This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Buick Encore engine problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 18 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Buick Encore, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 30% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Buick Encore's turbocharged 1.4L engine generates a consistent pattern of expensive failures across the powertrain. The turbocharger and associated components show the most trouble: oil cooler leaks appear early and smell like burning oil (one repair $1,148), waste gates crack causing limp mode and violent shaking, and the turbo itself fails prematurely around 45,000 miles despite being designed to run 100,000–150,000 miles. The PCV valve system is another repeat offender—it triggers limp mode and rough idling that persists even after dealer repair, and GM issued a special protection program for this defect.
The valve cover cracks repeatedly; one owner replaced it twice in as many years, both times requiring $700-plus repairs. Catalytic converter failures cluster around 70,000–93,000 miles and don't always stay fixed—replacing the converter and O2 sensor sometimes unearths a larger problem, like a failed cylinder requiring full engine replacement. Coolant leaks, head gasket pinhole leaks at 63,000 miles, and cooling fan relays that won't shut off add to the expense. One owner discovered an engine block crack; another reports oil blow-by degrading the cylinders.
Dealers are aware of these defects (they stock replacement parts and know exactly what to replace) but frame them as normal wear rather than systemic flaws.
Same Buick Encore engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger Oil Cooler Failure
Oil cooler associated with turbocharger fails, causing burning oil smell and oil leakage onto splash shield. Owners report this as a known common issue with the 2014 Encore that GM acknowledged in a 2017 recall (N232395330) for later model years. Dealers allegedly clean splash pads before sale to hide the condition.
When: 128,644 miles (one case); generally early in ownership after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Strong odor of burning oil; Oil leak dripping into splash shield
Repairs/costs cited: $1,148 for oil cooler replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued recall N232395330 for 2017 models; complainant believes 2014 model should be covered
PCV Valve Malfunction
PCV valve fails, causing engine to enter limp mode at highway speeds. Complaint states this is a 'special added protection issue' issued by GM in August, but dealership did not disclose this designation to owner. After repair, vehicle idles hard at high RPM and hesitates during acceleration.
When: Less than 6 months after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Strange popping sound while driving 65 mph; Limp mode activation; Hard idling at high RPM; Hesitation during acceleration after repair
Codes mentioned: 6 different trouble codes pulled; specific codes not listed
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement covered under GMPP extended warranty after 2-week delay
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued special added protection for PCV valve issue (August, per complaint)
Cracked Valve Cover and Seal Leaks
Valve cover cracks repeatedly, causing oil leaks and loss of turbo boost. Two owners report the cracked valve cover was replaced twice (once under warranty, once out of warranty). Failure allows excessive air into turbo, causing surging, hesitation, and poor shift points. Dealers reportedly keep parts in stock, indicating known issue.
When: 50,000–71,350 miles; recurrence within 1-2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surge and random RPM increases; Hesitation to accelerate; Check engine light; Loss of power on inclines; Violent shaking while driving; Poor shift points and lack of power
Repairs/costs cited: $727 for second cracked valve cover repair; first replacement under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers stocked replacement parts, indicating awareness of defect
Cracked Turbocharger Waste Gate
Turbocharger waste gate cracks, causing loss of motive power and violent shaking. Vehicle enters limp mode at 35 mph with check engine light. Turbocharger replaced at independent mechanic.
When: 71,350 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power; Check engine light; Violent shaking; Engine surging
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; no further assistance mentioned
Premature Turbocharger Failure and Underboost
Turbocharger develops cracks or underboost condition at low mileage. One owner reports turbo failure at 45,352 miles; another reports underboost condition with loss of power. Expected turbo lifespan is 100,000–150,000 miles according to shop estimates.
When: 45,352 miles; also reported without specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illumination; Abnormal sound from engine; Underboost condition; Loss of power; Engine overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter fails repeatedly, with check engine light and power loss. One complaint shows pattern where oxygen sensor and catalytic converter replacements do not resolve issue—later diagnosed as cylinder failure requiring engine replacement. Another owner diagnosed with faulty catalytic converter and thermostat heater control circuit issue.
When: 70,000–93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Hesitation to accelerate; Vehicle stalling; Loss of power during acceleration; Engine shuddering during start-up and stopping
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensor and rear catalytic converter replacement (not fully effective); one case required engine replacement
Cooling System Overheating and Thermostat Failure
Engine overheats at low speeds. Mechanics diagnose water outlet, radiator, and turbocharger issues. One complaint indicates thermostat heater control circuit malfunction. Overheating recurring even after initial repairs.
When: 104,000 miles (one case); 61,009 miles (another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating at 25 mph; Check engine light; Vehicle stalling; Loss of power on inclines
Repairs/costs cited: Water outlet and radiator replacement (not fully effective); turbocharger and thermostat heater circuit implicated
Cooling Fan Relay Fracture
Cooling fan relay fractures, causing cooling fan to run continuously after engine shut-off, draining battery and requiring vehicle restart.
When: 62,374 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fan continues running after engine shut-off; Battery drain
Repairs/costs cited: Cooling fan relay replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; stated vehicle out of warranty and no recalls applied
Engine Block Crack
Visible crack develops in engine block, causing stalling. Vehicle stalls five minutes after battery replacement, indicating underlying structural failure rather than electrical issue.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling with check engine light; Stalling within 5 minutes of restart
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement needed; vehicle not repaired
Head Gasket and Coolant Leak
Pinhole leak develops near head gasket at block. Complaint notes this is dangerous at low mileage (63k). Separate complaint mentions chronic coolant leaks requiring removal of front end for adequate repair; reported as recurring issue affecting multiple vehicles.
When: 63,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illumination; Coolant leakage
Codes mentioned: P0OB6
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket area repair needed (specific work not completed in narrative)
PCV System and Intake Manifold Seal Leaks
PVC system hose, valve cover gasket, and intake manifold seal fail, causing hesitation and loss of motive power. Diagnosis included need for purge valve, intake manifold, valve cover with PVC system, hose replacement, and PCM-R update.
When: 66,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation while driving at 5 mph; Check engine light; Loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Purge valve, intake manifold, valve cover with PVC system and hose replacement; PCM-R update
Oil Blow-By and Cylinder Block Failure
Oil blow-by occurs in cylinder block, leading to catalytic converter failure. Indicates internal engine sealing or gasket degradation.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Oil blow-by in cylinder block; Catalytic converter failure
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
While driving my car on march 26, 2020, my engine light came on. I took my car to keller's professional auto, who detected that my turbo had a crack all the way across, so I had to replace it. I only had 45,352 miles on my car. According to keller's and my research, the turbo should last for 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
Experiencing oil blow by in cylinder block and catylic converter failure
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate and lost power while on an incline. Traction and engine warning light was illuminated The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the thermostat heater control circuit and a faulty catalytic converter. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Buick encore. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer bohn Buick GMC located at 3815 lapalco blvd, harvey, la 70058, (504) 347-4070, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the purge valve, intake…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Buick encore. When the contact turned off her vehicle, the cooling fan kept running and caused the battery to die. The vehicle had to be to restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (allen tillery auto, 4573 central ave, hot springs, ar 71913, 501-881-4160) where it was diagnosed that the cooling fan relay was fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer…
Coolant leak and cover gasket failure. Buick has been in the shop multiple times for coolant issues and leaks. Next step is for the shop to remove the entire front end to adequately repair. Constant issue and other complaint relay the same
My vehicle was in motion on the highway at an approximate speed of 65mph and suddenly I heard a strange pop. My car immediately went into limp mode causing my speed to drop to 25mph on a moderately crowded interstate highway. Due to the dangerous nature of this issue, I drove on the shoulder to the closest exit and drove the car to the closest dealership. 6 different trouble codes were pulled…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Buick encore. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact also stated that the vehicle shook violently while driving to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Buick encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact replaced the battery however, the vehicle stalled after five minutes. The vehicle was towed to deacon jones Chevrolet Buick GMC of clinton (1615 sunset ave, clinton, nc 28328 (910) 684-4834) where the vehicle was diagnosed…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Buick Encore?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Buick Encore?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 61,009 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,009; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Buick/Encore.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.