2013 Buick Encore
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 60 |
| 2015 | 123 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 87 |
| 2018 | 71 |
| 2019 | 79 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231221
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180208
LATELY I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, FIRST MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I CAN BE AT A LIGHT OR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCE WARNING COMES ACROSS MY DISPLAY SCREEN, I CAN'T...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180108
13% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
2013 BUICK ENCORE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ABS AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES WOULD SQUEAK, RUB AND GRAB.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140326
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180208
12% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fa
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will be provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall bega
Campaign 13V105000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet).
Campaign 14V298000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014.
Campaign 14V446000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014.
Campaign 14V417000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available.
Campaign 14V488000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Buick Encore — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V105000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V298000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V446000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V417000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V488000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Buick Encore reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Buick Encore is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Encore?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Buick Encore have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.