2016 Buick Encore Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 51%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,994miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Buick Encore, 51% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,994 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Buzzing heard when I pressed on accelerating pedal. Heard a pop, then it would not accelerate and smoked out tail pipe. Engine light and oil lights both turned on. Vehicle was in motion when it occurred . I parked shortly after incident and had car towed to firestone next morning. Jeff said engine blew and recommended dealer powertrain warranty to fix. Turbo blew which blew engine”
NHTSA complaint #11413691, filed 2021-04, 56,080 miles“Yesterday I started the vehicle up and it quit. So I started it again and it ran. Then today, I was backing out and it died out. I started it up again and drove towards home. Then I was traveling 40 plus miles an hour when the car shut off. I hit the brakes and it started rocking. I was almost hit from the car behind me. I had it towed to the Buick dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11091448, filed 2018-05, 10,300 miles“Our vehicle started losing pick up and go in the middle of driving about 2 weeks ago. Check engine light came on, so we took the vehicle to identify the issue. Error codes p0299 turbo/super charger underboost issue was identified. We called the dealership and were told the part is on backorder until maybe july. Even after market parts apparently are unavailable because GM is purchasing them. …”
NHTSA complaint #11219199, filed 2019-06, 88,000 miles“I got onto the 91 freeway heading east from the long beach blvd entrance. When doing the turn onto the freeway (u) the steering wheel locked/car shifted and both the engine light and traction control light turned on. Car was shakey whole time until I pulled over.”
NHTSA complaint #11406152, filed 2021-04, 38,000 miles“My awd went out on 3 occasions, each time I was told they found nothing. One day I lost acceleration power and then the engine light came on. The dealership said my pistons were not firing and had to be replaced with the turbo. All was covered, however two weeks later my red oil alarm came on, I was out of oil. The car went back to dealer, all oil was burned up and so was my turbo. I had taken my car in previously for large amount of smoke coming out the back-end. I was told nothing was found to be wrong?”
NHTSA complaint #11291064, filed 2019-12, 85,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 33% |
| 2020 | 7 | 37% |
| 2019 | 33 | 38% |
| 2018 | 29 | 39% |
| 2017 | 35 | 39% |
| 2016 | 41 | 51% |
| 2015 | 29 | 23% |
| 2014 | 25 | 42% |
| 2013 | 21 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2016 Buick Encore
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 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