Buick’s subcompact Encore ranks among the best in its class thanks to solid reliability and safety ratings. However, the SUV has seen some engine problems, as well as safety issues involving airbags, seat belts, brakes, and more.
Key Points
- The 2017 Buick Encore has two recalls and only 37 owner complaints registered with the NHTSA but some of these failures pose a safety risk.
- One common problem with the 2017 Encore is failing brakes. Several owners mention collisions occurring from this issue.
- Both of the recalls issued against the SUV cover failing airbags that may not deploy during a crash.
- Some owners have also mentioned the seatbelts failing to restrain occupants properly in a crash.
- A few complaints detail engine issues that have caused the vehicle to stall, like faulty turbos in the 1.4L motor.
2017 Buick Encore’s Two Recalls Cover Airbags That May Not Deploy During a Crash
The Buick Encore debuted for 2013 as a subcompact alternative to the larger Enclave SUV. In general, most years have a relatively low number of complaints and recalls, but the 2017 Encore is one of the model’s most reliable.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows GM has recalled the 2017 Encore just two times, both over airbag-related problems.
The first recall was in 2016 and concerns the front airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners failing to deploy in a crash. Faulty software in the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) was found to be the culprit.
The second recall also pertains to this same glitchy airbag software. GM dealers upgraded the SDM software in both recalls and replaced the module in units with previous airbag deployment.
2017 Encore Reported to Stall While Idling, Likely Over a Vacuum Leak, and Turbochargers in the 1.4L Motor May Fail
A number of engine-related problems have been reported to the NHTSA against the 2017 Encore, including stalling and bad turbochargers in the 1.4L engine.
“…My car started to shake like it was going to cut off while sitting idle at a red light,” shares one 2017 Encore owner on Car Complaints. “I was able to get the car to a Buick dealership… the cause ended up being a vacuum leak.”
Another owner on the site echoes a similar story, “The problem started with the car acting like it was struggling to crank… Then, the vehicle started to shake sometimes when sitting idle like the car wanted to cut off or something.”
Bad turbochargers have also been mentioned a few times. “It’s been five days since the engine light code P0299 came on and four days since it’s been in the shop. The dealership said the turbocharger needs to be replaced and gave me a loaner.”
Turbo failure has also been a topic of discussion on Buick Forums. One owner, after their engine lost power and the dash light illuminated, left their Encore at a service center for a few days. Ultimately, the “dealer called last night and said that it turns out that it was the turbo, and they are replacing it, as it’s covered under the powertrain warranty.”
2017 Encore’s Malfunctioning Brakes and Windshield Wipers Can Create Dangerous Situations
One of the 2017 Encores’ most worrisome components concerns the braking system. NHTSA reports show the brakes may fail at random, even at a stop, allowing the vehicle to roll freely even with the pedal pressed.
Other owners report applying the brakes, but the car would not stop, and ultimately crashed into another vehicle. One driver claims his brakes would groan for the first few applications in wet weather. Another driver says the vehicle braked on its own, and the StabiliTrak warning light came on.
Faulty windshield wipers have also been an issue, with the system cutting out randomly. A few even mention the wipers activating on their own.
Unfortunately, accidents have been reported from these issues, as they do increase the likelihood that you’ll end up in a hazardous situation.
Although some of the Encore’s mechanical problems have led to accidents, the model’s low incident rate and high safety ratings make it a solid vehicle overall.
Photos: Buick
