Last updated: 2026-07-25

Buick Encore

0 Buick Encore Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Buick Encore average of 79/100

All Buick Encore years score consistently around the model average of 79/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2022 80/100 and the weakest is 2019 76/100.

Verdict

All Buick Encore years score consistently around the model average of 79/100 (76–80 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2022 80/100 and the weakest is 2019 76/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Buick Encore Problems?

Top reported issues across all Buick Encore model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

40 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

28 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

19 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES

10 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Buick Encore Year to Buy Instead

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2018 Buick Encore

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).

Score: 80/100 (Excellent)0 recalls72 complaints
View full 2018reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Buick Encore year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Buick Encore Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Buick Encore Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2022 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Buick Encore years should you avoid?
All Buick Encore years in our database score consistently around the model average of 79/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Buick Encore have?
Across all years in our database, the Buick Encore has a total of 4 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Buick Encore worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 80/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 79/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Buick Encore problems?
The most common Buick Encore problems are engine (40 complaints), power train (28 complaints), air bags (19 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Buick Encore reliable long-term?
The Buick Encore has an average reliability score of 79/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Buick Encore?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Buick Encore is $466 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2022 Buick Encore a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Buick Encore is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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