This page covers 5 recalls, 52 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Buick Encore.
25–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate what 2013 Buick Encore owners report, with turbocharger failure being the most common theme. Owners describe the turbo underperforming or failing outright, sometimes repeatedly within a short period, and several reports mention oil-related consequences when the turbo goes. Check engine light illumination is frequently part of this pattern, with diagnoses pointing to the turbocharger, catalytic converter, or head gasket issues, the last typically flagged around or under 90,000 miles. Electrical system complaints come in second, though the reports there are more scattered. A handful of airbag-related complaints round out the top three reported systems. One isolated report describes the panoramic sunroof shattering unexpectedly while driving at highway speed, with no prior warning.
52
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Buick Encore has 5 recalls, the most serious involving the steering wheel, which can come loose or fully separate from the steering column and cause complete loss of steering control while driving. This recall only affects vehicles with a heated steering wheel built during a narrow window in late December 2012. On the occupant safety side, the passenger airbag's end cap welds can fail, preventing the airbag from fully deploying in a crash, and a front seat hook bracket with an incomplete weld can break away from the seat track under crash loads, allowing the seat to shift. There is also an ignition concern: the park lock mechanism may allow the key to be removed while the transmission is not in Park, which can let the vehicle roll away as someone is getting out. The fifth recall covers the engine block heater power cord, whose insulation can crack if handled in extreme cold, creating a shock hazard when plugging or unplugging the heater.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hook bracket that attaches the front seat to its track may have an incomplete weld. Under heavy load, the hook could separate from the track, potentially causing seat movement during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the weld and replace the lower seat track if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On some vehicles, the engine block heater power cord's insulation can crack in very cold temperatures (below -25°C), creating a risk of electrical shock.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the block heater cord with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Welds connecting the passenger airbag end caps to the inflator can separate, preventing the airbag from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the passenger airbag assembly and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed, which could cause the steering wheel to loosen or separate from the steering column.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering wheel and make necessary repairs at no charge to restore proper fastening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
