2014 Buick Encore Problems
Compared with other Buick Encore years
Typical for this model
36/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Buick Encore year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 14 of its 60 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Valve cover / PCV and intake manifold leaks (9 complaints, median 58,050 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 60filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 41 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Buick Encore (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about engine problems: cracked turbocharger waste gates, valve-cover and PCV failures, loss of power, and catalytic-converter codes, usually showing up well past 50,000 miles. A second cluster involves electrical complaints — batteries going dead after the car sits, no-crank starting, and instrument-cluster or screen dropouts — reported at both very low and higher mileage. Brake noise and a spongy pedal on low-mileage cars, and transmission shudder or delayed engagement, also recur.
- Electrical system
Dead battery and no-crank starting
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 5,769 mi at 1.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2024
Owners report batteries going flat after the vehicle sits for a few days to a couple of weeks, and repeated jump starts or replacement batteries that also died. Several complaints describe a single click and complete loss of power when turning the key, sometimes cleared by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cable. Dealers reportedly tested the charging system and found nothing wrong in several cases, while others traced related no-start conditions to other electrical faults. Reported across the range, from very low mileage (under 5,000) up to about 90,000 miles.
What to check: Check the battery date and ask about any parasitic-drain diagnosis; leave the car sitting a few days before buying if possible, and confirm the key starts it reliably from cold.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After owning my 2014 Buick Encore for only 64 days I went to start the vehicle and the car would not start. I had the car jumped and drove it to the dealer who tested the battery and the battery failed, so the dealer installed a new battery. Today, which is mother's day I went to start the vehicle and the battery is completely dead and no lights or anything would light up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715554, filed 2015-05, 14,986 miles“We had our 2014 Buick Encore 8 months and it ran great until it sat idle for 10 days. Then, it failed to start. The battery was dead . We charged the battery and took the vehicle to the dealership who reported nothing wrong. They advised if it happened again to have the vehicle towed in. After sitting idle for about 12 days the end of june, same problem. Vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealership (by our aaa coverage) who again reported no problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10744905, filed 2015-07, 10,064 miles - Engine
Turbocharger failure and cracked waste gate
- 8 complaints (13%)
- median 104,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2025
Complaints describe a cracked turbocharger or turbo waste gate that shows up as sudden loss of power, violent shaking, an abnormal sound, or overheating while driving, often with the check engine light on. Some owners say the vehicle dropped into a reduced-power mode without any warning light, limiting speed on highways. According to the complaints, independent mechanics and dealers replaced the turbocharger, and some owners noted the failure occurred far earlier than the mileage they expected from a turbo. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 110,000 miles, at varying speeds including highway driving.
What to check: Ask whether the turbocharger has been replaced and listen for whistling or a loss of boost on a test drive; scan for stored turbo/boost codes, since owners report the light does not always stay on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving my car on march 26, 2020, my engine light came on. I took my car to keller's professional auto, who detected that my turbo had a crack all the way across, so I had to replace it. I only had 45,352 miles on my car. According to keller's and my research, the turbo should last for 100,000 to 150,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11377760, filed 2020-12, 45,352 miles“If the vehicle detects a turbo under boost condition, engine power is immediately reduced (limp mode) with no indicator light or warning to the driver. This happened on a mountain highway, I did not know the vehicle was in limp mode and as I accelerated into traffic I was almost hit by a truck from behind. I learned through experience, if no turbo boost error occurs during the next drive cycle, (ie coming home down the mountain road) the pending code is cleared and the same condition can happen again, again without setting a cel.”
NHTSA complaint #11338554, filed 2020-07, 106,000 miles - Engine
Valve cover / PCV and intake manifold leaks
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 58,050 mi at 5.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2023
Complaints describe a cracked valve cover or failed PCV system that leads to the engine light coming on, rough or surging idle, hesitation, and stalling at stops, with some owners reporting the same part failed more than once. Dealers and shops reportedly replaced the valve cover, intake manifold gasket or seal, purge valve, and updated the control module, though some owners say the symptom returned. A few complaints also mention oil or coolant leaks around the same area. Typically reported from about 15,000 to 90,000 miles, often noticed as rough running at idle or on inclines.
What to check: Look for oil residue around the valve cover and intake, check for a rough or hunting idle when warm, and ask for service records showing whether the valve cover/PCV was already replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 5/26/18 I test drove a used 2014 Buick Encore at gulf coast chevrolet Buick in angleton tx. I liked the car but noticed it idled a little. I spoke with the sales associate and the service tech and they both said that was normal for the car. I decided to proceed and purchase the vehicle. Since then I have had multiple issues with the car, including the rough idle getting worse. Since may 26 2018 my car has been back at the dealership for repairs 4 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11118671, filed 2018-08, 68,000 miles“Cracked valve cover first occurrence was august of 2017. This was replaced under warranty. Second occurrence happened january 6,2019. This occurrence caused multiple failures and cost me $727 to have repaired. Symptoms were noticeable off shift points due to lack of power and too much air to turbo . Also a surviving of the engine when going up steep hills . This is a known issue as both times the dealer knew what the problem was and had parts on hand to fix . I took video of both times for my records.”
NHTSA complaint #11170906, filed 2019-01, 85,000 miles - Engine
Catalytic converter and emissions codes (P0420)
- 7 complaints (12%)
- median 70,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2025
Complaints describe the check engine light returning with catalyst efficiency codes, engine vibration at start-up, and hesitation to accelerate, sometimes after the thermostat housing or sensors were already replaced. Owners report shops replacing the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and thermostat, with the light coming back shortly afterward in some cases. A related complaint describes throttle delay and reduced power on acceleration. Reported mostly from about 50,000 to 130,000 miles, at varied speeds including highway passing.
What to check: Scan for stored and pending codes before purchase, note whether the converter or oxygen sensors were replaced, and test acceleration on an incline and on the highway.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Service engine light (po420 code) came on and vehicle begin to vibrate at start up especially. Temp gauge showed overheating with no signs of overheating. Thermostat housing replaced. Service engine light came on again after repair. Mechanic shop replaced converter that was faulty (po420 code) a week later. Service engine light came on (po 420 code) (171 code) mechanic shop replaced catalytic converter, r&r front. , left shop that day engine light came on again. Replace catalytic sensor, next day service engine light came on again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361178, filed 2020-09, 130,000 miles“The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine revved loudly, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered during start-up. The contact also stated that the vehicle shuddered while coming to a stop, then lost motive power. …”
NHTSA complaint #11536244, filed 2023-08, 93,000 miles - Brakes
Brake noise and spongy pedal
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 5,500 mi at 1.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2016
Owners of low-mileage cars describe a whistling, whirring or grinding noise from the front brakes at low speeds when the pedal is pressed or released, loud enough to be heard over the radio. Other complaints describe the brake pedal feeling spongy, sinking slowly to the floor at a stop, or dropping suddenly at intersections, with some dealers unable to reproduce or correct the noise. Mostly reported on very low-mileage cars, roughly under 15,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for brake noise during a slow-speed stop and reverse, and with the engine running hold steady pressure on the pedal to see whether it sinks; check brake fluid level and pads.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Took car to dealer ship 5 times for squeeking wheels when applying brake, complained about braking not feeling correct/locking up and they only switched the tires around so I wouldn't hear it on my side,,,really!! Its still there now on the other side..I give up. I die I blame them.”
NHTSA complaint #10888503, filed 2016-07, 5,500 miles“The vehicle was purchased new in november 2013. The vehicle has been serviced at a local dealership 6 times since the beginning of march for problems with the brakes. At slow speeds (between 1 and 25 MPH) when the brake pedal is depressed or released a whistling, whirring, and grinding sound generates from the front of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10615607, filed 2014-07, 4,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection scan all stored codes and check the turbocharger, valve cover, and battery drain, since those are the areas owners write about most. Service records showing past repairs to these parts — and whether the same fault came back — are worth more than mileage alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 55 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2014 Buick Encore. 41 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,570 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Buick Encore model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 36 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine25 42%
- Electrical system13 22%
- Fuel system8 13%
- Other or unknown6 10%
- Air bags5 8.3%
- Brakes5 8.3%
- Engine cooling3 5.0%
- Lane departure3 5.0%
- Seat belts3 5.0%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Steering (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Equipment (1), Seats (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My vehicle was in motion on the highway at an approximate speed of 65mph and suddenly I heard a strange pop. My car immediately went into limp mode causing my speed to drop to 25mph on a moderately crowded interstate highway. Due to the dangerous nature of this issue, I drove on the shoulder to the closest exit and drove the car to the closest dealership. 6 different trouble codes were pulled on the vehicle. I purchased my vehicle less than 6 months ago along with a gmpp extended warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11352758, filed 2020-09, 37,000 milesElectrical system: “Deat battery I've had this car for six weeks and have had triple a out three times to jump me. Once it starts the battery recharges its-self. They also tested the alternator too and its testing fine. This car has less than 15,000 miles and I am the 3rd owner. Last week took it to the dealership and they told me it checks out fine. The car sits more than 3 days will not start. Yes, three days!!!! There is something that runs in the back ground of this car that is zapping the battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #11010370, filed 2017-07, 1,475 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Camshaft cover failed pcv system had cover replaced at 50,000 miles under power train warranty engine light comes vehicle stalls at stop light this happened again at 80,000 miles this time because of causing to much vacum had to replace intake manifold gasket so it is my thought maybe Buick should put this camshaft cover with pcv system on recall same part failed again.”
NHTSA complaint #11252563, filed 2019-08, 83,000 milesFuel system: “The Buick Encore has 15,000 miles on it, the last 2,000 miles or so the engine hesitates any speeds. It does not stall but it keeps hesitating. The car has been taken to the dealership twice, the problem has not been fixed”
NHTSA complaint #10779505, filed 2015-10, 13,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
49% of the 41 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Buick Encore. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Encore · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2014 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating; 2015: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Buick Encore version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 17V437000Jul 10, 2017Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: Buick Encore 2014–2017, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014–2017, Corvette 2014–2017 +16 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and…
- 16V651000Sep 8, 2016Seat belts › PretensionerCovers: Buick Encore 2014–2017, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014–2017, Corvette 2014–2017 +16 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet…
- 14V446000Jul 23, 2014SeatsCovers: Buick Encore 2013–2014, Cadillac ATS 2013–2014, Chevrolet Silverado 2014–2015 +5 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook…
- 14V417000Jul 2, 2014Equipment › ElectricalCovers: Buick Encore 2013–2014, Chevrolet Sonic 2012–2014, Buick Verano 2013–2014 +1 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured…
Recall details for the 2014 Buick Encore → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,570 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Buick Encore
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 26,630 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 9 | 38,000 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 19 | 24,500 | 2 | 5 | 27 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 88 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 59 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 74 | 19,667 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 90 | 41,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 80 | 32,251 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2015 | 124 | 33,200 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 78 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 60 | 50,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 28 | 36 · Typical | Stable |
| 2013 | 52 | 21,693 | 6 | 4–5 | 28 | 65 · More | Rising |
All Buick Encore model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Buick Encore?
Owners of this model year most often write about engine problems: cracked turbocharger waste gates, valve-cover and PCV failures, loss of power, and catalytic-converter codes, usually showing up well past 50,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Dead battery and no-crank starting; Turbocharger failure and cracked waste gate; Valve cover / PCV and intake manifold leaks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Buick Encore have?
NHTSA recorded 60 consumer complaints for the 2014 Buick Encore as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Buick Encore is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 25 complaints (42% of the total), followed by electrical system with 13.
Has the 2014 Buick Encore been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Buick Encore do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Buick Encore 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Buick Encore get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Buick Encore (Encore, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Buick Encore reported?
Among the 41 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 80,000 miles; 49% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.