Last updated: 2026-07-25
Buick Encore Reliability by Year
The Buick Encore averages 79/100 across 5 model years, rated good.
Buick Encore Reliability Overview
The Buick Encore, covering model years 2018 to 2022, holds an average reliability score of 79 out of 100, indicating a good reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the engine and power train, particularly turbocharger failures, with an estimated annual repair cost aligning with the subcompact SUV average at $466. This vehicle is suited for those who prioritize a balance of cost and reliability, though potential buyers should note recurring concerns such as engine and power train issues across multiple years.
Current generation: 1st gen (2013–2022), facelifted 2017.
Best & Worst Buick Encore Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Buick Encore Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Buick Encore year is 2022 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (80/100) and 2018 (80/100).
Buick Encore Years to Avoid
No Buick Encore years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Buick Encore maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
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
The 2022 Buick Encore has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Buick Encore. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (2), Unknown Or Other (2), Engine And Engine Cooling (1).
2021 Buick Encore
0 recalls · 9 complaints
The 2021 Buick Encore has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Buick Encore. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (3), Engine (3), Service Brakes (1).
2020 Buick Encore
2 recalls · 19 complaints
The 2020 Buick Encore has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Buick Encore. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (4), Electrical System (4), Unknown Or Other (2).
2019 Buick Encore
2 recalls · 82 complaints
The 2019 Buick Encore has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 82 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Buick Encore. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (18), Power Train (9), Air Bags (9).
2018 Buick Encore
0 recalls · 72 complaints
The 2018 Buick Encore has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 72 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Buick Encore. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (17), Power Train (10), Air Bags (10).
Found Your Buick Encore? Check Its History
Every Buick Encore has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- 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 Hyundai Kona.
Buick Encore GX reliability
7 years tracked · 210 complaints
Chevrolet Trailblazer reliability
6 years tracked · 400 complaints
Hyundai Kona reliability
9 years tracked · 790 complaints
Chevrolet Trax reliability
8 years tracked · 509 complaints
Toyota C-HR reliability
5 years tracked · 486 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Buick Encore reliable?
- The Buick Encore has good reliability with an average score of 79/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Buick Encore?
- The best year for the Buick Encore is 2022 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record. See full 2022 Buick Encoreanalysis →
- What are the Buick Encore years to avoid?
- No Buick Encore years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Buick Encore?
- The Buick Encore has an estimated annual repair cost of $466, which matches the subcompact SUVs average. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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