Buick Encore Recalls

The Buick Encore has 15 recalls covering 2013 through 2020, with the most serious being a transmission start-stop accumulator on 2019-2020 models where missing bolts can cause a transmission oil leak that progresses to a complete loss of drive power while in traffic.

On 2019 models, a separate issue involves the airbag control module potentially being left in manufacturing mode, which prevents the airbags from deploying in a crash. The 2020 model year has a recall where one or both front seat rear attachment bolts may be missing, allowing an occupied seat to shift forward in a crash. Recalls 10 and 11 describe the same underlying defect on 2014-2017 models: a wiring issue that can prevent the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without full restraint protection.

Going back to the 2015 model year, the steering column housing can wear against the electric power steering circuit board and cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle noticeably harder to steer, particularly at low speeds. The 2015 model also has tire placard labels missing rim size information, which could lead to incorrect wheel replacement.

The 2013 model year carries several recalls. A small production window of 2013 vehicles equipped with a heated steering wheel has a fastener that may not have been properly installed, allowing the steering wheel to come loose or fully separate from the column. On other 2013 models, the passenger airbag end cap welds can separate from the inflator, causing the airbag to deploy incompletely in a crash. Front seat hook bracket welds on some 2013 vehicles may be incomplete, allowing the seat track to separate under crash loads. There is also a 2013 recall covering the engine block heater power cord, where the insulation can crack in extreme cold below -25°C and create an electrical shock hazard when handled. A separate 2013 recall involves the park lock mechanism potentially allowing the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in Park, risking a rollaway. The 2014 model year has a compliance recall for a VIN label with characters too small to meet Canadian standards.