2018 Buick Encore Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Buick Encore, 12% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 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.
“Since I bought this car in 04/2018 I had many problems problems as the engine sensor had to be replaced, headlights going out when I was driving, they could not reproduce the problem at the dealership , now the back wheel driver module is bad,it will need to be replaced ,and finally I almost could not drive in the highway on 04/25/2020, I was very afraid that I was going to be in an accident when the power steering wheel locked, ABS, brake lights and traction light were all on in the panel and so a warning signal.the vehicle was in motion.I was in rt 206 in nj, after chester.025/2020. …”
NHTSA complaint #11322311, filed 2020-04, 61,000 miles“I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11734491, filed 2026-04“Twice I was driving my car going about 35-45 mikes an hour. My car started to shake along with a loud humming sound. I lost my power steering and brakes. The over drive light was flashing both on the right under radio and on the dash. The RPMs started racing as well one time for sure. I was able to get to the side of the road and hit the emergency brake at the same time put it into park. I was so scared. I waited a few minutes turned it back on and drove around a parking lot before I ventured home.The second time I was close to home and drove it home 10 miles an hour. …”
NHTSA complaint #11430872, filed 2021-08“Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been correct but told there is no recall to fix these issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11712726, filed 2026-01“The car experienced issues with the fan turning off when car was turned off. It caused the battery to die. The car was serviced at the dealership and the tech found that the fuse block overheated and melted, causing poor electrical connections. They replaced the damaged parts and repaired the wiring. This still did not explain the fan not turning off and after the fuse block repair, the cooling fan was still sticking on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11682271, filed 2025-08Related 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 2018 Buick Encore
29 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 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 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