Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Buick Encore owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering wheel was locked. Additionally, a burning odor was detected, and the tachometer was inoperable while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The traction control warning light and the power steering warning light was illuminated, and the message to "Contact Dealer for Service" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the wiring harnesses connected with the CPU had failed. The wiring harness in the CPU was replaced. After the repair, while driving 60 MPH, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. …
The contact owns a 2015 BUICK ENCORE. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was placed in reverse the vehicle felt as if the tires were dragging. When the steering wheel was being turned in any direction, the vehicle would show signs of hesitation before turning. The contact stated that the failures were related to TSB number: 10161933 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 10139246 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND STEERING), 18NA049. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer who stated that the rear differential had failed and the failure was caused by the issues mentioned in the TSB's mentioned above. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving the computer shut down without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who stated they were unable to duplicate the failure due to the computer shutting down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The contact was concerned about being involved in a crash due to an unsafe vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Have had the car in the Buick dealership numerous times to get these things fixed. Each time was told it was fixed and I paid for parts and labor. 1. Engine Light keeps coming on. 2. traction light keeps coming on. 3. Power steering goes out 4. Press on gas and have to floor it in order to just crawl to a place to stop. 5 Hard jumps after stopping at a light Have had this in to Tasca Buick and each time they say they fixed it - then it happens less then 2 weeks later. Have told them this car is going to kill someone with the steering going out while driving. I have a 2015 beautiful Buick Encore in the drive that I cannot drive. I am 77 years old and can't just walk. I don't know what to do. I have tried taking it in to have it fixed and it keeps doing the same things. It is definitely available for inspection. This has happened numerous times since I have had the car. …
We have had problems with the air bags since the car was new. The SRS light would come on for a couple months then go off. It says it has a problem with the passenger presence module. Never had a recall but the dealer said that when we took it in for an oil change they updated the firmware on the air bag system. It never did work, it would sometimes work then not work. I took it back a few weeks ago and told them it still isn't right and I said since it is a safety issue they should cover it. They told me that since Ohio doesn't have auto inspections that they are not responsibile for taking care of it and I was looking at over 1000 to repair. That pissed me off so I took my car and left. I am taking it to a independent garage. I have had lots of problems eith this car and only have 42000 on it now. My last GM, next will be Toyota/
I've had my car for 3 years. I've always kept up with it's maintenance. My engine/head gasket are blown and I found out this is a common issue with this car. The airbags also dont recognize when there are passengers in the car. I started my car up one morning in September and all of my lights started flashing. I immediately turned it off and towed it to my mechanic to find out that it pretty much has everything wrong with it. My car is barely above 80k
While driving, I received a call that routed through the Bluetooth hands-free system. Within seconds of receiving the call, the entire system seemed to blitz out and shut the car off completely. Luckily I was not going fast and was able to glide to the side. I lost almost all the ability to control the car. If this had been on the freeway it wouldn't have ended as well.
Driving on freeway, approx 74 MPH in a 75 zone. About 1.5 hours in to a 2.5 hour trip. All systems were functioning and no warning lights were on. Car suddenly lost power on gas pedal , power steering light came on, check engine light came on , all gauges are functioning erratically and then all gauges stopped or went to zero. Light indictating the transmission gear kept changing. But the cars tranny didn't shift or change just the light for the gear indicator wasflashing. Car slowed to approx. 40 MPH, with the RPM's racing to approx. 4500/6000. Engine was still running and not over heating or any other lights except check engine and power steering light. Stopped car on shoulder to take inventory of situation, car running and idile RPM's seemed normal chk. Engine and power steering light still on, proceeded to drive again . No leaks or overheating . All gauges came back up/ on. …
While braking to stop for a traffic light on a busy 45 MPH speed limit road, the engine stopped running. I shifted into park to restart it. Entire electrical system was dead except power seats and door locks. Engine would not start and no other electrical related equipment worked including engine, gear shift, instrument panel, radio, lights,turn signals, and emergency lights. Two safety issues because the car could have been rear ended: 1). Could not shift out of park to push car off the road. None of the 4 ladies in the car could get it out of park. Fortunately, when my husband arrived he could not get it out of park either. Two macho police officers gave it a try, but failed also. After some effort, the tow truck driver was able to put it into neutral by using the shift lock maual release. None of us ever heard of it 2). …
Electrical complaints in other Encore years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2015 Buick Encore?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 2015 Buick Encore, 24% of the model year's 124 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Buick Encore electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2015 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 2015 Buick Encore electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.