RoadVitals

2014 Buick Encore Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Buick Encore, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine2732.5%
  • Electrical1315.7%
  • Driver assistance56.0%
  • Brakes56.0%
  • Airbags56.0%
  • Seat belts33.6%
  • Exterior lighting22.4%
  • Steering22.4%
  • Interior & seats11.2%
  • Visibility11.2%
  • Tires & wheels11.2%
  • Other / unspecified11.2%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 17, 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 · filed Sep 3, 2025
All 27 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 17, 2025

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 · filed Dec 16, 2024
All 13 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED MY 2014 BUICK ENCORE APRIL 2021 THAT NEXT YEAR 2022 MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO O'REILLY THEY TURNED IT OFF TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR MY VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING ROUGH I WAS HAVING TROUBLE TAKING OFF ONCE I DID IT WOULD IDLE UP HIGH WHEN I CAME TO A STOP IT WOULD START SHAKING AND IT WOULD TURN OFF CARS WENT AROUND ME I COULDN'T ACCELERATE IT KEPT HESITATING SO NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY THIS YEAR 2023 ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON CURRENTLY HERE'S THE CODE THAT CAME UP p020 THEY DAY MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON APRIL 5TH MY MILEAGE WAS 94,357 MY AC STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WOULD CAUSE MY AC TO START BLOWIN HOT AIR MY CAR INSURANCE ALLSTATE IS HOW I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ENGINE ALERT TY,,

NHTSA ID 11535394 · filed Jul 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that twice while her son was driving the vehicle at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights had illuminated. After the most recent failure, the vehicle had become inoperable and failed to restart after multiple attempts. The vehicle had been towed to an independent mechanic and a dealer however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11456939 · filed Mar 16, 2022
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 17, 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 · filed Jun 4, 2025
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED MY 2014 BUICK ENCORE APRIL 2021 THAT NEXT YEAR 2022 MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK IT TO O'REILLY THEY TURNED IT OFF TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR MY VEHICLE STARTED DRIVING ROUGH I WAS HAVING TROUBLE TAKING OFF ONCE I DID IT WOULD IDLE UP HIGH WHEN I CAME TO A STOP IT WOULD START SHAKING AND IT WOULD TURN OFF CARS WENT AROUND ME I COULDN'T ACCELERATE IT KEPT HESITATING SO NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY THIS YEAR 2023 ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON CURRENTLY HERE'S THE CODE THAT CAME UP p020 THEY DAY MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON APRIL 5TH MY MILEAGE WAS 94,357 MY AC STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME I DON'T KNOW IF THAT WOULD CAUSE MY AC TO START BLOWIN HOT AIR MY CAR INSURANCE ALLSTATE IS HOW I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ENGINE ALERT TY,,

NHTSA ID 11535394 · filed Jul 31, 2023

During lane departure the size of the rear view mirrors do not display a vehicle in an adjacent lane until it’s too late. However, although the lane departure does notify the driver with a flashing light in the mirror the flashing light is easily missed. An audible warning would be more effective when the turn signal is activated. I departed my lane nearly colliding with an unseen vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11504563 · filed Jan 30, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MOSTLY IN MORNINGS, BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND SLOW DOWN THE CAR. HAPPENS MOST COOLER DAYS

NHTSA ID 10893593 · filed Aug 5, 2016

TOOK CAR TO DEALER SHIP 5 TIMES FOR SQUEEKING WHEELS WHEN APPLYING BRAKE, COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKING NOT FEELING CORRECT/LOCKING UP AND THEY ONLY SWITCHED THE TIRES AROUND SO I WOULDN'T HEAR IT ON MY SIDE,,,REALLY!! ITS STILL THERE NOW ON THE OTHER SIDE..I GIVE UP. I DIE I BLAME THEM.

NHTSA ID 10888503 · filed Jul 25, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while in idle traffic going onto the express way when they were suddenly hit in the rear of the vehicle when the seat belts failed to restrain the contact from going forward. The contact stated there was no air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact received injuries to their shoulders, neck and chest that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact had not spoken with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11456286 · filed Mar 11, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVED RESIDENTIAL ROAD, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR, TIRE, BUMPER, AND HOOD OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE IMPACT PUSHED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ONTO THE LAWN. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HIP THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V651000 (AIR BAG, SEAT BELTS). THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: [XXX] WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

NHTSA ID 11203121 · filed Apr 23, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while in idle traffic going onto the express way when they were suddenly hit in the rear of the vehicle when the seat belts failed to restrain the contact from going forward. The contact stated there was no air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact received injuries to their shoulders, neck and chest that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact had not spoken with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11456286 · filed Mar 11, 2022

SEAT BELT IS HARD TO LOCK AND STICKS WHEN YOU TRY TO ADJUST IT. IT WILL LOCK UP AROUND YOUR NECK. IT WILL LOCKUP IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR 02/07/2018

NHTSA ID 11322859 · filed Apr 30, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

During the past 3 years I have had to replace the battery 3 times, my daytime running lamps keep turning off, I have had to replace the ignition coil and now my car has been at the dealership for a week because there is an electrical problem they cannot figure out. The chassis control module was replaced but did not fix the problem. My personal mechanic advised the TCM was coding, but dealership said no. I am beyond frustrated! These problems started around 60000 miles and now it has 83000 miles on it and can't be driven. If GM knew about the issues (as found in multiple articles on line) why didn't they disclose?

NHTSA ID 11421526 · filed Jun 20, 2021

INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING IN BRIGHT DAYLIGHT, WHILE WEARING SUNGLASSES, IS INSUFFICIENT. IN ORDER TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER EITHER ON THE ANALOG DIAL OR ON THE SMALL DIGITAL DISPLAY WHILE DRIVING, REQUIRES THE REMOVAL OF THE SUNGLASSES, TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD, AND PEER INTO THE PANEL IN ORDER TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER. THE GAS AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES ARE NOT VISIBLE AT ALL. ADJUSTING THE INTENSITY SWITCH HAS NO EFFECT DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE LOCAL BUICK SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS BUICK HEADQUARTERS. THEY SAID THEY WILL INFORM THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS LIGHTING ISSUE WAS VERIFIED ON OTHER NEW ENCORE'S IN THE DEALERS LOT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10606632 · filed Jun 28, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 19, 2024

Arked my car started back up power steering malfunctioned. Took to dealer they said gears striped on electronic assist. Front axle needs to be replaced a d there are no parts available unknown when any will be. It has been sitting at the dealer since. Lafontaine of highland mi.

NHTSA ID 11450944 · filed Feb 8, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 17, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE LOWER PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD FOGS ON THE CENTER AND PASSENGER SIDE AT THE START OF THE ENGINE THEN BECOMES A FULL WINDSHIELD FOG WHEN I TURN ON THE DEFOG AND FAN _ COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTING VISION. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR BEING DRIVN. CURRENTLY, IT IS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE 2ND TIME REQUESTING REPAIRS. THE EVENT IS RECURRING.

NHTSA ID 11288008 · filed Dec 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TIRES WITH WEAK SPOTS ON ALL 4 TIRES OF THE SAME BRAND, LINE AND SIZE. CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT P215/55 R18 94H P5OA BN7 1114

NHTSA ID 10787800 · filed Nov 2, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TOOK CAR TO DEALER SHIP 5 TIMES FOR SQUEEKING WHEELS WHEN APPLYING BRAKE, COMPLAINED ABOUT BRAKING NOT FEELING CORRECT/LOCKING UP AND THEY ONLY SWITCHED THE TIRES AROUND SO I WOULDN'T HEAR IT ON MY SIDE,,,REALLY!! ITS STILL THERE NOW ON THE OTHER SIDE..I GIVE UP. I DIE I BLAME THEM.

NHTSA ID 10888503 · filed Jul 25, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .