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Air bagsPart report

2013 Buick Encore Air bags Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
10%of 52 total for the year
Median mileage
22,802miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Buick Encore, 10% of the 52 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,802 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Purchased a used 2013 Buick Encore with 21,115 miles. After two (2) months the passenger airbag light starting showing off when my wife was seated in the car, she weighs 110 lbs. It would come on then go off or not come on at all. Took car to nearby dealership, they stated no problem, we can adjust the sensor all the way down to 85 lbs. About half way home the passenger airbag off light came back on. …”

NHTSA complaint #10899686, filed 2016-08, 22,802 miles

“In a line of traffic getting ready to make a left turn and without warning, the engine raced causing the car to accelerate and slam into the rear of another car causing over $5k worth of damage to the Encore. The air bags did not go off. The impact was so intense that the rear glove box opened tossing the contents out into the trunk.”

NHTSA complaint #10643646, filed 2014-10, 22,500 miles

“The contact owned a 2013 Buick Encore. While the contact's wife was driving 40-50 MPH and attempting to avoid a deer, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle began to flip over and eventually landed on the passenger side. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver air bags did not deploy. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The driver received injuries to the chest and shoulder, which required medical attention. The vehicle was not repaired and deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10968775, filed 2017-03, 35,000 miles

“The warning light connected to the passenger side airbag intermittently displays the off sign even when an adult passenger is in the seat. In the event of a crash the airbag will not deploy if the warning light reads off even if a passenger is in the seat.”

NHTSA complaint #10980551, filed 2017-04

“Passenger seat airbag sensor detects passenger about 60% of time, at random occasions setting in driveway or driving down the road. The 40% airbag is off and out of service. We have dealt with gmc Buick and they have run test at dealership could not come up a solution to the problem. If the airbag is off at anytime the passenger is at risk of greater injury in an accident, why is 60% acceptable with Buick management. Thank you for your help.”

NHTSA complaint #10969995, filed 2017-04

Related recalls

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2022113%
2021111%
202015%
20191113%
20181014%
20171314%
201679%
20151613%
201458%
2013510%

Other parts of the 2013 Buick Encore

Engine
21 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Buick Encore

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology