2016 Buick Encore
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
52% of complaints: engine — 40 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2016 Buick Encore VIN # [XXX] with 67,584 miles. My car's check engine light came on. Upon checking the code at O'Reilly Auto I was told I had to see a mechanic as it showed code p0299, Turbo.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231101
17% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2016 Buick Encore VIN # [XXX] with 67,584 miles. My car's check engine light came on. Upon checking the code at O'Reilly Auto I was told I had to see a mechanic as it showed code p0299, Turbo.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231101
14% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle accelerated independently before returning to normal functionality. The ABS warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231207
9% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
YAKATA RECALL. THE AIRBAGS IN MY CAR DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE OTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT ME ON THE DRIVER FRONT OF MY CAR. IT CAUSED $11,884 WORTH OF DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180601
TAMARA RECALL: THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A CRASH TO BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR OF MY VEHICLE. ALL SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180315
THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 35 - 40 MPH. THERE WAS A GLANCING SIDE IMPACT TO THE DRIVERS DOOR, AND ALL AIRBAG CURTAINS DEPLOYED. CAUSING BRUISING, BURNS, SPRAIN, AND A CONCUSSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161111
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016.
Campaign 16V651000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017.
Campaign 17V437000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Buick Encore — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V651000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V437000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Buick Encore reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Buick Encore is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Encore?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Encore have?
2 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.