Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Buick Encore owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the 02 sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light became illuminated again. The contact had the vehicle towed to another mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was towed to another mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that a cylinder in the engine failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure but received no assistance in repairing the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine revved loudly, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered during start-up. The contact also stated that the vehicle shuddered while coming to a stop, then lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone Auto Parts, where the diagnostic code P0420 was retrieved, and it was determined that the rear catalytic converter and the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the water outlet and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the turbo charger. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate and lost power while on an incline. Traction and engine warning light was illuminated The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the thermostat heater control circuit and a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 61,009
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,978.
On March 18 , 2025 I purchased a 2014 Buick Encore with an implied warranty, the vehicle had 128,644 miles on the odometer. At the time of purchase the check light was not on and the vehicle had no visible or audible mechanical issues. Not 14 days after purchase there was a strong odor of burning oil due to an oil leak dripping into the splash shield. A certified mechanic advised me that the problem was a very common issue with the 2014 Buick Encore and the oil cooler associated with the turbo charger needed to be replaced. This issue is so common that the NHTSA issued a GM part failure warning for the 2017 model and instructed GM to reimburse all vehicle owners to replace the part (N232395330). This issue clearly a problem that needs to be addressed with the 2014 model as well. …
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that twice while her son was driving the vehicle at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights had illuminated. After the most recent failure, the vehicle had become inoperable and failed to restart after multiple attempts. The vehicle had been towed to an independent mechanic and a dealer however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
My engine light came on 4 days prior. Took to repair shop and code showed PO OB6. I was informed there is a small pinhole leak of antifreeze by the Head Gasket at the block. There is only 63k mileage on this vehicle and if I had blown this gasket I could have put me at risk or others had this blown a gasket. I just cant believe this is happening since there is not much mileage on this vehicle. Please research.
I pulled out of a gas station and about 1 mile down the road my car all of a sudden would not accelerate; it was stuck at a maximum of 35mph. The transmission/check engine light did not go on for at least another mile until I was able to pull off the side of the road. Car was towed to a local AAMCO where it was determined that entire transmission failed with no warning whatsoever.
Coolant leak and cover gasket failure. Buick has been in the shop multiple times for coolant issues and leaks. Next step is for the shop to remove the entire front end to adequately repair. Constant issue and other complaint relay the same
Engine complaints in other Encore years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2014 Buick Encore?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2014 Buick Encore, 45% of the model year's 60 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline › turbo/supercharger › intercooler (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Buick Encore engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2014 Buick Encore, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Buick Encore engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.