2013 Buick Encore Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 13%of 52 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Buick Encore, 13% of the 52 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The engine oil cooler is leaking. The front driver axle shaft seal is leaking. The car is running too lean the check engine light is on. I replaced the air filter and clean fuel injectors and the car is sputtering and the check engine light is still on. The car sputters when stationary as well as moving.”
NHTSA complaint #11186693, filed 2019-03, 70,000 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“Premium trim level has forward collision warning. On at least six occasions beginning november of last year (2013), the forward collision warning has come on with no vehicle in front for hundreds of feet and has disengaged the cruise control, essentially causing the vehicle to coast until the accelerator was manually depressed. Four incidents occurred while traveling on the new jersey turnpike at 65 to 68 MPH; one incident occurred on a local road at 45 MPH; and one incident occurred on a local road traveling at 35 MPH (police patrolled area, use cruise to not exceed speed limit). …”
NHTSA complaint #10641239, filed 2014-10, 6,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. One side of the vehicle was able to be heated through the vents while the other side was not able. The vehicle also jerked when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the electrical failure was confirmed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the jerking and heating failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11154446, filed 2018-11, 108,000 miles“2013 Buick Encore. Consumer writes in regards to ABS and all wheel drive transmission system issues. The consumer stated the brakes would squeak, rub and grab. On thanksgiving day, while driving down his driveway, on snowy day, the ABS locked up and the vehicle went off the road into a plowed snow bank, in which the bumper was cracked. Also, as he wife was driving, the vehicle pulled to the right, as she braked. On two occasions, the awd drive light illuminated on the dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #10574525, filed 2014-03Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 25% |
| 2021 | 3 | 33% |
| 2020 | 4 | 21% |
| 2019 | 10 | 11% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 9 | 10% |
| 2016 | 12 | 15% |
| 2015 | 11 | 9% |
| 2014 | 9 | 15% |
| 2013 | 7 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2013 Buick Encore
21 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsAir bags
5 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 29, 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