2017 Buick Encore

89 complaints on file, page 1 of 5.

1. Filed Jul 22, 2026Failure May 15, 2026Saint cloud, FLEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   The factory-installed turbocharger assembly on my 2017 Buick Encore failed mechanically while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate and severe roadway safety hazard.The structural failure of the turbocharger causes the vehicle to experience a sudden, unpredictable, and extreme loss of engine propulsion while actively driving. This severe power degradation makes it incredibly dangerous to accelerate, merge into highway traffic, or clear busy intersections safely, as the vehicle fails to respond to throttle input and drops speed rapidly. The vehicle is displaying an active diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost condition).The manufacturer, General Motors, is fully aware of this exact component defect and has issued corporate Special Coverage Adjustment Bulletin N232395330 to address cracked turbo housings and wastegate failures on this model. However, because my vehicle is over their arbitrary 120,000-mile corporate warranty limit, GM’s Executive Resolution Team (Case #103125607) has issued a final refusal to repair the component.The manufacturer's mileage limitation leaves a documented, highly dangerous engine propulsion defect completely uncorrected on an active vehicle, posing a continuing, severe safety risk to the occupants and other drivers on public roads.

   NHTSA complaint 11752260
2. Filed Jul 16, 2026Failure May 10, 2026129,000 milesCander, MPTires, Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

   The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended in the driveway in front of the residence, the front passenger’s side tire suddenly blew out. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The turbocharger had previously become inoperative. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Boyd's Chevrolet (1875 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792). After three weeks, the dealer made an unknown diagnosis and replaced the tire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11750740
3. Filed Jun 11, 2026Failure Jun 10, 2026San Antonio, TXEngine

   There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flange, resulting in boost pressure loss. There is already a recall associated with this problem in other VIN’s with the same year and type of vehicle, recall needs to be expanded because this is a known and ongoing problem.

   NHTSA complaint 11743618
4. Filed May 29, 2026Failure May 10, 2026Candler, NCBody, Unknown or other, Wheels

   UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have one when this occured. I have contacted Buick Corporate and now they are saying that they are sending my matter to the legal department. Buick corporate told me to have my vehicle towed to the Buick Dealer which I did because I wanted to know why that happened. I paid to have it towed and tomorrow I have to pay to have it towed back home until legal gets back in touch with me. The way that the vehicle exploded I am scared to even get back into the vehicle. I am so thankful that this occured at 1 am and my grandson was in bed This could have really hurt or killed someone. I thank God that I wasn't driving it. When the tow truck driver arrived he said oh your air bag exploded . I told him that I didn't know what caused it. The Buick dealer never inspected the vehicle. The Buick dealer stated that it was the tire that blew from his visual inspection.

   NHTSA complaint 11740762
5. Filed May 22, 2026Failure May 20, 2026Greensburg, PAEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

   Formal Consumer Complaint Statement — GM / Crivelli Buick I am filing a formal consumer complaint against Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC and General Motors/Buick regarding what I believe was discriminatory and unfair treatment in connection with a warranty-covered vehicle repair. The customer is [XXX] , owner of a 2017 Buick Encore. The vehicle was serviced by Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on or about May 20, 2026, for a turbocharger failure covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232395330. The vehicle had recently passed Pennsylvania safety and emissions inspection on April 30, 2026. The turbo-related diagnostic code appeared on or about [XXX]. Crivelli completed the minimum turbocharger warranty repair but then informed the customer that additional intake/manifold-related repairs were needed and would not be covered. The customer disputed this because the additional failure appeared during the same repair sequence and appears directly related to the covered turbocharger failure. A written request was faxed asking Crivelli to review the invoice, compare the repair to GM’s covered parts list, and submit the related intake/manifold issue to GM for collateral coverage, goodwill review, or warranty consideration. Crivelli did not respond to the fax notice and did not return the customer’s calls. When the customer attempted to follow up with the service department, Scott from the service department refused to review the concern, refused to provide further service, and refused to contact GM regarding the related warranty issue. Based on the conduct, tone, refusal to review the documentation, refusal to escalate to GM, and refusal to provide equal service, I believe the customer was denied fair consumer service because of race.The customer is not asking for special treatment. The customer is asking for equal treatment, proper review of GM’s own warranty/special coverage bulletin, and fair handling of a related mechanical INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

   NHTSA complaint 11739555
6. Filed May 17, 2026Failure May 17, 2026Candler, NCPressure monitoring and regulating systems, Tires

   Will vehicle was parked in my driveway there was a loud like explosion. It just exploded. My passenger size of my vehicle is totalled. I do have a video of the car blowing up. I am so happy that it was late in the early mornings. I have grandkids that play here and one of them could have got hurt or killed.

   NHTSA complaint 11738379
7. Filed Mar 20, 2026Failure Mar 13, 202688,000 milesEuless, TXEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and went into "LIMP Mode". Additionally, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the issue but declined to service the vehicle because the vehicle had a salvage title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11725893
8. Filed Mar 9, 2026Failure Feb 16, 202644,000 milesNew Haven, CTElectronic stability control (esc), Engine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle experienced reduced power. The stabili-trak and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a diagnostic trouble code for a cylinder misfire was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cylinder #1 ignition coil and spark plug were replaced, but the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the engine might need to be replaced; however, the mechanic did not specialize in engine diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to GM Special Coverage Number: N232395330; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11723105
9. Filed Feb 17, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2025Upperco, MDBody

   Rear passenger doors fail to engage internal lock when Child-Lock feature is on, door can still be opened from interior. Rear door locks fail to properly engage when locking and unlocking vehicle

   NHTSA complaint 11718605
10. Filed Jan 23, 2026Failure Dec 23, 202548,000 milesPenn Yan, NYEngine and engine cooling

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11712977
11. Filed Jan 18, 2026Failure Jan 8, 2026North Tonawanda, NYVisibility/wiper

    Wipers will not shut off.

    NHTSA complaint 11711722
12. Filed Jan 9, 2026Failure Dec 30, 2025Mentor, OHEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11710027
13. Filed Sep 17, 2025Failure Sep 10, 2025Greenwood, INEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    I have went to the dealership for the past two years with this problem and they keep saying they are not getting any codes: when the air conditioner is on it’s pulling the power from the motor and makes it hard to go up hill. Hard To accelerate when going on to the freeway as well. The problem is only getting worse and worse.

    NHTSA complaint 11687912
14. Filed Aug 8, 2025Failure Mar 21, 2025Lansing, MIEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11679247
15. Filed Jul 22, 2025Failure Oct 22, 202260,189 milesEmpire, MIEngine and engine cooling

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11675455
16. Filed Jul 21, 2025Failure Jul 11, 2025Cincinnati, OHSeat belts

    The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt failed to work as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The front driver’s side seat belt also failed to work as intended. The contact had to push the front seat all the way back to release the seat belt. The contact stated that the seat belt was too tight and pressed into her stomach. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had become aware of the failure after the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    NHTSA complaint 11675097
17. Filed Jul 9, 2025Failure Jun 26, 2025Lawrence, KSAir bagsCrash1 injured

    While traveling at approximately 77 mph on the interstate, I was forced off the road by another vehicle, causing my car to collide with a cable barrier. The initial impact was to the front driver’s side corner, and the vehicle then scraped along the driver’s side against the barrier. Despite the high-speed impact, no airbags deployed. •Component or System That Failed: The frontal airbag system failed to deploy. •Safety Risk: The non-deployment of the airbags at this speed and impact angle posed a serious risk to my safety. The lack of airbag activation during a high-speed frontal crash greatly increased the likelihood of injury. •Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Shop? No. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealership or repair facility, and the issue has not been confirmed or diagnosed by a professional. •Has the Vehicle or Component Been Inspected by Manufacturer, Police, Insurance, or Others? No. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party as of this report. •Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Before the Incident: No warning lights or messages were active before the crash. There were no known symptoms or alerts indicating a problem with the airbag system.

    NHTSA complaint 11672365
18. Filed May 22, 2025Failure Dec 12, 2024London, KYSteering

    Steering wheel locked up, had to replace rack and pinion, locking up when turning, therefore needing a wheel alignment.

    NHTSA complaint 11662532
19. Filed May 7, 2025Failure May 3, 2025118,000 milesPetersburg, VAEngine, Engine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and then suddenly jerked forward. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbocharger was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Special Coverage Turbocharger Replacement: N232395330; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11659571
20. Filed Apr 3, 2025Failure Mar 31, 2025Lukeville, AZEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    First the car started to act odd, jumpy or you could tell there was issues with the turbo. On [XXX] car overheated??? Out of nowhere. Mileage 82049. No warnings, no lights. We had it towed to shop where we were told we need new turbo, new engine, power steering service, ac service. The total Cost was $6813.54. We had to take out 2 loans - 90 days same as cash then 145% interest as well as pay $243.54 in Cash. We were guaranteed the car was in great condition. We picked it up on 1/24/25. Then on [XXX] - Odometer reading 82509 - We pulled over on the side of the road to grab something from the trunk. Driver got back in car and all of a sudden the car just shut down saying overheated and smoke was coming out of the hood. Again, Absolutely no warning, no lights, no weird noises, nothing! We are now stuck in the middle of nowhere with our [XXX] granddaughter. Thank God a police man drove by. The next day we had to have it towed back to shop. Once back to the shop we were told that the engine or labor that they just put in our vehicle would not be covered by warranty. Nothing was fixed!!! I contacted the attorney general. We went to pick it up on 3/28/2025. Once they got involved the shop agreed to do all repairs for $1873.96. (pay $600 now and then post date 2 more checks). The owners said they looked over everything and nothing should be going wrong. It should be good as new. On [XXX] We were on our way to Puerto Penasco Mexico where we have a vacation home. About 20 miles into Mexico the car just stopped. Tons of Smoke from the tail pipe, Low oil pressure all of a sudden came on. I am attaching pics showing that the car was not showing overheated. So now my husband and i are stuck on the side of the road in Mexico with no cell phone service with a [XXX] car that we can not get fixed no matter how much money or time we put into it. When we finally got ahold of the shop they said they are washing their hands of it and do not want to see this car again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

    NHTSA complaint 11652657