2018 Buick Encore Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 14%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Buick Encore, 14% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 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.
“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“8/14-car was lacking power, service manager was able to duplicate issue on road test . 8/24-car service for rough idle and lack of power, service stabilitrak light on and check engine light on with an error code of p0171. In september, car started to shake while in park but no check engine light, dealer advise unable to do any repairs unless check engine light on. 11/27- check engine light on again for same code, p0171. Vehicle is currently in shop. Vehicle has had the same issues dec 2018 and at the time of purchase. Gm dealers are not able to fix turbo issue and p0171 issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11282934, filed 2019-11, 48,000 miles“The contact owned a 2018 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the Service AWD warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11726518, filed 2026-03, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Encore. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned while in first gear, and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate from being stationary. Additionally, the message Stabilizer was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yetbeen determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11668594, filed 2025-06, 147,000 milesRelated 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.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 25% |
| 2021 | 3 | 33% |
| 2020 | 4 | 21% |
| 2019 | 10 | 11% |
| 2018 | 10 | 14% |
| 2017 | 9 | 10% |
| 2016 | 12 | 15% |
| 2015 | 11 | 9% |
| 2014 | 9 | 15% |
| 2013 | 7 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2018 Buick Encore
29 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsOther or unknown
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 29, 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