2016 Buick Encore Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Buick Encore, 11% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles.
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.
“Side detection system stop working do to rear sensor bracket under rear bumper,should be under warranty but dealer will not cover. Wife is blind in one eye should have working”
NHTSA complaint #11321895, filed 2020-04, 35,000 miles“I was stopped at a traffic light and began moving forward to make a turn into traffic. As I activated my turn signal and started to proceed through the intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. Another vehicle was entering the intersection at the same time, creating a near-collision situation. I was forced to restart the vehicle in traffic. The incident occurred within less than 250 miles of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle had recently received an oil change and inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11709530, filed 2026-01“In reference to this vehicle, I purchased this car from Burns Honda in February 2020. I replaced the battery less than a year of having this car. I then had my engine light come on and my car was skipping, it completely stopped while driving. Several times, it jumped when I would go over 65 MPH. I took it to the dealership that same night and they continued to tell me nothing was wrong with it. I have had electrical issues along with that. After back and forth for several days with Buick, they finally replaced the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #11438060, filed 2021-10“2/2017- purchased new 2016 Buick Encore at honolulu gmc in first 2 years- dealership replaced 4 batteries I have all stock items I haven't added/upgraded anything on the vehicle they said I had no warranty after 50,000 miles which was a lie after having to replace the battery 2 more times and water pump once successfully and not at their dealership. 1/2021 I found the original purchase papers, while deep cleaning car before taking in to be fixed elsewhere and then gmc admitted I had an extended warranty. Due to long wait times nearest appointment in 2/2021. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405099, filed 2021-03“My car read that the side detection system went offline, shortly after every warning light on the dash came on and the entire car shut off going down the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11491905, filed 2022-11Related service bulletins
- 11017595Apr 3, 2025This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
- 11017244Mar 31, 2025The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 11017207Mar 21, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012929Jan 7, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009170Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 11% |
| 2020 | 4 | 21% |
| 2019 | 10 | 11% |
| 2018 | 9 | 12% |
| 2017 | 4 | 4% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 30 | 24% |
| 2014 | 13 | 22% |
| 2013 | 8 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2016 Buick Encore
41 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Buick Encore
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology