MYRModel Year Report

2016 Buick Encore

● Typical for this model
2016 Buick Encore
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:28.098Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
80
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

51% of complaints

Complaints per year

2013: 52 complaints 2013 2014: 60 complaints 2015: 124 complaints 2016: 80 complaints 2016 80 2017: 89 complaints 2018: 74 complaints 2019: 87 complaints 2019 2020: 19 complaints 2021: 9 complaints 2021 2022: 8 complaints
2013: 52 complaints 2013 2014: 60 complaints 2014 2015: 124 complaints 2015 2016: 80 complaints 2016 80 2017: 89 complaints 2017 2018: 74 complaints 2018 2019: 87 complaints 2019 2020: 19 complaints 2020 2021: 9 complaints 2021 2022: 8 complaints 2022
2013: 52 complaints 2013 2014: 60 complaints 2014 2015: 124 complaints 2015 2016: 80 complaints 2016 80 2017: 89 complaints 2017 2018: 74 complaints 2018 2019: 87 complaints 2019 2020: 19 complaints 2020 2021: 9 complaints 2021 2022: 8 complaints 2022

2016: 80 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
201352
201460
2015124
201680
201789
201874
201987
202019
20219
20228

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

51% · 41 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Sequential powertrain and turbocharger failure on 1.4L Ecotec engine following $5,700 in prior engine repairs. Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power. Component is covered under GM Special Coverage/warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01

Also filed under Power train

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, 2023-11-01

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Fuel/propulsion system

16% · 13 reports

Power train

15% · 12 reports
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, 2023-12-07

Electrical system

11% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Show complaint excerpts

Ignition switch getting very hot

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13

Air bags

9% · 7 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2018-06-01

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, 2018-03-15

Also filed under Seat belts

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, 2016-11-11

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2016-10-13Air bags, seat belts16V651000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2017-08-04Air bags, seat belts17V437000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Buick Encore — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 41 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V651000 · Air bags, seat belts
  • Recall 17V437000 · Air bags, seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years1 year

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 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Encore have?
2 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.