RoadVitals

2014 Buick Encore

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
60
Latest Oct 17, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 10, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 60 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Buick Encore, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,566 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
17V437000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Jul 10, 2017
40,683 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
The risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 17287View on NHTSA.gov
16V651000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Sep 8, 2016
3,640,162 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
The risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 16007View on NHTSA.gov
14V446000

SEATS

Jul 23, 2014
124,007 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
The risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14340View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 60
EngineFuel systemInterior & seats
Filed Oct 17, 2025

The car only has 54700 I am orginal owner. Drivers seat does not work, Catalytic converter, GM Service Bulletin #43210. Ask if your VIN is affected or if they’ve seen similar failures in 2014 models. This car is a lemon.

NHTSA ID
11694037
Incident
Oct 17, 2025
Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2025

Coolant leak and cover gasket failure. Buick has been in the shop multiple times for coolant issues and leaks. Next step is for the shop to remove the entire front end to adequately repair. Constant issue and other complaint relay the same

NHTSA ID
11684754
Incident
Sep 3, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jun 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. In addition, the low air pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was stopped by the Police due to the taillight on the driver’s side being inoperable. The bulb was checked, and the bulb was not blown. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was started; however, the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID
11667527
Incident
Jun 13, 2025
Mileage
88,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the 02 sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact had the vehicle towed to another mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to another mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that a cylinder in the engine failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure but received no assistance in repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11667168
Incident
Feb 3, 2025
Mileage
70,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 4, 2025

On March 18 , 2025 I purchased a 2014 Buick Encore with an implied warranty, the vehicle had 128,644 miles on the odometer. At the time of purchase the check light was not on and the vehicle had no visible or audible mechanical issues. Not 14 days after purchase there was a strong odor of burning oil due to an oil leak dripping into the splash shield. A certified mechanic advised me that the problem was a very common issue with the 2014 Buick Encore and the oil cooler associated with the turbo charger needed to be replaced. This issue is so common that the NHTSA issued a GM part failure warning for the 2017 model and instructed GM to reimburse all vehicle owners to replace the part (N232395330). This issue clearly a problem that needs to be addressed with the 2014 model as well. My mechanic said that auto dealers are cleaning the splash pad prior to selling the vehicle so that the burning oil smell is not noticeable until 14 days or so after purchase. The repairs cost me $1148.00 just weeks after purchasing the vehicle. This problem of dealers covering up the problem and faulty GM parts needs to be addressed. I believe my vehicle falls under the previous GM parts needs failure warning and I should be reimbursed the cost of the repairs in the amount of $1148.00.

NHTSA ID
11664894
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 16, 2024

My 2014 Buick encore at random times when I turn the key to start the vehicle it just clicks once then complete power out even though the battery is fully charged. To deal with the issue I need to open the hood, unplug the negative from the battery and reconnect it. Then try again. I do this at least once every week, sometimes multiple times throughout a single day. It also does it when a new battery is used. Ive also has a mechanic inspect the vehicle and was so frustrated that everything seems okay but just couldnt figure out why the vehicle don't start. 12 hours of searching for the source of the problem , After giving up on the vehicle I turn the key and it turned on. Other time the vehicle will turn off when already driving. I need this problem fixed. I honestly regret financing this vehicle in January 2024. I was dealing with this problem since May 2024. 73000miles when I bought the vehicle and now at 84000mile. Half of the year 2024 it's been repeat problems with this vehicle. This vehicle should have been a lemon.

NHTSA ID
11630912
Incident
Apr 30, 2024
Steering
Filed Jun 19, 2024

On two occasions, there was a loss of steering assist while making a 90 degree right turn at an intersection. After forcing the steering wheel back straight, steering assist resumed. The vehicle can be made available for inspection. No warning lamps illuminated. Contacted Buick customer assistance. 2015 Buick Encore has a recall for loss of steering assist, but 2014 model is not included.

NHTSA ID
11595246
Incident
Jun 18, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jan 27, 2024

My antitheft alarm keeps going off and on. Yesterday my info screen went black had no back up cameras no way to control any of the car panel instruments. That was 1-26-24. Sometimes the info screen will blink off and on as I’m driving. It acts like there’s a short or something somewhere. My door locks do not always respond sometimes the doors unlock themselves. That has been going on for the last year. (2023)

NHTSA ID
11568161
Incident
Jan 26, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5214G

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.

13598

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Buick Encore by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025000—
2024000—
2023000—
2022800—
2021900—
2020192051.5
2019842062.7
2018740051.1
2017892061.0
2016792054.8
20151244052.5
2014Viewing604051.2
2013526154.0

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.