2018 Buick Encore Problems

Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently. I discovered a turbo special coverage N232395330 and took it to Williams GMC in Charlotte. After i told them very clearly what happened MULTIPLE times, confirming the underboost and the code, I even brought it in with the code, they told me the code wasnt "active" and that there no problems...even after i told them I didnt feel safe and couldnt pull out at intersections with fear of being rear-ended. I had videos, they refused to look at and told me to come back when the code was permanent. I drove the vehicle for the next year, 20k miles in order to get the code permanent, after a trip home, through the mountains, really tough without the turbo, my car was consistently pinging 4-5000 RPM under the speed limit on inclines...this happened every time I drove through, but this time the code was active the entire time. 2-3000 miles with the code, finally it was permanent. I brought the car back to Williams GMC, to get the turbo changed. I updated them on recent occurrences, flashing check engine light, the code active for 2-3k miles, and they performed a road test, and declared it wasn't a problem. I told them i recently spent 5k on repairing my cooling and AC system because the turbo, they said that wouldn't affect those components, meanwhile i know they have plastic parts that can melt and the engine being forced to push 4-5k RPM the extra heat could easily melt those parts. They said, nothing was wrong and the road test was good. sent me on my way. I called corporate, they told me to get a second opinion. I did [XXX] found the problem and changed the turbo per the special coverage N232395330. a week later, my engine overheated, i pulled over and it wouldnt start, engin won't hold compression. Car is tot now. Long story shrt INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. General Motors issued a Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-114 in May 2019 about involving 2013 to 2019 Buick Encores. This is a known issue for many models other than my vehicle. I have the old parts from the repair for inspection which includes the Intake Manifold and the Valve Cover for faulty PCV components that cause the engine to produce excess Engine Crankcase pressure possibly causing a fire. My vehicle had a check engine light code of P0171 and the odor of burning oil.

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078 cash for repairs after being told the issue was fixed, but the same dangerous defect happened again afterward.The vehicle has remained at the dealership for 15+ consecutive days, causing loss of transportation and work hardship. I am also concerned by inconsistent repair documentation and possible repairs performed that were not clearly disclosed or authorized. This vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and the defect has not been corrected despite multiple repair attempts. I believe this may involve a serious electrical, braking, steering, or control system failure that warrants investigation before someone is injured.

While driving, my car began to glitch out. The screens started turning on and off, the doors began locking and unlocking, and I lost my ability to steer, brake, and accelerate. It caused me to run a red light and I almost got into a severe accident. This issue has occurred several times, and during more recent occasions the car has turned off completely while driving. There were no warning lights or messages indicating that something was wrong with the car, but sometimes when I turn the car back on, it says “calibrating.” If Buick has sold cars that are capable of losing complete control, this should be investigated immediately.

The front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. The manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to "see" you, it may turn off. I have a bad back, and I need my 2-inch seat cushion for long trips, or I will be in pain. But when I use my seat cushion, the sensor turns the air bag off. So, if I use my seat cushion (or the sensor otherwise decides to turn the air bag off), I am not protected in the case of an accident. If I don't use my seat cushion, I am in pain from my back. The front passenger air bag should have a manual switch and have the ability to be kept on all of the time, that decision being made by the passenger and not a sensor that is not smart enough to adjust to an additional cushion or other situation.

When crossing through an intersection at approximately 45mph, I was struck by another vehicle, speed unknown, who failed to stop at a stop sign. My vehicle was struck on the front passenger corner. My vehicle continued in a forward motion for several hundred feet. Both driver and front passenger wore seat belts, however the driver struck her head on steering wheel, loosing consciousness for several minutes. Side airbags deployed, however front air bags did not

The contact owned a 2018 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Encore. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned while in first gear, and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate from being stationary. Additionally, the message "Stabilizer" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yetbeen determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078 cash for repairs after being told the issue was fixed, but the same dangerous defect happened again afterward.The vehicle has remained at the dealership for 15+ consecutive days, causing loss of transportation and work hardship. I am also concerned by inconsistent repair documentation and possible repairs performed that were not clearly disclosed or authorized. This vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and the defect has not been corrected despite multiple repair attempts. I believe this may involve a serious electrical, braking, steering, or control system failure that warrants investigation before someone is injured.

Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been correct but told there is no recall to fix these issues.

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The Stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure however, where the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the brake sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 6 months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown code was cleared. The contact stated that a month after the code was cleared, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,401.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Encore. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned while in first gear, and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate from being stationary. Additionally, the message "Stabilizer" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yetbeen determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 147,000.

I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078 cash for repairs after being told the issue was fixed, but the same dangerous defect happened again afterward.The vehicle has remained at the dealership for 15+ consecutive days, causing loss of transportation and work hardship. I am also concerned by inconsistent repair documentation and possible repairs performed that were not clearly disclosed or authorized. This vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and the defect has not been corrected despite multiple repair attempts. I believe this may involve a serious electrical, braking, steering, or control system failure that warrants investigation before someone is injured.

While driving, my car began to glitch out. The screens started turning on and off, the doors began locking and unlocking, and I lost my ability to steer, brake, and accelerate. It caused me to run a red light and I almost got into a severe accident. This issue has occurred several times, and during more recent occasions the car has turned off completely while driving. There were no warning lights or messages indicating that something was wrong with the car, but sometimes when I turn the car back on, it says “calibrating.” If Buick has sold cars that are capable of losing complete control, this should be investigated immediately.

Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently. I discovered a turbo special coverage N232395330 and took it to Williams GMC in Charlotte. After i told them very clearly what happened MULTIPLE times, confirming the underboost and the code, I even brought it in with the code, they told me the code wasnt "active" and that there no problems...even after i told them I didnt feel safe and couldnt pull out at intersections with fear of being rear-ended. I had videos, they refused to look at and told me to come back when the code was permanent. I drove the vehicle for the next year, 20k miles in order to get the code permanent, after a trip home, through the mountains, really tough without the turbo, my car was consistently pinging 4-5000 RPM under the speed limit on inclines...this happened every time I drove through, but this time the code was active the entire time. 2-3000 miles with the code, finally it was permanent. I brought the car back to Williams GMC, to get the turbo changed. I updated them on recent occurrences, flashing check engine light, the code active for 2-3k miles, and they performed a road test, and declared it wasn't a problem. I told them i recently spent 5k on repairing my cooling and AC system because the turbo, they said that wouldn't affect those components, meanwhile i know they have plastic parts that can melt and the engine being forced to push 4-5k RPM the extra heat could easily melt those parts. They said, nothing was wrong and the road test was good. sent me on my way. I called corporate, they told me to get a second opinion. I did [XXX] found the problem and changed the turbo per the special coverage N232395330. a week later, my engine overheated, i pulled over and it wouldnt start, engin won't hold compression. Car is tot now. Long story shrt INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

Strong odor of gasoline, followed by a crack in the high pressure fuel line. Gasoline poured out under pressure from fuel line approximately 1 foot ahead of the right rear tire. Major amount of spillage - literally several gallons within a minute or so, that eventually faded as the system lost pressure. Could have been a significant safety issue and catastrophic loss if there had been an ignition source nearby. Overall repair required dropping the fuel tank and the replacement of GM Part Number 95080144, a plastic fuel pipe. Overall, a safety issue and expensive (~$900) repair.

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side seat belt was not retracting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle warranty had expired. There was no further assistance provided. The failure mileage was 17,846.

Stabilitrak warning comes on and car stalls out. Passenger seat belt doesn't clip person in correctly.

DURING FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON HERE IN PA, HAD A WET/HEAVY SNOW. SNOW WAS REMOVED FROM WINDSHIELD, BUT NOT THE GULLY BELOW WIPERS. NO BIGGIE, THIS IS HOW WE'VE DONE IT ON EVERY CAR SINCE I WAS A KID, CLEANING OUT THE GULLY WHEN WIPERS CANNOT GO DOWN ALL THE WAY. AS I WAS DRIVING AND SNOW WAS COMING DOWN, SOME FROM ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD CAME DOWN AND ADDED TO WHAT WAS IN THE GULLY. THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING! IMAGINE MY SURPRISE, THE WIPERS CAME TO A STOP AND WERE NOT MOVING. I COULD NOT SEE IF BLIZZARD LIKE CONDITIONS, PULLED OVER WHEN I COULD, AND STARTED SCRAPING OUT THE GULLY. WIPERS WERE FREAKING OUT DOING A SPASTIC SHORT SPURT AND WOULD NOT CLEAR. RE-STARTED CAR, AND DID THE SAME THING. HAD TO GET EVERY PIECE OF WET PACKED SNOW FROM AREA OF THE GULLY (UNDER WIPERS) AND RE-START CAR FOR WIPERS TO FUNCTION NORMALLY AGAIN. AGAIN, DRIVING, COMING TO A STOP TO MAKE A TURN, AND SNOW ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD THAT HAD ACCUMULATED IN THE HEAVY SNOW, FELL DOWN TO THE WIPER GULLY AND MADE WIPERS STOP COMPLETELY. IT SEEMS THE DESIGN OF THE WIPER MOTOR DOESN'T JUST STOP WHERE IT HAS TO STOP AND THEN KEEP WORKING, AS WITH 99.9 PERCENT OF OTHER CARS MADE IN THE LAST 50 YEARS, IF IT CANNOT RETURN TO COMPLETE HOME, IT JUST STOPS WORKING. NO CAR I'VE EVER OWNED HAS DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE WIPERS WERE STILL TRYING EVEN AFTER BEING TURNED OFF AND WAS PINCHING MY HAND AND FINGERS BETWEEN THE HOOD AND WIPER ARMS. AS THEY TRIED TO GET OUT OF THEIR SPASTIC MODE. IT WAS SO BAD, I TOOK A BATH ON TRADING IN THIS CAR FOR A CAR THAT IS KNOWN NOT TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN. AN AWD CAR THAT CANNOT DRIVE IN THE SNOW DUE TO A SERIOUS WIPER MALFUNCTION SHOULD NOT BE SOLD IN THE USA.

2018 Buick Encore has large area of peeled paint on hood. There is also bubbling unde driver side door handle. I was told the hood issue was to to defective paint and primer. I was also told the repair would be well over one thousand dollars. The car has never been in an accident or had any modification done.

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving 35 mph, the vehicle inadvertently shifted to neutral and all the door latches unlocked independently. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The driver continued driving to her destination. The contact stated he also experienced the same failure while driving up a hill. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact also took the vehicle to O'Meara Buick GMC (2000 W. 104th Ave, Thornton, CO 80234, (720) 712-0951) and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 800.

AFTER I BOUGHT THIS CAR 1 YEAR AND A HALF AGO I HAD 2 ENGINE PROBLEMS FIXED ALREADY. NOW, I HAVE BEEN EXPERIMENTING 4 TIMES A TOTAL LACK OF HEADLIGHT AND PANEL LIGHTS WHILE I AM DRIVING. IT LASTS SECONDS, THE IDIOT LIGHTS COME BACK WHILE I AM DRIVING. I WAS VERY SCARED BECAUSE IN ONE OF THESE TIMES I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT IN A BUSY HIGHWAY AND IT WAS RAINING HEAVILY, I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING .I TOOK IT TO MCGUIRE TWICE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG.

8/14-CAR WAS LACKING POWER, SERVICE MANAGER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE ISSUE ON ROAD TEST . 8/24-CAR SERVICE FOR ROUGH IDLE AND LACK OF POWER, SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH AN ERROR CODE OF P0171. IN SEPTEMBER, CAR STARTED TO SHAKE WHILE IN PARK BUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, DEALER ADVISE UNABLE TO DO ANY REPAIRS UNLESS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. 11/27- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN FOR SAME CODE, P0171. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN SHOP. VEHICLE HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUES DEC 2018 AND AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. GM DEALERS ARE NOT ABLE TO FIX TURBO ISSUE AND P0171 ISSUES. MY VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE.