2016 Buick Encore Engine Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11719555

Incident

Nov 29, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID

11711624

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11709530

Incident

Jan 4, 2026

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?

NHTSA ID

11680618

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11667276

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

Add my car to your recall. Past recalls on these vehicles for oil leaking, which can cause a fire.

NHTSA ID

11655642

Incident

Apr 19, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11653370

Incident

Mar 17, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11644927

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11644925

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID

11635756

Incident

Nov 28, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID

11625525

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11618557

Incident

Sep 29, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID

11606053

Incident

May 15, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11595507

Incident

Jun 20, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11590633

Incident

Mar 22, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11589545

Incident

Mar 16, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11575106

Incident

Feb 27, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11565869

Incident

Dec 24, 2023

Mileage

58,500 mi

2016 Buick Encore VIN # [XXX] with 67,584 miles. My car's check engine light came on. Upon checking the code at O'Reilly Auto I was told I had to see a mechanic as it showed code p0299, Turbo. I made an appointment at Garrigans Auto repair Shop, a reputable shop. After they inspected the SUV I was told the turbo had a crack and needed to be replaced. On 7/14/2023 I had the repairs done at a cost to me of $1,480.49 (attached). The car runs fine now. On 10/12/2023 I had another repair done on the car. This was the turbo emissions coolant line. While there, Thomas at the counter said he just received the notice of a "Special coverage [XXX] Turbocharger Replacement". I thanked him and contacted Buick. I talked to Diana and gave her my VIN number. She informed me of the extended coverage as long as my car was not more than 10 years old or more than 120,000 miles. My car has 67,584 miles (notice attached). She sent me the form and I filled it out and returned it (copy attached). The case number is [XXX] (attached). On 10/23/23 I received a call from Diane at Buick informing me my claim was denied. She said it was denied as it was not done at the dealership. If I had sustained a problem before Nov. 2021 I could file a claim but it had to be submitted by Nov. 2022. My work was done this year at a local shop. She said since it was not done at the dealership it was not covered. I told her I never knew of the 'special coverage' until after the work was done. She said it is not refundable. I asked for a supervisor who said the same thing. My issue is there is a serious malfunction of the turbo that could happen while I am driving down the interstate at 70 miles an hour only to have sudden reduced power or timing chain breakage causing serious damage to the car not to mention being hit from behind or when passing a semi due to loss of power or total engine malfunction (attached). Now I am contacting the NHTSA with my complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

NHTSA ID

11553082

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

Turbocharger failed which can eventually cause engine seizure. Independent mechanic diagnosed and repaired after Buick dealer told me I was out of warranty. After repair I located a letter from Buick with my vin number on it dated November 2021 (after my warranty expiration) confirmed that the turbocharger might fail and they would replace free of charge within 10 yrs or 120,000 miles of vehicle purchase. Prior to incident of turbocharger fail, my vehicle alerted me with with a loud tone of "Engine overheat, engine Idle" - all the engine oil and coolant ran out while driving.. Mechanic replaced water outlet, then a short time later service engine light came on with code for turbocharger failure.

NHTSA ID

11539716

Incident

Jun 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently with unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle started smoking and overheating. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC codes: P0700, P0243, and P0333. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ID

11532727

Incident

Jul 15, 2023

Mileage

123,000 mi

I was driving down the road and the car started cutting back, then it got real bad, has No power at all right in the middle of work hour traffic! The check engine light comes on then the traction light comes on, OnStar diagnostics sent email stating emissions system, stabil trac system and anti lock system My daughter was in the car we was in danger!!! I pay way too much for this car, I am on disability, fixed income! I have to have a way to go and get my daughter to school!!!

NHTSA ID

11484110

Incident

Sep 12, 2022

The turbo malfunctioned and made it not possible for the car to accelerate on the freeway. My safety was put at risk because the car would no longer accelerate at the speed limit which meant I was going slower than traffic. It sounds like this is a common problem for these cars in this year and 2017. The vehicle has been checked out by a mechanic. Nothing appeared until after it happened then the check engine light was on. sources that this is a common problem for this vehicle https://www.carcomplaints.com/Buick/Encore/2016/engine/engine.shtml https://www.driveandreview.com/buick-encore-problems/ https://buickforums.com/forums/threads/2017-buick-encore-turbo-failure.52583/

NHTSA ID

11472613

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

In reference to this vehicle, I purchased this car from Burns Honda in February 2020. I replaced the battery less than a year of having this car. I then had my engine light come on and my car was skipping, it completely stopped while driving. Several times, it jumped when I would go over 65 MPH. I took it to the dealership that same night and they continued to tell me nothing was wrong with it. I have had electrical issues along with that. After back and forth for several days with Buick, they finally replaced the transmission. Fast forward to October of 2021, my engine light continues to go off and on and my car has been jumping on me.

NHTSA ID

11438060

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY DECELERATED TO 10 MPH. THE THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST TIP. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION AND THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THERE WAS ENGINE OIL IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE TURBO CHARGER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC FOUND A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #3 AND TURBO CHARGER AS WELL AS CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE FULL OF OIL . ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH COMPRESSION ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11417785

Incident

Mar 12, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi