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SteeringPart report

2018 Buick Encore Steering Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
8%of 74 total for the year
Median mileage
40,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Buick Encore, 8% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,500 miles. 1 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.

“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

“While driving, my car began to glitch out. The screens started turning on and off, the doors began locking and unlocking, and I lost my ability to steer, brake, and accelerate. It caused me to run a red light and I almost got into a severe accident. This issue has occurred several times, and during more recent occasions the car has turned off completely while driving. …”

NHTSA complaint #11661607, filed 2025-05

“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

“While on the highway car suddenly had a brake and steering failure which resulted in injuries to myself. Zeigler and Buick are doing nothing to remedy situation and want to put myself and my family at risk”

NHTSA complaint #11527313, filed 2023-06

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202015%
201922%
201868%
201744%
201656%
20152722%
201423%
201312%

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
Electrical system
9 complaints
Fuel system
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