2016 Buick Encore Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Buick Encore, 6% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 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.
“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“While driving 25 MPH, stabilizer and engine light came on. While in drive, accelerating, tach and speed dropped to nothing. Stabilizer light flashed. Parked vehicle on the side of the road, service power steering message appeared. Attempted to drive vehicle to near by parking lot, no power steering, transmission shifted into drive but shift gears when accelerated. Speedometer and tach didn't work. Noticed heater stayed on when key was removed. Started car, same message, same lights. Turned heater off, removed key. Hearter lights stayed on, and fan kept running. …”
NHTSA complaint #11291268, filed 2019-12, 51,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message Steering Fault was displayed, the steering icon was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The following day, the contact discovered that the vehicle could be started. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the steering failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (STEERING). …”
NHTSA complaint #11695799, filed 2025-10, 88,300 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that if his wife had been driving the vehicle at the time of the failure, she would not have been able to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a circuit board failure inside the steering column. The contact was informed that the circuit board needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11627275, filed 2024-11, 78,000 milesRelated 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.
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014577Feb 18, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 Buick Encore
41 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsAir bags
7 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