22 complaints reported

2016 Buick Encore Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
22
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Aug 2025

Vehicle unable to hold coolant. Local shop says the coolant lines hold pressure and leak appears to be with manifold and turbo. Car has less than 35k miles. There is a recall for this turbo issue with 2017 and up models but why not for 2016, or any other years with same issue?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

The turbo has gone out on this and its not even 10 years old. I saw on other VIN's it got recalled and I believe all VIN's should be included

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
Jun 2025

I believe my turbocharge is malfunctioning. The check engine light is on with code P0299. My vehicle is struggling to accelerate properly putting us in a few close calls while driving. Yes it is available for inspection - I've seen one mechanic on 6/13/25 - scheduled a follow up with a different one on 6/20/25 and have an appointment scheduled with GM on 7/1/25 should it go that far. I cannot pull out in front of vehicles even with double the normal amount of space confidently due to my lack of acceleration putting my family - pregnant wife and 1 year old at risk. We floor the gas pedal to try and get what should be normal acceleration but sometime it responds normally which has put us at risk of hitting vehicles in front of us. Yes - it has been inspected and we're getting more opinions. First appeared early June but no other warnings

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Apr 2025

Add my car to your recall. Past recalls on these vehicles for oil leaking, which can cause a fire.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2025
Jan 2025

Please help me. Please add my Vin# [XXX] for repair on a Past recall 2016 Buick. Dealer will not Fix my car, I need Vin Number added to recall. I have attached a copy of the recall. 43210 Engine Oil Leakage at Oil Cooler Pipe Reference Number: A162043210 GWM Number: 2043210 Condition Engine oil leakage at the oil cooler pipe caused by damaged O-ring. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Jul 2024

Acceleration was reduced immediately on the freeway after the check engine light came on the day before with a P0299 code for turbocharger repair. Now the vehicle will not start and the dealership service said an additional code of po366 is now showing. Are these related? The turbocharger has an extended special coverage, but not engine repair that is likely the result of the turbocharger failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2024
Jun 2024

The turbo on my 2016 Buick Encore hasn't been working right for about a year. My engine light has been on consistently everyday for about 8 months. I've taken it to the dealer to get it repaired, and there is a bulletin - Reference Number A212338300 - but for some reason my VIN doesn't meet the requirement of the turbo replacement - even though the bulletin is for a turbo replacement. Why is my turbo NOT covered by the bulletin? Clearly there is an issue with the part since a bulletin exists in the first place.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she observed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil cooler pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Update: 43210. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2024
May 2024

03/09/2024 overheated, replace thermostat and housing, refilled coolant 3/16/2024 overheated, refilled coolant 3/18/2024 towed to dealership. leaking oil, losing coolant $3280.00 repairs 4/1/2024 water pump 4/6/2024 Turbo coolant feedline Safety concern, I commute via I-95. Overheating could cause a multi vehicle collision Temperature gauge quickly drops to overheat.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2024
Feb 2024

2016 Buick Encore VIN [XXX] approximately 60,000 miles. The vehicles turbo had a catastrophic failure pushing oil into the engine, and the catalytic converter causing extensive damage to both. The description from the first mechanic shop, I took it to descripted it as the turbo exploded, spewing oil everywhere. Buick knows the turbo engine is faulty and they issued a 'special' warranty, however the warranty doesn't cover the damage caused by their faulty turbo engine. There wasn't anything I could've done to prevent this. In fact, the GM dealership replaced the turbo and that turbo failed and had to be replaced. I've been asked to cover the cost of repairing the engine, catalytic converter and clean the oil that sprayed the engine compartment. In hindsight, Buick should've issued a full recall on the turbo. They made a business decision not to recall the turbo, but they need to accept responsibility. Living in rural Northern Wisconsin, we are fortunate that this didn't happen in the winter. The resolution I seek is GM/Buick accept responsibility and cover the total cost of repair. This isn't directed at any of the GM/Buick employees I've dealt with, they have all been courteous and professional. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2024
Aug 2023

Turbocharger failed which can eventually cause engine seizure. Independent mechanic diagnosed and repaired after Buick dealer told me I was out of warranty. After repair I located a letter from Buick with my vin number on it dated November 2021 (after my warranty expiration) confirmed that the turbocharger might fail and they would replace free of charge within 10 yrs or 120,000 miles of vehicle purchase. Prior to incident of turbocharger fail, my vehicle alerted me with with a loud tone of "Engine overheat, engine Idle" - all the engine oil and coolant ran out while driving.. Mechanic replaced water outlet, then a short time later service engine light came on with code for turbocharger failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2023
Jul 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently with unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle started smoking and overheating. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC codes: P0700, P0243, and P0333. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2023
Dec 2022

I was driving down the road and the car started cutting back, then it got real bad, has No power at all right in the middle of work hour traffic! The check engine light comes on then the traction light comes on, OnStar diagnostics sent email stating emissions system, stabil trac system and anti lock system My daughter was in the car we was in danger!!! I pay way too much for this car, I am on disability, fixed income! I have to have a way to go and get my daughter to school!!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2022
Jun 2022

The turbo malfunctioned and made it not possible for the car to accelerate on the freeway. My safety was put at risk because the car would no longer accelerate at the speed limit which meant I was going slower than traffic. It sounds like this is a common problem for these cars in this year and 2017. The vehicle has been checked out by a mechanic. Nothing appeared until after it happened then the check engine light was on. sources that this is a common problem for this vehicle https://www.carcomplaints.com/Buick/Encore/2016/engine/engine.shtml https://www.driveandreview.com/buick-encore-problems/ https://buickforums.com/forums/threads/2017-buick-encore-turbo-failure.52583/

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2022
May 2021

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY DECELERATED TO 10 MPH. THE THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST TIP. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION AND THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBO CHARGER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THERE WAS ENGINE OIL IN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE TURBO CHARGER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC FOUND A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER #3 AND TURBO CHARGER AS WELL AS CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE FULL OF OIL . ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH COMPRESSION ON THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2021
Jan 2020 Fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE OR AT START UP THE ENGINE SMOKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF BURNING ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF OIL ON THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WHEN THE HOOD WAS RAISED. HALEY GMC 9831 MIDLOTHIAN HYPERLINK, RICHMOND VA 23235: 804-250-1322, WAS CONTACTED AND A VALVE COVER REPLACEMENT WAS SUGGESTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONSTAR SYSTEM ALERTED OF AN EMISSION FAILURE. A PLUG PART WAS REPLACED WHILE STILL COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY IN AN EARLIER VISIT TO THE SAME DEALER. THE BURNING ODOR STILL PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,064.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2019
Dec 2019

MY AWD WENT OUT ON 3 OCCASIONS, EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THEY FOUND NOTHING. ONE DAY I LOST ACCELERATION POWER AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY PISTONS WERE NOT FIRING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH THE TURBO. ALL WAS COVERED, HOWEVER TWO WEEKS LATER MY RED OIL ALARM CAME ON, I WAS OUT OF OIL. THE CAR WENT BACK TO DEALER, ALL OIL WAS BURNED UP AND SO WAS MY TURBO. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN PREVIOUSLY FOR LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK-END. I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS FOUND TO BE WRONG?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2019
Dec 2019

WHEN STOPPED, THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE ITS MISSING, SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL. WHEN ACCELERATING, SOMETIMES HESITATES OR NOT QUITE GETTING SPARK. SCARY WHEN MERGING AND DON'T HAVE FULL POWER RIGHT AWAY. BROUGHT TO DEALER 3 TIMES, AND NOW WARRANTY HAS PASSED. HAPPENS EVERYDAY.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2019
Nov 2019

OUR VEHICLE STARTED LOSING PICK UP AND GO IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE. ERROR CODES P0299 TURBO/SUPER CHARGER UNDERBOOST ISSUE WAS IDENTIFIED. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THE PART IS ON BACKORDER UNTIL MAYBE JULY. EVEN AFTER MARKET PARTS APPARENTLY ARE UNAVAILABLE BECAUSE GM IS PURCHASING THEM. WE CONTACTED SERVICE MANAGER AT DEALERSHIP BECAUSE WE ARE WITHOUT A CAR THAT WE ARE PAYING FOR AND THERE IS A HUGE CONCERN THAT IF THE PART IS THIS DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN, THERE MUST BE AN UNDISCLOSED ISSUE GOING ON HERE. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY ARE ONLY ABLE TO OBTAIN UPDATES FOR PARTS ONCE THE PART IS ORDERED, BUT ALSO DID CONFIRM THERE IS ( NOT NECESSARILY A BACKORDER, BUT THE PART IS HARD TO COME BY!?!). HE COULD NOT ANSWER WHY. HE DID ENCOURAGE US TO CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO ESCALATE OUR CONCERNS. WE DID CONTACT CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WERE DIRECTED TO CONTACT NHTSA. WE CURRENTLY ARE WITHOUT OUR VEHICLE THAT WE CONTINUE TO PAY FOR AND CONTINUE ON THIS JOURNEY OF TELL THIS PERSON OR DEPARTMENT AND WE ARE GETTING NOWHERE FAST. SOMETHING BIGGER IS OBVIOUSLY GOING ON HERE AND AS ALWAYS THE PAYING CUSTOMER CONTINUES TO BE THE ONE PAYING FOR IT. WE WANT THE PART AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO NOT BE INCONVENIENCED WITH SCRAMBLING EVERYDAY ON HOW TO GET TO/FROM WORK AND HOW TO GET TO/ FROM CARING FOR ELDERLY PARENTS WHO ARE IN NEED OF OUR ASSISTANCE TO EAT, BATH AND REMAIN SAFE. THIS ISSUE IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE AND TRUTH NEEDS TO BE TOLD BY GM/BUICK.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2019
Oct 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 44 MPH AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE COASTED UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT HESITATED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB RUTH FORD (700 N U.S. 15, DILLSBURG, PA 17019, (877) 818-1593) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,251.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2019
Feb 2018

YESTERDAY I STARTED THE VEHICLE UP AND IT QUIT. SO I STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT RAN. THEN TODAY, I WAS BACKING OUT AND IT DIED OUT. I STARTED IT UP AGAIN AND DROVE TOWARDS HOME. THEN I WAS TRAVELING 40 PLUS MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. I HIT THE BRAKES AND IT STARTED ROCKING. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM THE CAR BEHIND ME. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE BUICK DEALERSHIP.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2018
Jul 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ECM SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE, AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE MAP SENSOR THE CONTACT STILL NOTICED AN ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. UPDATED 02/09/17*LJ *CN

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2016

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Buick Encore has 22 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.