2018 Buick Encore Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 39%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,254miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Buick Encore, 39% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,254 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“With estimating my months over a span of 4 months I had my turbo charger replacedbecause it had gone bad. I was out of town the light came on. And when I return I took it to the shop they diagnose it and said it was a turbo charger. I had an extended warranty on the car so they replace the turbo charger with no problems give me a rental with no problems everything was covered.. And a month and a half later my engine light came on and I replaced the purge valve another month or so later the engine light came back on and it was a turbo charger gone bad again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389714, filed 2021-01, 80,000 miles“There is a malfunction with the turbo hose on a majority of 2018 Buick Encore's that require a new hose. There is a nationwide back order on these parts due to all of the repairs. When this item broke I was driving about 70 MPH on the interstate, there was a loud pop from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not accelerate appropriately.”
NHTSA complaint #11133103, filed 2018-10, 4,000 miles“Brought my car to get an oil change and was told they could not do it as my oil filter housing unit is cracked and leaking oil they said to check for recalls as this is an issue with other vehicle same problem. Upon checking i was informed that Buick is not making this a recall item at this time. They put in enough oil for me to get home.”
NHTSA complaint #11699432, filed 2025-11“I have been employed in the Automotive Parts and Repair business for over forty years. I notice my vehicle exhaust sounded different than usual. I suspected the flex pipe part of the front exhaust pipe was leaking. This was confirmed by my local auto repair shop during a service visit. During my time as GM Parts Manager I can speak from experience to the problems these flex pipes cause because I kept two or three of them on the shelf to repair vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11564273, filed 2024-01“I have been alerted by General Motors, via a letter that I received in March, 2024, that, due to a defect, my car's (a 2018 model year Buick Encore) engine may have a condition where the turbocharger could fail and that the engine may run rough or have reduced power. In the letter, they have offered additional protection for the condition if the condition occurs...within 10 years of the date your car was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles...whichever occurs first. …”
NHTSA complaint #11635370, filed 2025-01Related service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 33% |
| 2020 | 7 | 37% |
| 2019 | 33 | 38% |
| 2018 | 29 | 39% |
| 2017 | 35 | 39% |
| 2016 | 41 | 51% |
| 2015 | 29 | 23% |
| 2014 | 25 | 42% |
| 2013 | 21 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2018 Buick Encore
11 complaintsAir bags
10 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 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