In order to get the best deal on a used Buick Encore, you will need to know which model years to avoid. It has a great reputation for reliability overall, but there have been some instances where it has had recurring problems.
Below you will find a detailed guide to Buick Encore years that shouldn’t be purchased based on reported problems, recalls, and owner reviews. Having a better understanding of the issues related to certain model years can make your purchase more informed, and will help prevent future costly repairs.
Overview of the Buick Encore
In terms of size and style, the Buick Encore is a small, stylish crossover SUV. It was started in 2012 that this brand was produced. The Buick Encore provides a luxurious interior and a comfortable ride: an affordable luxury SUV with a posh cabin. The car is generally reliable, but there are some model years that are much more trouble-free than others, so when purchasing this car, it is important to note which to avoid.
Buick Encore Years To Avoid
This Buick Encore model year is particularly dangerous: 2013-2017. Model years with the most engine complaints, battery complaints, safety complaints, brake complaints, and airbag complaints have been these. Despite some problems persisting over several years, there are others that occur only once every few years. If you want to avoid headaches and costly repairs in the future, you should stay away from these models.
2013 Buick Encore
It was well known that the 2013 Buick Encore had a history of having serious engine problems. In some cases, owners also experienced poor acceleration and a loss of overall power, with their engines failing – issues so severe that various recalls were conducted. Several other problems have also been reported, including electrical glitches and quality issues with the interior. These issues are quite severe, which makes this model year quite unfavorable.
- Engine Troubles: There are a few common issues with this model, including low engine power, poor acceleration, and turbocharger failure.
- Recalls: The model has been recalled several times because of problems related to the engine.
2014 Buick Encore
In spite of the fact that the 2014 Buick Encore fixed some engine issues in the previous model year, there were some new ones revealed in the 2013 version. One of the most prevalent problems was battery drain-some owners reported this, with some ending up with dead batteries.
There were numerous recalls associated with airbags and seatbelts this model year, leaving owners at risk of safety issues. Aside from this, there have been reports about brake defects and interior issues with the 2014 Encore, which add to the general reliability concerns.
- Battery Issues: Owners reported that their batteries were draining rapidly and needed replacement.
- Safety Issues: Recalls concerning seatbelts and airbags led to the safety of the model being questioned.
- Other Problems: An interior defect and a brake problem added to the issues.
2015 Buick Encore
Despite a new engine and battery, engine and battery problems still plagued the 2015 Buick Encore. In this car, there were brake problems, with the owners complaining that the brakes didn’t work. In addition, electrical problems have been raised, including malfunctioning radios and other electronic devices. As this model is prone to recurring problems, it is best avoided as well.
- Brake Problems: Many owners complained about their defective brakes.
- Engine Problems: As with the 2013 and 2014 models, this model year is plagued by ongoing issues with the engine.
- Electrical Issues: Battery and radio problems continued to plague owners.
2016 Buick Encore
There were still some problems with the 2016 Buick Encore, despite it being somewhat better than the 2015 model. Several owners complained about engine issues, despite improvements relative to previous model years. In addition to airbag recalls this year, concerns were raised about the safety features of these devices. In the 2016 Encore, there are still some risks compared with the early models.
- Engine Issues: There have been complaints from owners about the engine. Despite its presence, it may have been less severe than in older models.
- Safety Recalls: There have been airbag recalls on this model year, which are indicative of possible safety risks.
2017 Buick Encore
In 2017, Buick Encore was still plagued by some of the issues previously addressed in earlier models. In their reviews, owners complained about engine performance, especially a lack of power. Additionally, there is a depiction of malfunctioning airbags, indicating a security risk. The number of these may not be as high as in last year’s model, but they aren’t minimal either.
- Performance: Some owners complain that they lack power in their engines.
- Airbag Concerns: Another issue with airbag deployment was experienced in this model year.
Best Buick Encore Model Years
Although Buick Encores are a hit with compact SUV drivers, not all years of the model are successful. Those seeking to be informed must be able to choose from a wider variety of options on the market. To prevent headaches, let’s take a look at the Buick Encore model years.
- 2016 Buick Encore: Despite a few problems, this model is a better choice than previous years and has been slightly remodeled.
- 2018 Buick Encore: Fewer complaints and recalls have been observed. The performance of this model is moderate when compared with other models in the series in terms of reliability.
- 2019 Buick Encore: Best-in-class from the 2019 series. Though this model is reliable, it does have a few problems when compared to the previous years.
- 2020 Buick Encore: After a major redesign in 2020, the reports seem to indicate that there are few issues, and this crossover is considered the top of the list for reliability and new features available.
- 2021 Model: This new version has taken further steps to improve reliability and performance, which are still not considered the best compared to previous designs.
Most Common Problems
It is important to be aware of the recurring problems encountered by Buick Encores across a number of model years before purchasing the vehicle. It has been reported that several models suffer from serious problems with engine trouble, airbag malfunctions, brake problems, and unreliable batteries. Making the right decision is easier when you are aware of the common problems that can cause headaches.
Engine Issues
It has been reported that most Buick Encore models have been plagued by engine problems throughout the years, especially the earlier models. In addition to poor acceleration, excessive exhaust smoke, and engine stalling, there are some common problems with the vehicle. This case shows that 2013 and 2017 models are the worst to buy. Fires have sometimes occurred as a result of this, causing severe safety concerns.
Faulty Air Bag and Faulty Seatbelt Issues
There are a number of airbags and seatbelts that don’t work on the Encore series of vehicles. Some of these Encores were recalled from model years 2015 through 2017 because of faulty airbag sensing modules. As a result of this event, airbag deployment and seat belt tensioning may be impeded in the event of a crash, which would be a major safety defect for these vehicle models.
Problems with Brakes
In 2015, Buick Encores were known for having severe brake system problems. A number of owners reported strange noises and insufficient force, which makes accidents dangerous. It is a very tricky issue, especially in low-mileage vehicles.
Faulty Battery
Additionally, there have been numerous complaints about battery issues with the 2014 Buick Encore. There have been complaints from many owners that the batteries go dead every few weeks, which is extremely inconvenient. Repairing the electrical system on this car model is very costly because of the problems it has had.
Radio Malfunctions
There are a number of common problems with the radio, especially with the 2015 model year radio. There is no major issue with any of these issues and none of them threaten the functioning of the car in any way. While these symptoms can be annoying, they are usually the first indications of a larger problem within the vehicle.
Turbocharger Failure
There have been a few instances where the turbochargers failed on a 2013 Buick Encore. Approximately 94,000 miles is when drivers notice that their vehicle isn’t accelerating well and that strange sounds are coming from the engine. In the event that a turbocharger needed to be repaired, the costs could be quite high.
Other Things to Remember
It depends on the vehicle’s maintenance and the type of ownership it has received, as well as maintenance, to determine the reliability of a used Buick Encore. Despite receiving good service and good maintenance, a car can be trouble-free if it has received good maintenance.
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Most Common Repairs
The costs associated with normal maintenance for a Buick Encore are known in advance, so understanding what an imminent maintenance budget will look like is important. A regular oil change, a replacement of brake pads, and a replacement of tyres are common maintenance items.
In order to find the right Buick Encore, it is important to understand which years of models suffer from faulty issues and which do not. As you follow the advice in “Buick Encore Years to Avoid,” through 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017, you can avoid unnecessary expensive repairs while maintaining a good ownership experience.
In order to determine which model year is the best, it is necessary to conduct extensive research and inspection. Check out the problem years of the Buick Encore and find a better model with more reliable options.
