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Electrical systemPart report

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 2025-08

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2021111%
2020421%
20191011%
2018912%
201744%
2016911%
20153024%
20141322%
2013815%

Other parts of the 2018 Buick Encore

Engine
29 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Other or unknown
10 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Steering
6 complaints
Electronic stability control
5 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Exterior 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