2018 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
- 74
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
None on file
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 74 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
39% · 29 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-02
General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-31
I have been employed in the Automotive Parts and Repair business for over forty years. I notice my vehicle exhaust sounded different than usual. I suspected the flex pipe part of the front exhaust pipe was leaking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-08
Service brakes
15% · 11 reportsPower train
14% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. While the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, it inadvertently rolled away and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was filed. There were no injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-02
Air bags
14% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
When crossing through an intersection at approximately 45mph, I was struck by another vehicle, speed unknown, who failed to stop at a stop sign. My vehicle was struck on the front passenger corner.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-23
A deer came out of nowhere and I hit it head on. It totaled the car. The airbag did not go off
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-20
Air bags did not deploy when veichle was hit from behind. 2 people where injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-19
Electrical system
12% · 9 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Buick Encore — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Buick Encore reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Buick Encore is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Encore?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Encore have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.