Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Buick Encore owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to a failure with the oil pump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer informed the contact that a portion of the cost of the repair would be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently with unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle started smoking and overheating. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC codes: P0700, P0243, and P0333. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 123,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she observed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil cooler pipe. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Update: 43210. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
2016 Buick Encore VIN [redacted] approximately 60,000 miles. The vehicles turbo had a catastrophic failure pushing oil into the engine, and the catalytic converter causing extensive damage to both. The description from the first mechanic shop, I took it to descripted it as the turbo exploded, spewing oil everywhere. Buick knows the turbo engine is faulty and they issued a 'special' warranty, however the warranty doesn't cover the damage caused by their faulty turbo engine. There wasn't anything I could've done to prevent this. In fact, the GM dealership replaced the turbo and that turbo failed and had to be replaced. I've been asked to cover the cost of repairing the engine, catalytic converter and clean the oil that sprayed the engine compartment. In hindsight, Buick should've issued a full recall on the turbo. …
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 Shop, I had to tow the car to Honda then to Buick for a diagnostic test. It had been over a month and I can't get information in writing what the diagnostic test results are. I've had to rent a vehicle for over a month, even though I have a Lifetime Warranty on my power train and motor. I have submitted all my service and repair paperwork to John Miles Buick Conyers Georgia, the GM and Service Department, also I contacted GMC Corporate Office. I have been in a rental car for over a month that I can no longer afford. I don't know where else to get results for my issue. Thank you, [redacted]. …
I believe my turbocharge is malfunctioning. The check engine light is on with code P0299. My vehicle is struggling to accelerate properly putting us in a few close calls while driving. Yes it is available for inspection - I've seen one mechanic on 6/13/25 - scheduled a follow up with a different one on 6/20/25 and have an appointment scheduled with GM on 7/1/25 should it go that far. I cannot pull out in front of vehicles even with double the normal amount of space confidently due to my lack of acceleration putting my family - pregnant wife and 1 year old at risk. We floor the gas pedal to try and get what should be normal acceleration but sometime it responds normally which has put us at risk of hitting vehicles in front of us. Yes - it has been inspected and we're getting more opinions. First appeared early June but no other warnings
Turbocharger failed which can eventually cause engine seizure. Independent mechanic diagnosed and repaired after Buick dealer told me I was out of warranty. After repair I located a letter from Buick with my vin number on it dated November 2021 (after my warranty expiration) confirmed that the turbocharger might fail and they would replace free of charge within 10 yrs or 120,000 miles of vehicle purchase. Prior to incident of turbocharger fail, my vehicle alerted me with with a loud tone of "Engine overheat, engine Idle" - all the engine oil and coolant ran out while driving.. Mechanic replaced water outlet, then a short time later service engine light came on with code for turbocharger failure.
I was stopped at a traffic light and began moving forward to make a turn into traffic. As I activated my turn signal and started to proceed through the intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. Another vehicle was entering the intersection at the same time, creating a near-collision situation. I was forced to restart the vehicle in traffic. The incident occurred within less than 250 miles of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle had recently received an oil change and inspection. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the stall. This event created a serious safety risk.
The turbo malfunctioned and made it not possible for the car to accelerate on the freeway. My safety was put at risk because the car would no longer accelerate at the speed limit which meant I was going slower than traffic. It sounds like this is a common problem for these cars in this year and 2017. The vehicle has been checked out by a mechanic. Nothing appeared until after it happened then the check engine light was on. sources that this is a common problem for this vehicle https://www.carcomplaints.com/Buick/Encore/2016/engine/engine.shtml https://www.driveandreview.com/buick-encore-problems/ https://buickforums.com/forums/threads/2017-buick-encore-turbo-failure.52583/
In reference to this vehicle, I purchased this car from Burns Honda in February 2020. I replaced the battery less than a year of having this car. I then had my engine light come on and my car was skipping, it completely stopped while driving. Several times, it jumped when I would go over 65 MPH. I took it to the dealership that same night and they continued to tell me nothing was wrong with it. I have had electrical issues along with that. After back and forth for several days with Buick, they finally replaced the transmission. Fast forward to October of 2021, my engine light continues to go off and on and my car has been jumping on me.
Engine complaints in other Encore years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Buick Encore?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Buick Encore, 54% of the model year's 80 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Buick Encore engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Buick Encore, though it has 2 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 2016 Buick Encore engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.