2013 Buick Encore: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (34% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets. I research online similar complaints with other Buick Encore 2013. I just this car March 2023 has about 89000. I am making payments.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
“The check engine light came and took the car to O'Reillys and was informed it had low turbo boost code took car to the dealership and they indeed confirmed that was the issue and that it would be over $3000.00 to fix!!! I bought this car 4 months ago and this seems to be an issue with a few other owners as well Buick needs to recall this part!!! If not fixed it may cause deceleration or overheat and start to burn into the manifold of the exhaust. No other parties have looked at the car except the dealership. only lamp that came on was the check engine light and it was sometimes go off and then come back on.”Owner report · Engine · May 2023
“Turbo went out twice within 3 months. Also I waited for 6 weeks on a back ordered part. So much service work... Problem after problem this car is a lemon. The paint literally fell off the mirrors within the first year.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Check engine light came on and then started flashing while in motion. The traction light came on and off repeatedly. The engine had reduced power and at times would only go 30-35mph even with pedal mashed all the way. I took the vehicle to o'reilly's and they checked the codes which show camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor, cylinder 2 misfire, turbo underboost code and ABS code. Seems like a lot of issues for a vehicle with only 67,000 miles.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2019
“I wanted to register a concern about my 2013 buick encore. Two days ago, while on the highway, my sunroof literally exploded. The glass shards didn't injure me, but I felt helpless while on the expressway. There was nothing indicating concerns or issues with the sun roof, I am fortunate to escape harm, but wanted gm to be aware of this danger. We have been lifelong general motors customers for over nearly 50 years, and felt the need to bring this to your attention.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2019
“The engine oil cooler is leaking. The front driver axle shaft seal is leaking. The car is running too lean the check engine light is on. I replaced the air filter and clean fuel injectors and the car is sputtering and the check engine light is still on. The car sputters when stationary as well as moving.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. One side of the vehicle was able to be heated through the vents while the other side was not able. The vehicle also jerked when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the electrical failure was confirmed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted regarding the jerking and heating failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2014 buick encore. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard an abnormal clicking noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to bokman of wellsville chevrolet, buick, gmc, cadillac (81 s main st, wellsville, ny 14895) where it was diagnosed that the pistons need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 98,700. *tt *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick encore. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle started to loose power and the acceleration decreased even when accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was driven to the house at a very slow speed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to coggins buick in jacksonville, florida approximately four times and they could not duplicate the failure. The failure had occurred numerous times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2013 buick encore. While the vehicle was idling in the park position, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 47,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will be provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall began on May 21, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.
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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Encore by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Buick Encore reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Buick Encore. The most complained-about area is engine (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Buick Encore problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 24,620 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Buick Encore have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering: steering wheel/handle bar. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.