2015 Buick Encore Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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
- Engine3218.0%
- Electrical3016.9%
- Steering2715.2%
- Brakes2111.8%
- Airbags169.0%
- Powertrain (other)116.2%
- Driver assistance95.1%
- Fuel system73.9%
- Exterior lighting52.8%
- Suspension52.8%
- Body & structure52.8%
- Visibility42.2%
- Seat belts42.2%
- Other / unspecified10.6%
- Interior & seats10.6%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Weber road auto service replaced the engine using county PRC and out-of-pocket funds, and the newly installed used engine has an active engine oil cooler leak, creating an immediate vehicle fire and sudden engine stalling hazard. Also there’s a leak at the ac compressor, condenser and coupler valves. This was discovered by Buckeye Auto Service. No repairs have been made as first shop keeps brushing me off.
The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known. It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The traction control warning light and the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message to “Contact Dealer for Service” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the wiring harnesses connected with the CPU had failed. The wiring harness in the CPU was replaced. After the repair, while driving 60 MPH, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The traction control warning light and the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message to “Contact Dealer for Service” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the wiring harnesses connected with the CPU had failed. The wiring harness in the CPU was replaced. After the repair, while driving 60 MPH, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH downhill during inclement weather, the vehicle experienced intermittent brake failure. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and ran off the roadway to prevent a crash. The vehicle drove over a curb before coming to a stop. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the Traction Control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where it remained unrepaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,740.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The seatbelt systems light has come on in my 2015 Buick Encore.
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known. It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.
Transmission wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and wouldnt shift into reverse. Has no power steering or power brakes
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The traction control warning light and the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message to “Contact Dealer for Service” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the wiring harnesses connected with the CPU had failed. The wiring harness in the CPU was replaced. After the repair, while driving 60 MPH, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
My car started surging when I was sitting at a traffic light and as I was crossing abridge The check engine light came on - 2 codes - transmission module 0700 and module 0073
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known. It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.
My check engine light came on so I took it to a repair shop. They put it on their Diagnostic System Check Computer and the code #PO299 came up. After further inspection and investigation, the failed part is the Turbocharger- A1140104N. This vehicle's, vin number, model year and mileage qualifies it for warranty replacement and labor for the faulty part. However, because it is a Buick and not a Chevy the dealership is not authorizing the repair, even though it is the exact same system and part that is being replaced in the Chevy models. Without this part functioning properly, it affects performance and the car's ability to accelerate when needed which makes it a hazard to drive if you should need to accelerate quickly.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Body Control Module went out. I had it replaced. I do not know how long my back running light were out. I had brake and tag lights. There were no warning messages.
THE DISPLAY SCREEN GOES BLACK DURING THE DAY LIGHT HRS. THEN COMES BACK ON SOMETIME LATER. SO YOU CAN'T SEE THE RADIO STATIONS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. Both rear springs have broken within 1 year of each other. There were no accidents or any kind or off road driving. These are Expensive to fix. 2. Driver side airbag light is on. No idea why. Afraid to drive this vehicle.
It’s it’s firing and shaking, and I have kept up on the oil changes. It’s a lot of money
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The painting on my 2015 Buick Encore started peeling about 2 years ago and has continued to worsen, and I am concerned about the longevity and overall appearance of my vehicle. As a loyal customer, I expect the paint job to last for a reasonable amount of time, and I believe this issue should be addressed by the manufacturer. I would like to request that Buick fixes this issue free of charge. I understand that my vehicle is no longer under warranty. This is particularly concerning as the peeling paint is affecting the resale value of my car, and I would like to maintain its value as much as possible. I understand that paint issues can occur, and I appreciate that this is not necessarily a reflection on the overall quality of the vehicle. However, I am requesting that Buick take responsibility for this issue and repair the paint free of charge. I believe that the paint peeling issue is covered under the vehicle's warranty, and I hope that I am hopeful that Buick will make every effort to keep this cost to a minimum and to ensure that I am not left out of pocket for a problem that is beyond my control.
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while their son was driving at approximately 30 mph when they suddenly heard a booming sound from underneath the body of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then suddenly gear towards the right and the driver had lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then crashed into another nearby vehicle which caused the vehicle to flip upside down. The air bags did deploy. A police incident report was filed. There were injuries to their hands, shoulders and back that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed however had not been decided to be deemed totaled as of yet. The contact stated that when a family member who was a licensed contractor in welding examined the vehicle they noticed the axle may have not been welded with appropriate material due to noticing that the material welding axle itself had deteriorated and began to detach from the axle. The contact was concerned that the failure could have resulted in a fatality had the driver been driving at higher speeds. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TINT ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND TWO FRONT WINDOWS DID NOT PREVENT EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE SUNLIGHT BURNED THE CONTACT'S ARMS AND PRODUCED BLISTERS WHILE SHE WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0.
THE SIDE OBJECT DETECTION IN THE SIDEVIEW MIRRORS CAN BECOME DISABLED, AND THE WARNING MESSAGE "SIDE OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM DISABLED" ONLY APPEARS FOR A SHORT PERIOD IN THE DIC. HOWEVER, THE SIDE OBJECT DETECTION REMAINS DISABLED (WITHOUT THE MESSAGE) UNTIL THE NEXT KEY CYCLE. FOR SAFETY, I BELIEVE THAT THE MESSAGE SHOULD STAY ON THE ENTIRE TIME THAT THE SIDE OBJECT DETECTION IS DISABLED. WHEN A DRIVER DOES NOT KNOW THAT THE STSTEM IS DISABLED, A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. GENERAL MOTORS HAS ISSUED DOCUMENT ID 4426193, #16-NA-069: SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE OR INTERMITTENTLY SIDE BLIND ZONE STOPS WORKING (MAR 3, 2016) WHICH STATES "DO NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS FOR THIS CONDITION." THE ISSUE IS NOT FIXED AND I DO NOT KNOW IF OR WHEN THE SYSTEM IS WORKING. THE SIDE OBJECT DETECTION STOPS WORKING WHEN THERE ARE NO VEHICLES/STRUCTURES/OBJECTS FOR 15-25 MINUTES. A WARNING MESSAGE FLASHES BRIEFLY ON THE DIC, BUT DOES NOT STAY ON EVEN THOUGH THE SYSTEM REMAINS DISABLED.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF MY WIFE. SHE STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK. THIS CAUSED HER INJURIES. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN A 35 MPH ZONE AND ON A 4 LANE ROAD.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH downhill during inclement weather, the vehicle experienced intermittent brake failure. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and ran off the roadway to prevent a crash. The vehicle drove over a curb before coming to a stop. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the Traction Control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where it remained unrepaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,740.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT LOCKS WHEN SEAT IS PUT IN CARGO POSITION. THIS MAKES 2/3 POF THE REAR SEATS NON-USABLE AND PASSENGERS INCLUDING CHILDREN CANNOT RIDE SAFELY IN VEHICLE. DEALER TECHNICIAN REPORTED TO ME HE SAW 16 COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITE HE USED TO CONFER WITH ME. RESOLUTION IS TO COMPLETELY REMOVE REAR SEATS TO UNLOCK. THIS LEAVES CONSUMER WITH UNUSABEL AND UNSAFE REAR SEATS.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .