Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Our database holds 79 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Buick Encore. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 79 · page 1 of 4
We noticed the paint bubbling on one of her doors on the car and took it to the dealership who took no accountability. Now the car is peeling in the back and we’ve also noticed the same car, same model and make on the road with the same paint peeling issues that there’s no formal recall as of yet and we are not getting any resolution with GM.
Ignition switch getting very hot
power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. Said it was a circuit card in the steering system that was the problem. 2015 years had a recall but not 2016 . But the failure from the 2015 is the same with the 2016 year. GM contacted and they deny claim to get repair cost refunded.
Turbo exhibits exact same symptoms of 17-18 encore recall for the turbo. I frequently get the p0299 code the car becomes sluggish and hesitates to take off from a stop when this code comes on making this car dangerous to drive. This issue has almost caused multiple accidents because the car is so under powered that its hard to get the car across traffic without being hit. I have been having this issue for several years and no one has been able to tell me why the car does this.
On my way home in December 2025, my car started to sputter and make noises. All of a sudden the car started going about 10-15 miles. I almost go hit by several vehicles, because they had to put on brakes, I was trying to go up then down a hilly road. I finally was able to get to an Auto Advance Shop, I had to tow the car to Honda then to Buick for a diagnostic test. It had been over a month and I can’t get information in writing what the diagnostic test results are. I’ve had to rent a vehicle for over a month, even though I have a Lifetime Warranty on my power train and motor. I have submitted all my service and repair paperwork to John Miles Buick Conyers Georgia, the GM and Service Department, also I contacted GMC Corporate Office. I have been in a rental car for over a month that I can no longer afford. I don’t know where else to get results for my issue. Thank you, XXX. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was stopped at a traffic light and began moving forward to make a turn into traffic. As I activated my turn signal and started to proceed through the intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. Another vehicle was entering the intersection at the same time, creating a near-collision situation. I was forced to restart the vehicle in traffic. The incident occurred within less than 250 miles of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle had recently received an oil change and inspection. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the stall. This event created a serious safety risk.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Fault" was displayed, the steering icon was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The following day, the contact discovered that the vehicle could be started. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the steering failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer had not yet been contacted. The failure mileage was 88,300.
Vehicle unable to hold coolant. Local shop says the coolant lines hold pressure and leak appears to be with manifold and turbo. Car has less than 35k miles. There is a recall for this turbo issue with 2017 and up models but why not for 2016, or any other years with same issue?
I believe my turbocharge is malfunctioning. The check engine light is on with code P0299. My vehicle is struggling to accelerate properly putting us in a few close calls while driving. Yes it is available for inspection - I've seen one mechanic on 6/13/25 - scheduled a follow up with a different one on 6/20/25 and have an appointment scheduled with GM on 7/1/25 should it go that far. I cannot pull out in front of vehicles even with double the normal amount of space confidently due to my lack of acceleration putting my family - pregnant wife and 1 year old at risk. We floor the gas pedal to try and get what should be normal acceleration but sometime it responds normally which has put us at risk of hitting vehicles in front of us. Yes - it has been inspected and we're getting more opinions. First appeared early June but no other warnings
Add my car to your recall. Past recalls on these vehicles for oil leaking, which can cause a fire.
The turbo has gone out on this and its not even 10 years old. I saw on other VIN's it got recalled and I believe all VIN's should be included
This is an addendum to Complaint # 11644925 Before taking the car back to the dealership, Buick GMC of Beaverton, for repairs, I called the owner of Bassitt Auto Repair in Beaverton Oregon, 503-616-2007. He told me that they've had 3 other Buick Encores come to his repair shop in just the last 6 months, all with the identical problem. He said, without seeing our vehicle, that it is low compression due to a blown piston. He said to take the car to a Buick dealership, that this repair should be a recall, that the engine is most likely blown, and that no one with rebuild that engine.
My wife is [XXX] and I am [XXX] old. We purchased the 2016 Buick Encore with 29,000 miles from Buick GMC of Beaverton, Oregon on [XXX], expecting that it would out last both of us, since we are retired and only drive to the store and doctor's appointments; my wife has miraculously survived Stage IV cancer since February 1, 2019. The Encore is our only car and we depend on it for all transportation. We love the vehicle, changed the oil about every 3,000 miles, and have had no complaints for almost six years. On [XXX], my wife and I were driving home from shopping, in rain at night on [XXX] north bound, left lane, uphill at 55MPH in moderate traffic on a six-lane divided freeway. Suddenly the car lost half power, began missing and shaking badly, speed dropped to about 30 MPH with cars serving behind us, flying past us honking. We were panicked, not knowing if the car would seize up completely or the engine would explode. Fortunately, we limped off the highway without having to stop. We took the car back to the dealership where we bought it, for service. The next day they emailed a video of their inspection of the vehicle showing Cylinder 1 has very low compression of about 60 when normal should be 180 to 210 psi, which indicates a likely blown piston. April 30, 2019, NHTSA Service Bulletin 19-NA-090 describes the identical symptoms the Encore is experiencing: Misfire and low compression in one or more cylinders. Both the Buick GMC of Beaverton dealership and General Motors, 800-521-7300 are refusing to honor the original 70K mile warranty since they're indicating the warranty expired on 01/21/2023. We are devastated that because we pampered the vehicle and only drove it 17,000 miles in nearly 6 years, we are being unfairly penalized. GM admits that if we had driven the vehicle more and this same engine failure occurred at just 49K miles prior to January 20, 2023, they would immediately replace the engine. Help! We are requesting that NHTSA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Please help me. Please add my Vin# [XXX] for repair on a Past recall 2016 Buick. Dealer will not Fix my car, I need Vin Number added to recall. I have attached a copy of the recall. 43210 Engine Oil Leakage at Oil Cooler Pipe Reference Number: A162043210 GWM Number: 2043210 Condition Engine oil leakage at the oil cooler pipe caused by damaged O-ring. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that if his wife had been driving the vehicle at the time of the failure, she would not have been able to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a circuit board failure inside the steering column. The contact was informed that the circuit board needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
I purchased my 2016 Buick encore from the car dealer name [XXX] in Rochester Michigan. I purchased it in December 20 23 beginning in January when I would change gears the car sounded like the gears were clunking like they were gonna fall out or something. also, the engine hesitates and then excels really fast like I’m racing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Acceleration was reduced immediately on the freeway after the check engine light came on the day before with a P0299 code for turbocharger repair. Now the vehicle will not start and the dealership service said an additional code of po366 is now showing. Are these related? The turbocharger has an extended special coverage, but not engine repair that is likely the result of the turbocharger failure.
In 2021, My ex husband received a notice from Buick extending the warranty to 120,000 on the Turbo Charger fuel injector due to failure in many vehicles. It was not included as a recall. In the State of Texas, vehicles must have an annual inspection to remain legal to drive. Each vehicle receives an annual Sticker. My sticker and inspection were due in July. In May of 2024, my check engine light came on. I took it to Autozone to diagnose, and they said it was the turbo charger. Since I had no idea my ex-spouse had a letter, I purchased fuel injector cleaner and did this every week. Chevron 92 has always been my gas of choice. Unfortunately, it only cleared the engine light for a few days and my vehicle failed inspection at 120,000 miles. I took my Buick Encore to a traveling mechanic, who cleaned the injectors (supposedly), and after driving about 100 miles and in July finally passed inspection to avoid a citation. At 122,00 miles, on [XXX] I drove my Buick to Dallas Texas, 571 miles one way. I barely made it; the check engine light came on again and the vehicle could barely accelerate. I stopped multiple times to install injector cleaner, used only the best 92 gas at chevron. When I arrived, i took my 2016 Buick Encore to Firestone. They diagnose the Turbo Charger again. unfortunately, the vehicle had reached 123,000 miles by then. They cleaned the Turbo charger but could not replace it. At that time, they let me know that might be a manufacturers defect, since this part should definitely last much longer than 123,000. Barely making it home again, with my [XXX] mother with me, I took my vehicle to Gay Buick GMC to get the Turbo Charger replaced. Buick informed me this was too far past the 120,000 and refused to even replace the part if I paid for labor. This is a $2,653.48 cost. May I ask for your assistance in a remedy, at least for the $700.00 part? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2016 Buick Encore VIN [XXX] approximately 60,000 miles. The vehicles turbo had a catastrophic failure pushing oil into the engine, and the catalytic converter causing extensive damage to both. The description from the first mechanic shop, I took it to descripted it as the turbo exploded, spewing oil everywhere. Buick knows the turbo engine is faulty and they issued a 'special' warranty, however the warranty doesn't cover the damage caused by their faulty turbo engine. There wasn't anything I could've done to prevent this. In fact, the GM dealership replaced the turbo and that turbo failed and had to be replaced. I've been asked to cover the cost of repairing the engine, catalytic converter and clean the oil that sprayed the engine compartment. In hindsight, Buick should've issued a full recall on the turbo. They made a business decision not to recall the turbo, but they need to accept responsibility. Living in rural Northern Wisconsin, we are fortunate that this didn't happen in the winter. The resolution I seek is GM/Buick accept responsibility and cover the total cost of repair. This isn't directed at any of the GM/Buick employees I've dealt with, they have all been courteous and professional. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The turbo on my 2016 Buick Encore hasn't been working right for about a year. My engine light has been on consistently everyday for about 8 months. I've taken it to the dealer to get it repaired, and there is a bulletin - Reference Number A212338300 - but for some reason my VIN doesn't meet the requirement of the turbo replacement - even though the bulletin is for a turbo replacement. Why is my turbo NOT covered by the bulletin? Clearly there is an issue with the part since a bulletin exists in the first place.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she observed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil cooler pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Update: 43210. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
03/09/2024 overheated, replace thermostat and housing, refilled coolant 3/16/2024 overheated, refilled coolant 3/18/2024 towed to dealership. leaking oil, losing coolant $3280.00 repairs 4/1/2024 water pump 4/6/2024 Turbo coolant feedline Safety concern, I commute via I-95. Overheating could cause a multi vehicle collision Temperature gauge quickly drops to overheat.
Two different issues occurred. While driving the check engine light came on and then went off about 10 minutes later. While driving the vehicle to get check engine light code checked temperature suddenly jumped from normal operating temp just below mid to the top with instrument panel dinging saying engine overheating idle engine. As trying to make way to side of road the blind spot warning on passenger mirror began flashing constantly with no traffic within 1/4 mile from vehicle and instrument panel stating blind spot not available. Once able to get to have code checked showed same code that had been addressed with the replaced turbo 0299. Thermostat replaced less than 19k miles prior. When engine overheat came on power diminished rapidly.
On Wednesday February 27, 2024 while driving on the highway suddenly after about 15 minutes the engine light came on stating "Engine Overheating - idle engine." The car decreased speed to about 40mph in a 60mph speed zone and then continued to decrease to 20mph with black smoke excessively blowing out of the exhaust and then a rattling /knocking sound continued from the engine until the car stopped in which I was able to pull over to the side emergency lane. My safety was at risk due to the car's sudden decrease in speed to a stop on a busy and crowded highway. I have been on the highway at least 5-6 other times in which the car almost stops on a busy expressway. I have brought the car to the GM dealership on several occasions in which I received 2 recall letters: one September 2019 (regarding the evaporative emissions purge valve does not properly close) and another recall letter November 2021 (regarding a condition that could cause the turbo charger to fail due to a sticking wastegate actuator linkage) from GM describing that there were recalls on my 2016 Buick Encore. After bringing the car to the GM dealership where I purchased the car, I explained that the engine will almost come to a stop. I described that it was very frightening to drive the car like this. The service center did complete repairs however the stalling engine continued and I continued to bring the car to the dealer complaining of this concern each time. The vehicle was not inspected by the police or insurance representatives. The Engine light sensor would continue to appear on the dash in which I brought this to the service department's attention at the GM Dealership. The GM dealership tried to correct the engine's problem but never succeeded, therefore the engine was defective and unsafe to be driving.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to a failure with the oil pump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer informed the contact that a portion of the cost of the repair would be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,500.
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