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
- 52
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
40% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 52 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 60 |
| 2015 | 124 |
| 2016 | 80 |
| 2017 | 89 |
| 2018 | 74 |
| 2019 | 87 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
40% · 21 reportsShow 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, 2023-12-21
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, 2018-02-08
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
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, 2018-01-08
Electrical system
15% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Power train
13% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2014-03-26
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle speed control
12% · 6 reportsAir bags
10% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013-05-21Steering13V105000 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…
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…
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2014-07-30Air bags14V298000 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).
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2014-08-15Seats14V446000 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.
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2014-08-29Equipment14V417000 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.
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2014-11-20Seat belts14V488000 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.
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2016-10-14Electrical system, power train16V502000 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.
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2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Buick Encore — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V105000 · Steering
- Recall 14V298000 · Air bags
- Recall 14V446000 · Seats
- Recall 14V417000 · Equipment
- Recall 14V488000 · Seat belts
- Recall 16V502000 · Electrical system, power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →Worst years1 year
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.