My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets. I research online similar complaints with other Buick Encore 2013. I just this car March 2023 has about 89000. I am making payments.
2013 Buick Encore engine problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 16 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Buick Encore, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Engine accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Early this year we start having problems with the check engine light coming on then the reduce power to engine coming on, so we took it back to the dealership we bought if from. So first we had to have three sensors changed, we did that and after that was done it still kept jumping on 4 time before it stopped. Then june of this year it started back we took it back to the dealership then they tell…
There are toxic fumes and an odor emanating from the interior of my 2013 Buick encore. The upholstery seems to be the most likely source. The fumes have been causing a chronic burning sensation in our eyes, nose, throat, and which occasionally results in stomach discomfort and nausea. The fumes and odor intensify on sunny days and when taking extended trips. The issue has been reported to the gm…
Premium trim level has forward collision warning. On at least six occasions beginning november of last year (2013), the forward collision warning has come on with no vehicle in front for hundreds of feet and has disengaged the cruise control, essentially causing the vehicle to coast until the accelerator was manually depressed. Four incidents occurred while traveling on the new jersey turnpike…
Turbo went out twice within 3 months. Also I waited for 6 weeks on a back ordered part. So much service work... Problem after problem this car is a lemon. The paint literally fell off the mirrors within the first year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Buick encore. While driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The "reduced engine power" warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred multiple times. The dealer stated that the throttle collar, which controlled all the fuel that feeds to the engine, was defective. The throttle collar was replaced and the manufacturer was not notified.…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Buick Encore?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 16,500 and 75,450 miles, with the median around 66,790. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,500; a quarter make it past 75,450. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.