This page covers 6 recalls, 121 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Buick Encore.
26–28 mpg combined
8.4–9 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering complaints dominate the 2015 Buick Encore's complaint record, with owners frequently reporting sudden power steering loss while driving, often accompanied by the power steering warning light and a service message on the dash. Some describe the steering wheel seizing momentarily before returning to normal. The electrical system draws a similar pattern of warning lights illuminating without clear cause, including traction control and check engine lights activating together. Engine complaints center on oil leaks, with multiple owners describing oil pooling under the vehicle and tracing it to the oil coolant pipe or areas near the timing cover. Several also report a turbocharger underboost code (P0299), describing hesitation or a failure to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal, sometimes alongside a noticeable loss of power.
121
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Buick Encore has 6 recalls, the most serious being a steering defect where internal contact within the steering column can wear down the power steering circuit board and cause a sudden loss of power assist, raising the risk of a crash.
On the safety equipment side, a separate issue affects the airbag and seatbelt pretensioner system: a wiring concern can prevent the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without full restraint protection. Two recalls cover the same underlying pretensioner defect across a broad range of GM vehicles, so this is one problem to be aware of rather than two separate ones.
The remaining two recalls involve the tire and loading information label, which is missing rim size details for the front and rear wheels. Without that information, a wheel replacement could result in the wrong rim size being installed.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may not have received a complete update from a previous recall. Under certain driving conditions, this software may run a diagnostic test that disables frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control software. If your vehicle previously deployed air bags, the control module will be replaced instead. Repairs are free.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire placard label on your vehicle doesn't show the rim size for your front or rear wheels, which violates federal safety standards.
What the fix does
GM will send you a corrected tire placard label at no charge to replace the incorrect one on your vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire and loading information label is missing rim size information for the front and rear wheels. This could lead to incorrect replacement rims being installed, increasing risk of injury or property damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will supply new corrected labels with the complete rim size information.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column assembly housing may rub against the power steering circuit board, wearing it down and potentially causing electrical failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column housing may rub against the power steering circuit board, gradually wearing it down until power steering assist suddenly stops working. The vehicle switches to manual steering mode, requiring much more driver effort to steer.
What the fix does
Your dealer will inspect the steering column assembly and replace it if needed to prevent the rubbing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
