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 2023-06Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014577Feb 18, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2018 Buick Encore
29 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
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