2018 Buick Encore problems and complaints
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Buick Encore. The most-reported areas: Engine (29), Service Brakes (11), Power Train (10).
Key takeaways
- 74 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 10 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 9 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 29 | 39% |
| Service Brakes | 11 | 15% |
| Power Train | 10 | 14% |
| Air Bags | 10 | 14% |
| Unknown Or Other | 10 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 9 | 12% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | 8% |
| Steering | 6 | 8% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 5 | 7% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 4% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Encore SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2018 Buick Encore SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-08-02
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. I discovered a turbo special coverage N232395330 and took it to Williams GMC in Cha...
Engine - filed 2026-07-31
General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. General Motors issued a Service Information Bulletin 19-...
Fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-07-20
Strong odor of gasoline, followed by a crack in the high pressure fuel line. Gasoline poured out under pressure from fuel line approximately 1 foot ahead of the right rear tire. Major amount of spillage - literally several gallons within a minute or so, that eventually faded as the system lost pressure. Could have b...
Diagnose it yourself
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
More for the 2018 Buick Encore
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.