Summary
The Buick Encore has 8 recalls spanning 2013 through 2021, with the most serious affecting 2013 models equipped with a heated steering wheel, where an improperly installed fastener can allow the steering wheel to come loose or fully separate from the column, removing the driver's ability to steer.
The 2020 Encore GX has a separate concern where one or both front seat rear attachment bolts may be missing, allowing an occupied seat to shift during a crash and raise the risk of injury to the occupant. On 2015 models, the steering column housing can contact and gradually wear through the power steering circuit board, causing a sudden loss of power steering assist, though a warning light does illuminate when this occurs.
The 2013 model year carries several additional issues. Welds on the passenger airbag inflator end caps can separate, preventing the airbag from fully deploying in a crash. Front seat hook bracket assemblies on some 2013 vehicles may have an incomplete weld that can fracture under crash loads, allowing the seat track to separate. There is also a concern on 2013 vehicles equipped with an engine block heater: the power cord insulation can crack if handled in temperatures below -25°C, creating a shock hazard.
The two remaining recalls cover labeling compliance on 2014 and 2015 models, one for a vehicle identification number with insufficient character height and one for a tire and loading label missing rim size information for both axles.
