2017 Buick Encore Engine Problems

The factory-installed turbocharger assembly on my 2017 Buick Encore failed mechanically while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate and severe roadway safety hazard.The structural failure of the turbocharger causes the vehicle to experience a sudden, unpredictable, and extreme loss of engine propulsion while actively driving. This severe power degradation makes it incredibly dangerous to accelerate, merge into highway traffic, or clear busy intersections safely, as the vehicle fails to respond to throttle input and drops speed rapidly. The vehicle is displaying an active diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost condition).The manufacturer, General Motors, is fully aware of this exact component defect and has issued corporate Special Coverage Adjustment Bulletin N232395330 to address cracked turbo housings and wastegate failures on this model. However, because my vehicle is over their arbitrary 120,000-mile corporate warranty limit, GM’s Executive Resolution Team (Case #103125607) has issued a final refusal to repair the component.The manufacturer's mileage limitation leaves a documented, highly dangerous engine propulsion defect completely uncorrected on an active vehicle, posing a continuing, severe safety risk to the occupants and other drivers on public roads.

NHTSA ID

11752260

Incident

May 15, 2026

There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flange, resulting in boost pressure loss. There is already a recall associated with this problem in other VIN’s with the same year and type of vehicle, recall needs to be expanded because this is a known and ongoing problem.

NHTSA ID

11743618

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

Formal Consumer Complaint Statement — GM / Crivelli Buick I am filing a formal consumer complaint against Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC and General Motors/Buick regarding what I believe was discriminatory and unfair treatment in connection with a warranty-covered vehicle repair. The customer is [XXX] , owner of a 2017 Buick Encore. The vehicle was serviced by Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on or about May 20, 2026, for a turbocharger failure covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232395330. The vehicle had recently passed Pennsylvania safety and emissions inspection on April 30, 2026. The turbo-related diagnostic code appeared on or about [XXX]. Crivelli completed the minimum turbocharger warranty repair but then informed the customer that additional intake/manifold-related repairs were needed and would not be covered. The customer disputed this because the additional failure appeared during the same repair sequence and appears directly related to the covered turbocharger failure. A written request was faxed asking Crivelli to review the invoice, compare the repair to GM’s covered parts list, and submit the related intake/manifold issue to GM for collateral coverage, goodwill review, or warranty consideration. Crivelli did not respond to the fax notice and did not return the customer’s calls. When the customer attempted to follow up with the service department, Scott from the service department refused to review the concern, refused to provide further service, and refused to contact GM regarding the related warranty issue. Based on the conduct, tone, refusal to review the documentation, refusal to escalate to GM, and refusal to provide equal service, I believe the customer was denied fair consumer service because of race.The customer is not asking for special treatment. The customer is asking for equal treatment, proper review of GM’s own warranty/special coverage bulletin, and fair handling of a related mechanical INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

NHTSA ID

11739555

Incident

May 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and went into "LIMP Mode". Additionally, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the issue but declined to service the vehicle because the vehicle had a salvage title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11725893

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

Mileage

88,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle experienced reduced power. The stabili-trak and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a diagnostic trouble code for a cylinder misfire was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cylinder #1 ignition coil and spark plug were replaced, but the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the engine might need to be replaced; however, the mechanic did not specialize in engine diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to GM Special Coverage Number: N232395330; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11723105

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

Mileage

44,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact smelled smoke and became aware that the smoke was coming from under the hood. The failure reoccurred while driving the following day. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of Special Coverage: N232395330 (Turbocharger Replacement), and the manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement. A case was opened; however, the manufacturer later informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ID

11712977

Incident

Dec 23, 2025

Mileage

48,000 mi

4/2025-Engine coolant water outlet needed to be replaced 5/2025- Turbo boost replaced (under recall) 6/2025- Engine fan needed to be replaced 12/2025- There was active leaking in the engine oil cooler and lines- needed to be replaced Engine ventilation , engine oil weep along valve cover seals- needed to be replaced

NHTSA ID

11710027

Incident

Dec 30, 2025

I have went to the dealership for the past two years with this problem and they keep saying they are not getting any codes: when the air conditioner is on it’s pulling the power from the motor and makes it hard to go up hill. Hard To accelerate when going on to the freeway as well. The problem is only getting worse and worse.

NHTSA ID

11687912

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

The turbo charge is not providing adequate power. I was on the highway and the car began to chugging then accelerated on its own and all the lights on the dash came on then all went off like it was going to shut down. I put my hazards on and started to pull to the side of the highway. I gave it a moment for the car and for me because I was terrified, my kids were in the car and traffic was going steady around 70-75 miles per hour and I was scared as it began to shut down that I would be hit by traffic behind me before I could get over. It started driving again. It still drives but is hard to accelerate and even when stopped you can see the RPM rising. It’s as if the car never idles, it feels as though is constantly under load. I have had it looked at professionally at Midas but they will only say they think it is the turbo as there are no codes coming up. I have had it looked at by mechanics I know who have fixed other things that may cause similar issues and nothing has worked and they also believe it is the turbo. I’ve know other people with Buicks and they have had similar problems I’m confused as to why this 1.4 liter turbo has not been recalled.

NHTSA ID

11679247

Incident

Mar 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water outlet housing, the blower motor, A/C condenser, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, turbo charger, and the fan were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,189.

NHTSA ID

11675455

Incident

Oct 22, 2022

Mileage

60,189 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and then suddenly jerked forward. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Special Coverage Turbocharger Replacement: N232395330; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11659571

Incident

May 3, 2025

Mileage

118,000 mi

First the car started to act odd, jumpy or you could tell there was issues with the turbo. On [XXX] car overheated??? Out of nowhere. Mileage 82049. No warnings, no lights. We had it towed to shop where we were told we need new turbo, new engine, power steering service, ac service. The total Cost was $6813.54. We had to take out 2 loans - 90 days same as cash then 145% interest as well as pay $243.54 in Cash. We were guaranteed the car was in great condition. We picked it up on 1/24/25. Then on [XXX] - Odometer reading 82509 - We pulled over on the side of the road to grab something from the trunk. Driver got back in car and all of a sudden the car just shut down saying overheated and smoke was coming out of the hood. Again, Absolutely no warning, no lights, no weird noises, nothing! We are now stuck in the middle of nowhere with our [XXX] granddaughter. Thank God a police man drove by. The next day we had to have it towed back to shop. Once back to the shop we were told that the engine or labor that they just put in our vehicle would not be covered by warranty. Nothing was fixed!!! I contacted the attorney general. We went to pick it up on 3/28/2025. Once they got involved the shop agreed to do all repairs for $1873.96. (pay $600 now and then post date 2 more checks). The owners said they looked over everything and nothing should be going wrong. It should be good as new. On [XXX] We were on our way to Puerto Penasco Mexico where we have a vacation home. About 20 miles into Mexico the car just stopped. Tons of Smoke from the tail pipe, Low oil pressure all of a sudden came on. I am attaching pics showing that the car was not showing overheated. So now my husband and i are stuck on the side of the road in Mexico with no cell phone service with a [XXX] car that we can not get fixed no matter how much money or time we put into it. When we finally got ahold of the shop they said they are washing their hands of it and do not want to see this car again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ID

11652657

Incident

Mar 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11646203

Incident

Jun 8, 2022

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to Special Coverage: N232395330; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,881.

NHTSA ID

11643729

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

Mileage

88,881 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated while the vehicle was at a stop light, the vehicle was idling roughly. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised that the repair was not covered under any special coverage or recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11641270

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable the determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11622557

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

1. Valve cover gaskets been replaced in valve covers been replaced twice. 04/16/2024. 95113 miles 2. Air conditioning cooling leak and the fan motor would not shut off unless disconnecting the battery cable. 08/26/2024 at 100,254 miles 3. The turbocharger inline for the oil intake has been replaced . The car cannot completely carry a full carload without having no power to get up hills. I have no power once in a while if I'm alone driving just on a straight road or going uphills it seems like there's no gas getting to it I have good gas but it doesn't happen all the time. And I guess to where it will slow down from 55 to 35 pushing on the gas pedal with no power at all and then all the sudden it will go. Trying to explain this the best I can. 09/29/2024 at 101, 313 miles

NHTSA ID

11621973

Incident

Apr 16, 2024

Turbo has cracked like multiple other encores covered under a recall N232395330 id like to know why my car is not covered but the others are??

NHTSA ID

11608481

Incident

Mar 17, 2024

Turbo replaced under recall in March 2024 at local GMC dealership. June 2024 oil changed at independent service center and was informed that oil leak from turbo present. Vehicle brought back to dealership in June 2024 where vehicle was repaired for oil feed line being loose at the feed line. July 2024 car taken to independent mechanic and informed that a new turbo is needed. If turbo problem persists it will result in the vehicle shutting down while driving, violent shaking of the engine, and acceleration issues that could result in full engine failure if not resolved. The repairs done for the recall has not rectified the faulty turbo problem. The faulty turbos originally installed and being used for replacements are a safety hazard for any Buick Encore driver.

NHTSA ID

11605397

Incident

Mar 18, 2024

My vehicle just got diagnosed with a turbocharger issue, check engine light is on and cannot get inspected due to this fact. Due to repair costs, I will now be living with no vehicle for the foreseeable future. I understand this is a known issue for this type of vehicle and wanted to report it attached to my VIN

NHTSA ID

11605325

Incident

Jul 29, 2024

Engine, vehicle purchased end 2019. Several repairs, New Battery, some warranty repairs. March of 2022 PO131 - HO2s PO171 fuel trim lean PO300 engine misfire Evap system flow PO496 P1101 intake airflow UO401, 71 invalid data from the motor. Jun 2023 Need a New Engine 10k (Dealership) Sought out 2nd opinion 8k for New Engine Vehicle has been dead ever since. Repairs surpass what’s owed.

NHTSA ID

11598890

Incident

Jun 17, 2023

My check engine light came on in February 2024, vehicle mileage at the time was approximately 70,000 miles. My certified GM independent mechanic's diagnostic check revealed a DTC-P0299 code: faulty turbo charger. He advised repairs be made at a GM dealer under Special Coverage N-232395330 released in February 2024 by GM. My GM dealer (where I purchaser the vehicle) has also received the P0299 code and advised replacing the turbo charger. But since my VIN number is not a part of the Special Coverage, the cost of repairs would be my responsibility. I am requesting my vehicle's VIN be added to the Special Coverage and GM provide me the appropriate customer letter to cover all costs related my repair work.

NHTSA ID

11592997

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11586137

Incident

Nov 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.

NHTSA ID

11585914

Incident

Mar 23, 2024

Mileage

176,000 mi

There is a known defect with the GM Ecotec engines, specifically the lack of retaining clip for the internal PCV valve, allowing it to become dislodged and drawn into the engine. Without the PCV valve, tremendous engine pressure is produced, leading to broken gaskets causing vacuum leaks, misfiring, severe vibration, and loss of power when accelerating (which can be a safety issue). Dorman produced a video outlining the issue and has re-engineered the part to prevent the issue from occurring: "Why GM 1.4L Ecotec engine intake manifold and valve covers repairs are often related" [XXX] This appears to be a fairly wide-spread issue with the GM Ecotec engines, and GM should perform a recall to replace these parts, and reimburse those who had to replace themselves. This also causes error codes requiring spark plugs to be replaced (they get fouled by oil) and the MAF Sensor. In troubleshooting, I also had to replace the distributor power bar and air intake hose. I have recipts for all parts, but file upload is not working on this site. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11563558

Incident

Dec 4, 2023