repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
2013 Buick EncoreProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 52 owner complaints about the 2013 Buick Encore, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-417 the manufacturer reports only 79% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 21, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Buick Encore has problems
52 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
21Engine
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
7Power train2 crash/fire/injury
6Vehicle speed control
5Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Tires
3Seat belts
2Seats
97 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 21 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2013 Buick Encore recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Seat belts: front
Risk. If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Seats
Risk. A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Equipment: electrical
Risk. Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q4
Air bags
Risk. If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
no report yet
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk. If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Buick.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Encore year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Encore median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Buick Encore safety ratings
2013 Buick Encore SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Buick Encore, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Encore owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets. I research online similar complaints with other Buick Encore 2013. I just this car March 2023 has about…
The check engine light came and took the car to O'Reillys and was informed it had low turbo boost code took car to the dealership and they indeed confirmed that was the issue and that it would be over $3000.00 to fix!!! I bought this car 4 months ago and this seems to be an issue with a few other…
TURBO WENT OUT TWICE WITHIN 3 MONTHS. ALSO I WAITED FOR 6 WEEKS ON A BACK ORDERED PART. SO MUCH SERVICE WORK... PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM THIS CAR IS A LEMON. THE PAINT LITERALLY FELL OFF THE MIRRORS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR.
Own a 2013 Encore?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.