Last updated: 2026-07-25

2019 Buick Encore Reliability Report
The 2019 Buick Encore scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 82 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
82
Complaint Rate
8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$466
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (18)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
- AIR BAGS (9)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 2 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
- Year 7 in the First generation (2013) (2013–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Encore (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2013: First generation (2013) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 2 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Buick Encore?
At 76/100, the 2019 Buick Encore lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is 2 years after the 2017 refresh refresh.
Owners log 82 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (18). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Buick Encore, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2018 Buick Encore for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (18 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, leading to a complete loss of... (9 complaints)
Compare 2019 Buick Encore With

2019 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 75/100

2019 Toyota C-HR
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 55/100

2019 KIA Soul
Reliability: 76/100

2019 Nissan Kicks
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (18)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Buick Encore carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
1
Fires
9
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Buick Encore Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Buick Encore. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence
If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
POWER TRAIN
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, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Buying a used 2019 Buick Encore? Check its history first
Every 2019 Buick Encore has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Buick Encore NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.8%
Safety Technologies
Buick EncoreRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$466
vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.1
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
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.
This benchmark covers the Buick Encore model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- 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.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,600–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
24–26 city / 29–31 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Encore 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Encore AWD 1.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Encore AWD 1.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Buick Encore.
Inspect turbocharger for signs of failure or reduced power
Test brakes for locking or pulsing sensations at higher speeds
Check for control arm integrity, especially after pothole impacts
Verify electrical system functionality, including stop-start feature
Ensure airbag system is operational and sensors recognize occupants
Inspect for coolant leaks and engine overheating signs
Test for unintended acceleration or transmission slipping
Check for tire sidewall integrity and signs of dry rot
2019 Buick Encore Common Problems by Component
82 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
18 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Buick Encore frequently experiences turbocharger failures, often resulting in reduced power and difficulty maintaining speed, especially during highway merging or hill climbing. Complaints frequently mention illuminated check engine lights and diagnostic codes such as P0299, with some owners noting repeated issues even after repairs. Engine stalling and surging are also described, sometimes leading to unintended acceleration or loss of motive power. These issues are typically reported at mileages ranging from 13,000 to over 67,000 miles. While no crashes are documented, the loss of power and acceleration can pose safety risks, particularly in high-speed or remote driving conditions.
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving stalling and transmission failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling in traffic, failure to start, and the gear shift lever becoming stuck in park. Some complaints describe the car moving unexpectedly while parked, and one report involves a crash where the vehicle lost motive power and could not engage the brakes. These issues often occur around 39,000 to 77,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with stalling in traffic and loss of control being reported, which could be critical for potential buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during crashes, with five incidents involving crashes and seven injuries documented. Complaints often describe airbags failing to deploy upon impact, even in severe accidents, and some mention unexpected airbag warning lights or email alerts indicating a problem. Additionally, there are reports of airbag sensors not recognizing occupants in the passenger seat. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, from approximately 40,000 to 135,000 miles. Prospective buyers should be aware of the potential safety risks associated with these airbag malfunctions.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, leading to a complete loss of control, lights, and steering. Some complaints indicate that the vehicle may restart itself without driver input, with incidents occurring both at high speeds and in-town driving. Additionally, owners describe problems with the stop-start feature, where the engine fails to restart after shutting off at stops, and in one instance, this left occupants temporarily trapped inside the vehicle. Another reported issue involves the windshield wipers operating intermittently without user control. These electrical failures, occurring as early as within one month of ownership, have led to at least one crash and two injuries, highlighting significant safety concerns for potential buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues related to engine performance and unexpected vehicle behavior. Multiple complaints describe problems with the cooling system, including coolant leaks and overheating, leading to significant engine damage such as blown head gaskets. Some owners also experience sudden unintended acceleration, resulting in crashes, and a reported case of the vehicle catching fire while in operation. Additionally, there are reports of stereo volume inconsistencies and connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Safety implications include a crash and a fire, both of which are serious concerns for potential buyers of this model.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Buick Encore frequently report issues related to the turbocharger and engine components. Complaints often mention symptoms such as loss of power, engine jerking, and the illumination of the check engine light, with some instances of white smoke from the tailpipe and burning oil odors. These problems typically occur between approximately 63,000 and 123,000 miles. Safety implications include potential stalling and loss of power while driving, which can be concerning for highway travel. Buyers considering a used 2019 Buick Encore should be aware of these recurring issues, especially related to turbocharger failures and potential coolant intrusion into the engine.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsOwners report several brake-related issues with the 2019 Buick Encore. Common symptoms include the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard, brakes locking up, and a hard-to-depress brake pedal, sometimes accompanied by a burning odor. These issues occur at varying mileages, with specific complaints noted at 3,000, 8,000, 23,600, and 63,000 miles. Some owners mention needing to pump the brakes for them to function properly or experiencing brake lock-up at speeds over 50 mph. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to brake failure or locking, though no crashes or fires are reported in the complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of these issues and consider inspecting the brake system thoroughly before purchase.
SUSPENSION (4 complaints)
SUSPENSION
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the suspension system of the 2019 Buick Encore, particularly involving the lower control arm. Complaints frequently mention that the control arm can bend or break, especially after hitting a pothole, leading to significant damage such as the CV joint detaching from the transmission. Symptoms described include loud clunking noises and a heavy physical clunk when brakes are applied. These issues are noted at relatively low mileage, with one report at just 37,000 miles. Safety implications are evident as the failure of the control arm can lead to loss of vehicle control, and one owner highlights the need to tow the vehicle due to safety concerns. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential suspension issues and the associated repair costs.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Buick Encore report issues related to sudden acceleration and transmission performance. One complaint describes sudden acceleration occurring on three occasions with the vehicle having 34,000 miles. Another owner reports a crash incident where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while parking, leading to a collision with a building. Additionally, transmission-related symptoms such as whirring noises, skipping while driving, and failure to downshift after acceleration are noted. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning sudden acceleration incidents.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Buick Encore report issues with the power steering system, specifically describing instances where the power steering fails while driving, as noted in one complaint at approximately 45,500 miles. This failure is characterized by a sudden loss of steering assistance, requiring the driver to pull over and restart the vehicle to restore functionality. The power steering warning light is reported to illuminate during these incidents. No crashes or injuries are mentioned in the complaints, but the temporary loss of power steering could pose a safety risk. Prospective buyers should be aware of these symptoms and monitor for any warning lights or steering difficulties during test drives.
When Do 2019 Buick Encore Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Buick Encore Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Buick Encore reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Buick Encore?
How many recalls does the 2019 Buick Encore have?
Is the 2019 Buick Encore expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Buick Encore without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Buick Encore.
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