Knowing which model years to avoid in a used Buick Encore would be very important. Though this subcompact SUV has, by and large, a glowing reputation in terms of reliability, some particular years have garnered it for recurring issues.
Herein is provided an informed guide into the key Buick Encore years to avoid based on problems that have been reported, recalls, and owners’ feedback. Knowing the issues with certain model years can help your purchase be better informed and help prevent costly repairs later.
Overview of the Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is a small and stylish crossover SUV. The production of this particular brand started in 2012. With a posh cabin and a smooth ride, that’s what the Buick Encore offers: a comfortable, relatively affordable luxury SUV. Even though this car is generally reliable, some model years are far more headache-free than others, so it is imperative to be aware of which ones to avoid when purchasing this car.
Most Specific Buick Encore Years To Avoid
Be cautious of these model years of the Buick Encore: 2013-2017. These are model years where there have been more frequent complaints about issues with the engine, battery, safety features, brakes, airbags, and electronics. Although some problems continued for consecutive model years, others were problems in specific years alone. It is best to avoid these models to save you from future headaches and expensive repairs.
2013 Buick Encore
The 2013 Buick Encore was notorious for the likelihood of having severe problems with the engine. Owners experienced poor acceleration and a loss in overall power, and some even had their engines fail—issues severe enough to be subject to various recalls. Other issues were also reported, such as electrical glitches and interior quality. Given the severity of these issues, this model year is quite unfavorable.
- Engine Troubles: Some common issues in this model include poor acceleration, low engine power, and turbocharger failure.
- Recalls: The model was recalled many times due to the problems associated with the engine.
2014 Buick Encore
While the 2014 Buick Encore did fix some of the engine issues in the previous model year, the 2013 one did uncover some new ones. One of the most pervasive was battery drain—a few owners complained of this, with several being left with dead batteries.
Owners were also left open to safety issues since this model year had numerous airbag and seatbelt-related recalls. Furthermore, there have been reports about brake defects and interior problems, which add to the general reliability concerns with the 2014 Encore.
- Battery Issues: Owners were seen complaining about its fast battery drain and replacement.
- Safety Issues: Airbag and seatbelt recalls gave rise to the model’s safety being questioned.
- Other Problems: Defects in the interior and problems with the brakes added to the issues.
2015 Buick Encore
The engine and battery problems were still present in the 2015 Buick Encore. Braking issues became prominent, with the owners of this car complaining that it had a problem with the brakes. Other issues raised related to electrical problems, where the radio and other electronic devices are prone to malfunctioning. Having these recurring problems, this model is better to avoid as well.
- Brake Problems: Vehicle owners complained a lot about the defective brakes.
- Engine Problems: This model year continued to be troubled by ongoing issues with the engine, much like the issues experienced with the 2013 and 2014 models.
- Electrical Issues: Issues with batteries and radios persisted in troubling owners.
2016 Buick Encore
Although the 2016 Buick Encore was somewhat better, it still had some problems. First, issues related to the engine, although better than in previous model years, still plagued some owners. This year, there were also recalls regarding airbags, which raised questions about the safety features. The early models are better than the early models, but there is still some risk in the 2016 Encore.
- Engine Issues: Owners reported trouble with the engine. While it was present, it may have been less severe than in older models.
- Safety Recalls: This model year was affected by airbag recalls, which pointed out possible risks to safety.
2017 Buick Encore
The 2017 Buick Encore continued to possess some of the problems already highlighted in earlier models. The owners mentioned issues with the performance of the engine, specifically a lack of power or hesitation. Depiction of malfunctioning airbags was also thrown into the mix, pointing to a risk in security. These may not be so rampant in this year’s model, but they are certainly not insignificant either.
- Performance: Owners have complained of a lack of power in their engines.
- Airbag Concerns: Airbag deployment was again an issue for this model year.
Best Buick Encore Model Years
The Buick Encore is a smash with compact SUV drivers, but not all years of model. There needs to be a clearer variety of choices available in the market that one needs to appraise to be truly informed. Let’s break down the Buick Encore model years to keep you headache-free.
- 2016 Buick Encore: With a few issues, this model is a better option than previous year models and has a slight remodel.
- 2018 Buick Encore: A lower number of complaints and recalls is observed. Therefore, this model lies moderately in the series regarding performance and reliability.
- 2019 Buick Encore: The most improved model of the 2019 series. This model is reliable but has a few problems compared to previous years.
- 2020 Buick Encore: Taking 2020 into account, after a redesign, the reports are that there are very few problems, and this crossover is considered one at the top of the list for reliability and newer features available.
- 2021 Model: Once more, improvements in the 2021 version have taken further measures in terms of reliability and performance, which are yet to be regarded as the best among the previous designs.
Most Common Problems With All Buick Encore Model Years
Before buying a Buick Encore, be aware of recurring problems involving the vehicle across many model years. Multiple models have been claimed to have serious issues with trouble surfacing in the engines, malfunctioning airbags, troublesome brakes, and unreliable batteries. Knowing the common problems can help make your decision more informed and avoid headaches.
1. Engine Issues
All through the years, many reported problems pertain to the engines of most Buick Encore models, especially the earlier make years. Some prevalent issues include poor acceleration, too much smoke from the exhaust, and the engine stalling. In this case, the worst models to purchase are the 2013 and 2017 models. At times, this has formed severe safety concerns, such as fires.
2. Faulty Air Bag and Faulty Seatbelt Issues
Most of the models in the Encore series have faulty airbags and seatbelts. For instance, recall notices for model years 2015 through 2017 included some of these Encores for having airbag sensing modules prone to failure. This event may interfere with the deployment of airbags and seat belt tensioners in the event of a crash, which would be a major safety defect in these model years.
3. Problems with Brakes
The 2015 Buick Encore was quite familiar with severe issues in the braking system. Owners reported strange noises and insufficient force, making it dangerous to bring about an accident. This issue is quite tricky, mostly in low-mileage models.
4. Faulty Battery
The 2014 Buick Encore also has been plagued by complaints regarding battery failures. Many owners have complained that the batteries go dead every few weeks, which is incredibly inconvenient, not to mention frustrating. It has been related to electrical system issues with this car model, which is very expensive to repair.
5. Radio Malfunctions
Common issues with the radio, particularly for the 2015 MY, include display and volume setting problems. None of these issues are major and do not threaten the car’s functionality. However, they can be annoying and are usually early symptoms of larger electrical problems within the vehicle.
6. Turbocharger Failure
The turbochargers of a 2013 Buick Encore have failed a few times. Many drivers experience poor acceleration and hear strange sounds from the engine—this happens at around 94,000 miles. Repairs for a turbocharger could prove to be quite costly.
Other Things to Remember
When it comes to the reliability of any used Buick Encore, this will rely on the vehicle’s maintenance and the type of ownership it has received, and maintenance. Even one that has received good servicing and been well-maintained has the potential to give one very few problems when it comes to the vehicle being termed a trouble-free car.
Most Common Repairs
Normal maintenance will include common costs associated with a Buick Encore, hence understanding an imminent maintenance budget. Regular oil changes, brake pads, and tyre replacements are the common maintenance points.
Buying the right Buick Encore encompasses the enlightenment of which years of models present faulty issues and which do not. With guidance from “Buick Encore Years to Avoid,” through the years 2013, 2014, 2015, and even 2017, you can stay away from to ensure you don’t go through unnecessary expensive repairs but maintain a good ownership experience.
Thorough research and inspection must be carried out to find the best model year. Look at these problematic years and find a better Buick Encore with these more dependable options.
