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 2018 Buick Encore owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, power steering, and brake functionality. The vehicle began to shake, and the brakes and steering wheel became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where the mechanic test drove the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. While driving, the fan failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer Orange Buick GMC (3883 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808), where it was diagnosed that the coil and relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. …
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed there was oil leaking onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact's husband, who is a certified mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was caused by a leaking oil cooler pipe. The contact was informed that the oil cooler pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the leak was persistent. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced GMC recall 43210; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with the check engine and stabili-trak warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the warning lights were cleared, and the vehicle drove normally. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 109,800.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light would illuminate as the average miles per gallon decreased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the clamps for the turbo hoses were loose. The clamps and hoses were realigned and tightened. The contact stated that the failure recurred 2 months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the same diagnosis along with a red thread failure. The clamps were realigned and tightened again. The contact stated that the air filter hose was also loose. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain, resulting in damage to the crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,507.
There are many Buick Encores, including 2018 that have a problem with acceleator position sensors. My car's vin # shows that it does not have this notice, and thus no problem. However, in July this 2018 Buick Encore went into 'limp mode, check engine light came on. Code for problem was 2138 (accelerator Pedal Position Sensor) The initial dealer solution was to apply dielectric grease. However, this 'cure' lasted . 15 miles, when it went into limp mode,,, again check engine icon came on THIS is very dangerous, as it cannot accelerate and from a stop, it does not move until a minute later... that is so frightening, I again took it to the deaer, same code of P2138, and now they recommend the accelerator pedal positon sensor replacement.... …
I have been employed in the Automotive Parts and Repair business for over forty years. I notice my vehicle exhaust sounded different than usual. I suspected the flex pipe part of the front exhaust pipe was leaking. This was confirmed by my local auto repair shop during a service visit. During my time as GM Parts Manager I can speak from experience to the problems these flex pipes cause because I kept two or three of them on the shelf to repair vehicles. My concern is exhaust fumes entering the passenger compartment of my vehicle because the flex pipe leaking which is just off the exhaust manifold. I contacted the local dealership where my vehicle was purchased because there still is a "Emission Warranty in effect. My 2018 Buick Encore has less than 50000 miles on it . I also contacted the Northeast Region District Service Manger with my concerns.
General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. General Motors issued a Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-114 in May 2019 about involving 2013 to 2019 Buick Encores. This is a known issue for many models other than my vehicle. I have the old parts from the repair for inspection which includes the Intake Manifold and the Valve Cover for faulty PCV components that cause the engine to produce excess Engine Crankcase pressure possibly causing a fire. My vehicle had a check engine light code of P0171 and the odor of burning oil.
The contact's sister owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently loss motive power without warning. The vehicle would restart independently and resumed normal operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the turbocharger assembly was defective. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was also informed that the antifreeze had been burning within the engine however, no additional repairs were performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
We took our 2018 buick encore in to get the turbo fixed for the recall. The mechanic told us he can't test the turbo on it because the oil line going into the turbo isn't working and he has multiple other vehicles in for the SAME issue and they have been sitting in his back lot since December because he can't get the part in because everyone is out of stock. We will have to pay out of pocket for the oil line issue which will be $2300. So the turbo going bad is not the only issue this recall should cover. Because the oil line supplying the turbo should be included with the recall!
Engine complaints in other Encore years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Buick Encore?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Buick Encore, 42% of the model year's 74 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › hoses/lines/piping/fittings (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Buick Encore engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Buick Encore. 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 2018 Buick Encore engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 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.