Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick Encore Reliability by Year
The Buick Encore rates well above average among SUVs, but turbo failures and air bag complaints deserve a close look before you buy.
Buick Encore Reliability Overview
Used Encore shoppers get a model that rates well above average among SUVs, with 2022 the site's pick. The big worry is turbocharger failure, which brings a check engine light, reduced power and trouble holding speed. Owners also report front air bags that did not deploy in crashes, the most serious pattern in the complaints.
Current generation: 1st gen (2013–2022), facelifted 2017.
Best & Worst Buick Encore Years
Best Buick Encore Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2022 has excellent reliability and no recalls, while 2019 and 2020 rate lowest and each carry two recalls. It has also been on the road long enough to be a fair pick. Its power train complaints describe sudden power loss, so ask for service records before buying.
Buick Encore Years to Avoid
No Buick Encore years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 76 and 80 across 5 scored model years.
Buick Encore Reliability Score Trend
Buick Encore reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 79/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2022 Buick Encore
0 recalls · 8 complaints
Final year of the first generation, with excellent reliability, no recalls, and a small cluster of sudden power loss complaints.
2021 Buick Encore
0 recalls · 9 complaints
Excellent standing with no recalls, unlike the 2020, though turbocharger failure and sudden power loss are the main owner complaints.
2020 Buick Encore
2 recalls · 19 complaints
Good standing in the middle of the Encore range, with turbo failures and two recalls; 2021 shows fewer complaints and no recalls.
2019 Buick Encore
2 recalls · 82 complaints
Rated good but the weakest of five Encore years, with two recalls covering air bags and power train and turbo failures leading complaints.
2018 Buick Encore
0 recalls · 72 complaints
Best-scoring of the five scored Encore years, with no recalls, though owners still report air bag and turbocharger problems.
Found Your Buick Encore? Check Its History
Power train (2) problems come up most in Buick Encore owner complaints, and 4 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Buick Encore Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$466
Repair Frequency
0.1/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
Matches the subcompact SUVs average of $466/yr.
Ranked #5 of 7 among subcompact SUVs.
Buick Encore Resale Value
The Buick Encore is estimated to retain about 55.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
- Value Retained
- 55.4%
- Depreciation
- 44.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 187
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Buick Encore depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comBuick Encore Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Buick Models
Compare all Buick models by reliability
Compare Buick Encore With Similar SUVs
The Buick Encore competes with other compact suvs such as Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Chevrolet Trax.
Encore vs Buick Encore GX
7 years tracked · 210 complaints
Encore vs Chevrolet Trailblazer
6 years tracked · 400 complaints
Encore vs Chevrolet Trax
8 years tracked · 509 complaints
Encore vs Hyundai Kona
9 years tracked · 790 complaints
Encore vs Toyota C-HR
5 years tracked · 486 complaints
More Buick Encore comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best year for the Buick Encore?
- 2022 is the site's pick. It has excellent reliability and no recalls. The 2018 and 2021 model years also rate among the highest. Even so, check any car for turbocharger and power loss complaints, which show up across the model's run.
- Is the Buick Encore reliable long term?
- Reliability rates good and well above average among SUVs, but long-term risks exist. Owners report timing chain failures that stranded cars, one at 98,507 miles with crankshaft damage. Turbocharger failures and oil leaks from the filter housing and turbo oil line also appear in the complaints.
- What are the most common Buick Encore problems?
- Engine problems lead, with 40 complaints. Turbocharger failure is the main pattern, bringing a check engine light, code P0299 and reduced power. Power train comes next with 28 complaints, led by loss of power and failure to accelerate.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Buick Encore?
- Independent repair-cost data puts the estimated annual repair cost at $466. That matches the average for subcompact SUVs. Owners also report cars waiting at shops because of a shortage of turbo oil line parts, so a turbo repair can take time.
- Are there air bag problems on the Buick Encore?
- Yes. Owners filed 19 air bag complaints, 11 linked to crashes. The most serious pattern is front air bags not deploying in collisions. Others describe the passenger seat sensor switching the air bag off with an adult seated, or a warning light that stays on.
How we score the Buick Encore
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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