Most common 2019 Buick Encore problems
Share of the 88 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Encore complaints by model year
Best Encore years: 2021, 2022, 2020. Years to avoid: 2015, 2019, 2017. Compare all years →
2019 Buick Encore recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018.
What 2019 Buick Encore owners say
Engine & cooling all 40 →
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to start after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was purchased, and the mechanic replaced the oxygen sensor. Despite the repair, the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic. Diagnostic trouble codes retrieved via an OBD-II scanner indicated catalytic converter issues; however, the mechanic determined the failure was related to the flex plate. The contact was referred to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assigned a case number. …
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel pump and thermostat failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump and thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
My check engine light has been appearing off and on for a few months. I received a diagnostic code of P0325 TWICE by two different professional technicians. I ordered an OEM knock sensor, hired a technician to replace the knock sensor, drove about 10 miles and the check engine light came back on. Then, I received a diagnostic code of P-1101, and the recommended solution is to replace the intake manifold and all necessary gadgets. After speaking with professional technicians and doing thorough online research, I discovered that General Motors issued a service bulletin No. 19-NA-101, dated July 2024, covers certain 2013-2019 model vehicles (including Buick Encore with 1.4L turbo) for oil consumption and/or leaks caused by a missing non-return valve in the intake manifold. …
They sold me a car and 2 days later the check engine light came on I fixed it then a second time it came on I fixed again then a third time it came on I fixed it again now this is the 4th time that this light has come on and I called up there they tell me well we can see about putting you in another car. I go up there today and they tell me well the loan place you chose won't do it because what's on my credit so I ask if they can fix it for free because I can't afford to pay 500$ 9' car note and 500$ for car Insurance they said it's nothing they could do to help me I asked for a manger Chelsea , she walked passed me 3 times and one of the times was to go smoke a cigarette didn't even try to aknowlege me until I called my salesmen Veronica too say she walked passed me 3 times and didn't say anything I don't appreciate im working hard to try and pay for this car and. …
Air bags
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the vehicle was suddenly rear-ended when the other vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign. As a result, the vehicle spun around and hit the curb, and a stop sign where it came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. After the impact, the contact received a notice on her phone that there was a problem with the air bag. The vehicle failed to restart after the crash. The contact went to the Urgent care clinic and was transported to the Hospital via ambulance. The contact suffered injuries to her neck. The contact's passenger was injured and waiting for a medical diagnosis. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The insurance company was pending an investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owned a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a left turn, driving northbound, and crashed into the contact's vehicle on the front driver's side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's daughter and granddaughter were both injured and were later treated at the local hospital for soreness in various parts of their body. Both occupants sustained emotional trauma as a result of the accident. The other driver was also injured as a result of the accident and was transported to the hospital by ambulance; their injuries are unknown. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent tow yard, where it was deemed a total loss. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. …
2019 Buick Encore engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 31 / 28 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 25 / 30 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Buick Encore a good car?
Based on 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Encore rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Encore at the same age. It is one of the Encore years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Buick Encore?
The engine & cooling — 40 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline › turbo/supercharger. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (12) and air bags (11).
How many recalls does the 2019 Buick Encore have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2019 Buick Encore, the most recent from October 29, 2020 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Encore?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2022 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015, 2019 and 2017. See the full Buick Encore years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 Buick Encore problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 34,000 miles; 63% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.