SDM manufacturing mode so air bags may not deploy; dealers reprogram the SDM. Campaign 20V-668 covers certain 2019-2020 Encore vehicles (with many other GM models) for missing bolts on a start/stop transmission accumulator endcap that can leak fluid and progress to loss of propulsion or fire risk; dealers inspect and replace the accumulator if bolts are missing. Shared campaign unit counts cover multiple nameplates.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Buick Encore reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2018 Buick Encore holds 74 complaints after 9 years, a rate of 6 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Encore years here — over the median of the other years, which is 5. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2018 Buick Encore?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (29 of 74), then Service brakes (11) and Air bags (10). Those filings include 10 that report a crash and 5 that report an injury.
Is the 2018 Buick Encore more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2017 Encore has 89 complaints, 7 per year, and the 2019 has 86 complaints, 8 per year. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2017. The 2018 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019.
Has the 2018 Buick Encore been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2018 Buick Encore.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2018 Buick Encore?
Owners have filed 74 complaints about the 2018 Buick Encore with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2018 Buick Encore get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2018 Buick Encore is 28.3 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
What oil does a Buick Encore take?
5W-30 full synthetic for the 1.4L turbo and 1.4L naturally aspirated engines on the GK generation (2013-2022).
What tire size does the Buick Encore use?
215/55R18 is the common GK-generation size listed on this site.
What does NHTSA campaign 15V-146 cover on the Encore?
Certain 2015 Encore vehicles: the steering column housing may wear the power-steering circuit board and cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist; dealers inspect and replace the column as needed.