21 complaints reported

2017 Buick Encore Engine

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

Reports
21
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2026

4/2025-Engine coolant water outlet needed to be replaced 5/2025- Turbo boost replaced (under recall) 6/2025- Engine fan needed to be replaced 12/2025- There was active leaking in the engine oil cooler and lines- needed to be replaced Engine ventilation , engine oil weep along valve cover seals- needed to be replaced

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact smelled smoke and became aware that the smoke was coming from under the hood. The failure reoccurred while driving the following day. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of Special Coverage: N232395330 (Turbocharger Replacement), and the manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement. A case was opened; however, the manufacturer later informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied because the vehicle was not repaired by a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Aug 2025

The turbo charge is not providing adequate power. I was on the highway and the car began to chugging then accelerated on its own and all the lights on the dash came on then all went off like it was going to shut down. I put my hazards on and started to pull to the side of the highway. I gave it a moment for the car and for me because I was terrified, my kids were in the car and traffic was going steady around 70-75 miles per hour and I was scared as it began to shut down that I would be hit by traffic behind me before I could get over. It started driving again. It still drives but is hard to accelerate and even when stopped you can see the RPM rising. It’s as if the car never idles, it feels as though is constantly under load. I have had it looked at professionally at Midas but they will only say they think it is the turbo as there are no codes coming up. I have had it looked at by mechanics I know who have fixed other things that may cause similar issues and nothing has worked and they also believe it is the turbo. I’ve know other people with Buicks and they have had similar problems I’m confused as to why this 1.4 liter turbo has not been recalled.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water outlet housing, the blower motor, A/C condenser, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, turbo charger, and the fan were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,189.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2022
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated while the vehicle was at a stop light, the vehicle was idling roughly. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed turbo charger. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised that the repair was not covered under any special coverage or recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2022
Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to Special Coverage: N232395330; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,881.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Oct 2024

1. Valve cover gaskets been replaced in valve covers been replaced twice. 04/16/2024. 95113 miles 2. Air conditioning cooling leak and the fan motor would not shut off unless disconnecting the battery cable. 08/26/2024 at 100,254 miles 3. The turbocharger inline for the oil intake has been replaced . The car cannot completely carry a full carload without having no power to get up hills. I have no power once in a while if I'm alone driving just on a straight road or going uphills it seems like there's no gas getting to it I have good gas but it doesn't happen all the time. And I guess to where it will slow down from 55 to 35 pushing on the gas pedal with no power at all and then all the sudden it will go. Trying to explain this the best I can. 09/29/2024 at 101, 313 miles

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2024
Aug 2024

Turbo has cracked like multiple other encores covered under a recall N232395330 id like to know why my car is not covered but the others are??

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2024
Jul 2024

My vehicle just got diagnosed with a turbocharger issue, check engine light is on and cannot get inspected due to this fact. Due to repair costs, I will now be living with no vehicle for the foreseeable future. I understand this is a known issue for this type of vehicle and wanted to report it attached to my VIN

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2024

My check engine light came on in February 2024, vehicle mileage at the time was approximately 70,000 miles. My certified GM independent mechanic's diagnostic check revealed a DTC-P0299 code: faulty turbo charger. He advised repairs be made at a GM dealer under Special Coverage N-232395330 released in February 2024 by GM. My GM dealer (where I purchaser the vehicle) has also received the P0299 code and advised replacing the turbo charger. But since my VIN number is not a part of the Special Coverage, the cost of repairs would be my responsibility. I am requesting my vehicle's VIN be added to the Special Coverage and GM provide me the appropriate customer letter to cover all costs related my repair work.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2024

There is a known defect with the GM Ecotec engines, specifically the lack of retaining clip for the internal PCV valve, allowing it to become dislodged and drawn into the engine. Without the PCV valve, tremendous engine pressure is produced, leading to broken gaskets causing vacuum leaks, misfiring, severe vibration, and loss of power when accelerating (which can be a safety issue). Dorman produced a video outlining the issue and has re-engineered the part to prevent the issue from occurring: "Why GM 1.4L Ecotec engine intake manifold and valve covers repairs are often related" [XXX] This appears to be a fairly wide-spread issue with the GM Ecotec engines, and GM should perform a recall to replace these parts, and reimburse those who had to replace themselves. This also causes error codes requiring spark plugs to be replaced (they get fouled by oil) and the MAF Sensor. In troubleshooting, I also had to replace the distributor power bar and air intake hose. I have recipts for all parts, but file upload is not working on this site. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2023
Jul 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and waited for the vehicle to cool down. Once the vehicle cooled down, the contact was able to operate the vehicle normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2022
Jul 2023 Fire

The contact owned a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was at a standstill in a traffic light, she saw smoke exiting from the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a bystander informed the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle was a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2023
Nov 2022

Bought a 2017 Buick Encore November 2020 less than 6 months into owning the car check engine light came on. Purge solenoid as well as the Camshaft and 1 other component had a leak brought it to dealership and it was covered under warranty for repairs. Fast forward about a year and a half there is another leak will be bringing back to dealership and paying out of pocket for leaks because of a rough idle, poor fuel economy, and another check engine light problem. Have also read articles about this particular cars not fairing well in the temperatures changes during the seasonal changes. Yet there is no recalls and no mention of Buick or GMC being held responsible for this recurring problem.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2022
Oct 2022

Vehicle check engine light (illuminated amber picture of an engine) came on. Vehicle started running rough. Difficulty keeping the vehicle running at idle. Engine running rough/poor acceleration. Drove vehicle to local service center and left for diagnosis and repair. Service center scanned computer for codes. Found the P.C.V. vacuum control in the valve cover had torn its diaphragm and the engine was running with 19" of vacuum in it, where it is normally at 2"- 3" of vacuum. Service center obtained and installed new dealer valve cover assembly with P.C.V. control valve and gasket. Service center said they have repaired three-four of these in past few weeks. Service center said recall may be forthcoming. Have documentation.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2022
Jun 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact's daughter was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on three separate occasions where the turbo charger, the under-boost sensor, and spark plugs were replaced. However, the failure recurred several days after the repair. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring predominantly while driving 70-80 MPH. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE AFTER MARKET TURBO WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. AFTER THE TURBO WAS REPLACED, THE CATLYTIC CONVERTOR BECAME AN ISSUE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A NEW DRAGGING NOISE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2022
Aug 2019

STARTED STALLING AT IDLE, THEN JUST SHUTTERED AND STALLED WHILE MOVING, 28882.MOLES. HAD CRANK, AIR WOULD RUN BUT WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER HAD IT FOR A WEEK AND TOLD ME WAS BATTERY. WEIRD BECAUSE IT HAD CRANK BUT WOULDNT START. HAD IT BACK AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICE DID NOT ACCELERATE RIGHT, VERY HESITANT AND AT IDLE NEARLY STALLED, FELT LIKE WAS "MISSING". A FEW DAYS LATER IT STALLED TWICE WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT ON BUSY STREET RIGHT IN FRONT OF DEALERSHIP! IT STALLED AGAIN 2 DAYS LATER SO BACK TO DEALERSHIP. NO CODES OF COURSE. THEY SAID DROVE IT FOR MILES AND COULDN'T DUPLICATE. THEY ACTUALLY DROVE IT FOR 9 MILES! GAVE ME LOANER AND WILL KEEP IT OVER WEEKEND. AFRAID SOMEONE IS GONNA RUN INTO BACK AT A LIGHT WHEN IT STALLS. SOMETHING IS WRONG AND NOONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2019
Apr 2019 Fire

MY 2017 ENCORE BURST INTO FLAMES. I ARRIVED TO WORK AFTER LUNCH, I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND I SEE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. I PAUSED JUST A MOMENT TO SEE IF IT WAS GOING TO STOP BUT IT GOT WORSE VERY FAST. I GRABBED MY PURSE AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AS THE FRONT END CLOSEST TO THE WINDSHIELD WAS BECOMING ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 BUT BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, IT WAS TOO LATE TO SAVE THE CAR.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2019
Feb 2019 Fire

THIS VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD ONLY BEEN SERVICED ONE TIME BY THE DEALER (OIL CHANGE IN MAY 2018) THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND CONSUMED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS IN THE DRIVE THROUGH LANE OF A KFC RESTAURANT WHEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. 03 MY 89 YEAR OLD MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS DRAGGED FROM THE CAR TO SAFETY BY 2 BYSTANDERS BUT COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN KILLED. HAVE THERE BEEN ENGINE FIRE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE? A CAR WITH LOW MILES THAT WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER SHOULD NOT SPONTANEOUSLY ERUPT INTO A FIREBALL.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 BUICK ENCORE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2019

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Buick Encore has 21 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.