2018 Buick Encore Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 14%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 2018 Buick Encore, 14% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,150 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Airbags did not deploy upon auto accident. Impact area was front corner fender on passenger side. Possible gas released into passenger side of cabin smelled 'electrical' and 'smoke' filled passenger footboard area. No loss of coolant from car to explain smoke. Airbag warning light remains on dashboard display. Car was traveling at normal highway speed 30-35mph, brakes applied, then crashed into a turning car in front - turning from passenger to driver direction.”
NHTSA complaint #11180594, filed 2019-02, 8,300 miles“My airbag light is on and malfunctioning. It will cost $200 for the diagnostic and no repair. To repair it will cost $873.19. I see there are more complaints in regarding this issue. To me this is a safety issue and concerns me as I drive my grandchildren in this car. I am told it is an actual sensor in the cushion of the seat. My vehicle is under 5 years old. Something has to be done.”
NHTSA complaint #11501135, filed 2023-01“When crossing through an intersection at approximately 45mph, I was struck by another vehicle, speed unknown, who failed to stop at a stop sign. My vehicle was struck on the front passenger corner. My vehicle continued in a forward motion for several hundred feet. Both driver and front passenger wore seat belts, however the driver struck her head on steering wheel, loosing consciousness for several minutes. Side airbags deployed, however front air bags did not”
NHTSA complaint #11682540, filed 2025-08“previous airbag recall, but not including my VIN. However, my airbag light is on and malfunctioning. It will cost $200 to just diagnose the repair and no idea what the cost to fix this saftey issue on a car that is only 5 years old. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #11497139, filed 2022-12“I have brought my new 2018 Buick Encore vehicle into delray Buick dealership, delray beach, fl for numerous servicing to address correcting/repair/replace the passenger side airbag switch and or any components in the system effecting the dash indicator light which shows 100% of the time that the passenger airbag is off when there is in fact an adult passenger in the seat and concerningly is a hazard to the passenger in this seat and all passengers in the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11340643, filed 2020-07Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 13% |
| 2021 | 1 | 11% |
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 11 | 13% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 13 | 14% |
| 2016 | 7 | 9% |
| 2015 | 16 | 13% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 5 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2018 Buick Encore
29 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Buick Encore
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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