2016 Buick Encore Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 15%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,540miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Buick Encore, 15% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,540 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.
“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“Heavy vibration in lower gear while shifting seems to come from engine or transmission cant tell but strong vibration can be felt in shift handle when you attain higher gear seems to stop on city street or highway same experience worse in lower gears.”
NHTSA complaint #11073423, filed 2018-02, 12,000 miles“While traveling at higher speeds (60+ MPH), the check engine light will come on and the car will lose significant power in 4th and higher gear. This will present as speed can still be gained although very slowly in 4th gear, speed can be maintained but not gained while in 5th gear, and speed will only be lost while in 6th gear. 3rd gear and below all work fine. This issue is resolved by turning the car off for a while and then it continues to operate as it should thereafter, however, the check engine light will remain lit for a few days. …”
NHTSA complaint #11278225, filed 2019-11, 86,000 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“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 2026-01Related 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 2016 Buick Encore
41 complaintsFuel system
13 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 28, 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