2015 Buick Encore problems
The 2015 Buick Encore has 123 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2015 Buick Encore has 123 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 27 complaints, typically surfacing around 54,747 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Encore | 52 | 1 |
| 2014 Encore | 60 | 0 |
| 2015 Encore (this page) | 123 | 0 |
| 2016 Encore | 78 | 0 |
| 2017 Encore | 89 | 0 |
| 2018 Encore | 72 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2015 Buick Encore SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2015 Buick Encore? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 27 owner reports · tends to show around 54,747 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 18 owner reports · tends to show around 34,727 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 14 owner reports · tends to show around 62,728 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- brakes — 13 owner reports · tends to show around 30,000 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 30,000 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2015 Buick Encore
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2015 Buick Encore
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~38,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~53,000 miairbags~$1,100
- ~58,000 misteering~$700
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
My car started surging when I was sitting at a traffic light and as I was crossing abridge The check engine light came on - 2 codes - transmission module 0700 and module 0073
While driving, I received a call that routed through the Bluetooth hands-free system. Within seconds of receiving the call, the entire system seemed to blitz out and shut the car off completely. Luckily I was not going fast and was able to glide to the side. I lost almost all…
Have had the car in the Buick dealership numerous times to get these things fixed. Each time was told it was fixed and I paid for parts and labor. 1. Engine Light keeps coming on. 2. traction light keeps coming on. 3. Power steering goes out 4. Press on gas and have to floor…
The Body Control Module went out. I had it replaced. I do not know how long my back running light were out. I had brake and tag lights. There were no warning messages.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2015 Buick Encore reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Buick Encore is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2015 Buick Encore?
On the NHTSA data, the 2015 Buick Encore does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2015 Buick Encore?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 27 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,747 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2015 Buick Encore a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 123 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 54,747 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2015 Buick Encore?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 27 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,747 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 54,747 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick Encore has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2015 Buick Encore?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 123 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.