Last updated: 2026-10-10

Buick Encore

Buick Encore Years to Avoid

5 scored model years (2018–2022) · model average 79/100

No year from 2018 to 2022 is one to avoid, since none falls well below the model's own average. Complaint volume and recalls differ from year to year, with 2019 and 2020 rated lowest. The year to buy is 2022.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2022 80/100
Model average
79/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Buick Encore Problems?

ENGINE

40 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Turbocharger failure leads these reports.

POWER TRAIN

28 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Loss of power and failure to accelerate lead these reports, often with a flashing check engine light or a StabiliTrak warning.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2022

2019: Several reports describe unintended acceleration while parking.

AIR BAGS

19 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

2018: Front air bags fail to deploy in collisions.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: The engine shuts off while driving and often takes the headlights and dash power with it, which leaves the car dark and hard to control in traffic.

SERVICE BRAKES

10 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Brakes lock up while driving in several reports, including at speeds over 50 mph.

Best Buick Encore Year to Buy Instead

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Buick Encore

2022 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.

Score: 80/100 (Excellent)0 recalls8 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Buick Encore has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Buick Encore Years by Generation

Buick Encore Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Buick Encore years should I avoid?
None. The site analysis found no year well below the model's own average. The 2019 and 2020 model years rate lowest, but both still rate good, so treat them as years to inspect closely rather than skip.
Why are the 2019 and 2020 Encore rated lowest?
Both carry two recalls each, where 2018, 2021 and 2022 have none. The 2019 also has one fire report and the most owner complaints of any year, at 82. The 2020 has far fewer complaints, with power train and electrical system leading.
Is the 2018 Buick Encore a good year?
Yes, it rates excellent and has no recalls. It also has 72 owner complaints, and it has had the most time on the road to collect them. Engine leads, followed by power train and air bags, so check for turbo and air bag issues.
Is the 2021 Buick Encore a good alternative to the 2022?
Yes, it is a reasonable alternative. The 2021 rates excellent, has no recalls and has 9 owner complaints, led by power train and engine. The 2022 remains the site's pick among years with at least two years on the road.
What problems does the 2022 Buick Encore have?
Power train complaints lead. Owners describe sudden power loss, a stored code and a check engine light, then a limp mode feel with little or no power. Some report heavy fuel use and an oil-burning smell. Repeat dealer visits have not fixed it for them.

How we score every Buick Encore model year

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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