repaired · 2018 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the…
2016 Buick EncoreProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 80 owner complaints about the 2016 Buick Encore, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-437 the manufacturer reports only 84% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 1, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Buick Encore has problems
80 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
41Engine1 crash/fire/injury
13Fuel/propulsion system
12Power train
9Electrical system
7Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
5Steering
4Seat belts
4Structure
3Wheels
168 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 41 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 0 |
| Power train | 12 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Air bags | 7 | 5 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 2 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 16 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2016 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 · 2018 Q2
Air bags: frontal
Risk. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the…
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
2016 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
In owners' words
What Encore owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Sequential powertrain and turbocharger failure on 1.4L Ecotec engine following $5,700 in prior engine repairs. Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power. Component is covered under GM Special Coverage/warranty. Authorized GM dealer (Mike Haggerty Buick GMC) and General Motors have engaged in…
power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. Said it was a circuit…
On my way home in December 2025, my car started to sputter and make noises. All of a sudden the car started going about 10-15 miles. I almost go hit by several vehicles, because they had to put on brakes, I was trying to go up then down a hilly road. I finally was able to get to an Auto Advance…
Own a 2016 Encore?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.