Looking for Buick Encore repair in Phoenix? We work on Buick vehicles every day and cover the Encore across model years 2013 to 2022, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help Encore owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 604 owner complaints on file for the Encore and 13 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (223), electrical system (88), power train (77).
Most-Reported Buick Encore Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Encore (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 223 | 36% | |
| Electrical System | 88 | 14% | |
| Power Train | 77 | 12% | |
| Air Bags | 70 | 11% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 62 | 10% | |
| Service Brakes | 59 | 9% | |
| Steering | 48 | 7% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 33 | 5% |
Engine
223 of the 604 complaints (36%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
88 of the 604 complaints (14%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Power Train
77 of the 604 complaints (12%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Buick Encore Complaints by Model Year
The Encore model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2015, 2017, 2019. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 52 | |
| 2014 | 60 | |
| 2015 | 124 | |
| 2016 | 80 | |
| 2017 | 90 | |
| 2018 | 74 | |
| 2019 | 88 | |
| 2020 | 19 | |
| 2021 | 9 | |
| 2022 | 8 |
Most Common Buick Encore Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Encore. The most-cited is P0299 (turbocharger underboost), mentioned in 13 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0299 | Turbocharger underboost Boost leak, failing turbo or wastegate, or a boost sensor issue. | 13 |
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. | 2 |
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 2 |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Buick Encore Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the Encore in these model years, most often involving air bags, equipment, seats. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2020 recall, Power Train (campaign 20V668000): 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,...
- 2020 recall, Seats (campaign 20V537000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V774000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles.
- 2017 recall, Air Bags (campaign 17V437000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016...
- 2016 recall, Electrical System (campaign 16V502000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V651000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Encore, 52 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, 76 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Buick Encore Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Buick will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Encore that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Encore owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Buick Encore, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Buick Encore Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Buick Encore repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Buick Encore FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Buick Encore?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Buick Encore are engine (223), electrical system (88), power train (77). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Encore model years have the most complaints?
The Encore model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2015, 2017, 2019. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Buick Encore?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Buick Encore, the codes cited most often are P0299 (turbocharger underboost), P0420 (catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1)), P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Buick Encore have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the Buick Encore across model years 2013 to 2022. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Buick Encore in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Buick vehicles including the Encore, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Buick Encore?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Buick Encore in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Buick Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.