This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Buick Encore brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Buick Encore have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Encore | 3 |
| 2014 Encore | 4 |
| 2015 Encore (this page) | 13 |
| 2017 Encore | 5 |
| 2018 Encore | 3 |
| 2019 Encore | 5 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 13 brakes complaints filed for the 2015 Buick Encore, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 6 model years of Buick Encore we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 13.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 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 brakes 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.
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 ↗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 ↗This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel pressure situation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that had the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve now Diagnostic Trouble Code C0131 is set current. Technician should remove Brake Pressure Modulator Valve assembly and inspect the brake pressure sensor assembly to ensure all shipping material has been removed before installation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe morning brake noise and grabbing that fades after several applications—shrill squeals, moaning sounds, and abrupt engagement especially in cold or wet conditions. Multiple owners report the brakes feel normal but fail to engage at all, with one driver losing all stopping power on a steep driveway and nearly crashing. Another experienced ABS failure on a wet road that resulted in a rear-end collision.
Backward rollback on inclines when shifting from brake to accelerator is another recurring complaint, with at least two owners reporting near-misses at traffic lights. Owners also report abnormally hard initial brake applications that stop the vehicle short, requiring multiple brake cycles before normal operation. One owner at 40,800 miles was told the master cylinder and brake booster needed replacement—parts that should last far longer on a car that young.
Dealers have attempted fixes like cleaning calipers and replacing pads and rotors at very low mileage (2,187 miles, 10 miles) without success. GM has issued a service bulletin and told dealers they're aware and working on fixes, but no recalls or permanent solutions are documented. One owner found at least two similar complaints on forums. The handbrake release button breaking is a separate durability issue noted by one owner.
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden brake loss with pedal feeling normal
Brakes fail to engage despite pedal feeling firm; vehicle loses stopping ability requiring emergency brake or sharp turns to slow down. Occurs intermittently and mysteriously resumes function after brief pause.
When: Downhill on steep driveway; intermittent, no mileage threshold noted
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal feels normal but brakes do not engage; Loss of braking force while driving; Brakes resume function after brief pause
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealership brake system checks found no issues; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No bulletins or recalls available; owner found similar reports on Buick/GM forums (IDs 11100704, 11083404)
Morning brake noise and grabbing
Shrill squeals when backing from garage, moaning sounds and vibration during normal braking, and abrupt brake grab at low speeds (5 mph). All symptoms occur after overnight parking and fade after several brake applications. Worse after rain exposure.
When: Morning after overnight parking; typically resolves after driving and using brakes multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Shrill squeal when backing out of garage; Moaning sound and vibration when slowing; Brakes grab instead of engaging smoothly at low speeds; Symptoms worse in cold/wet conditions
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated GM is aware of problem on some 2015 Encores and working on fix; fix expected within few months
Backward roll on inclines between brake and accelerator
Vehicle rolls backward 6-12 inches when driver shifts foot from brake pedal to accelerator on even small inclines, creating near-miss collision risks at traffic lights. Automatic transmission does not hold vehicle.
When: Occurs on inclines when transitioning from brake to accelerator
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward 6-12 inches on incline; Rollback when stopped at traffic lights; Near-miss incidents with vehicles behind
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told owner all Encores behave the same and nothing can be done
Rear brake squeaking, scraping, and reduced performance
Persistent squeaking and scraping noises from rear brakes with noticeably reduced stopping performance. Rotor and pad replacement at 2,187 miles provided no improvement. Same issue reported on three other vehicles after dealer attempted identical fix.
When: Manifested early in ownership; service December 29, 2015 at 2,187 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking and scraping noises from rear brakes; Reduced brake performance
Repairs/costs cited: Rear rotors and pads replaced on 12/29/2015 with no improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of problem and working on fix; attempted same fix on at least three other vehicles without success
Morning grinding and brake grab on first applications
Grinding noise and brake grab sensation on first and second brake applications almost daily after overnight parking, primarily from driver's side. Dealer attributed to rust on calipers and later to condensation; both explanations did not resolve issue.
When: Daily after overnight garage parking; typically first and second brake applications
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise on first brake applications; Brake grab sensation; Primarily driver's side
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cleaned calipers to remove surface rust with no lasting improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued service bulletin for this problem; GM monitoring and working on fix
Low brake fluid and premature master cylinder/booster failure
Brake fluid warning light illuminated at 40,800 miles on a 4-year-old vehicle. Fluid topped off but light returned within 2 months. Both tire shop and dealership diagnosed need for complete master cylinder and brake booster replacement.
When: 40,800 miles (July 2019 and September 2019)
Symptoms owners cite: Low brake fluid warning light; Recurring low fluid level
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder and brake booster replacement quoted over $1,000
Brake grab causing forward lurch on light pedal pressure
Brakes grab abruptly and throw driver forward with minimal pedal pressure instead of engaging smoothly. Occurs initially at startup but increases in frequency and severity over time. Worsens in moisture and cool weather.
When: Initially at vehicle startup; increases in frequency and severity over time
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt brake grab with minimal pedal pressure; Driver lurching forward; Worsens with moisture and cooler weather
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer warned customer at purchase that brakes would make noise but did not disclose grab issue
Brake vibration and defective pads at low mileage
Severe brake vibration at low speeds after depressing brake pedal. Diagnosed as defective brake pads requiring replacement at approximately 10 miles. Failure recurred after repair.
When: Approximately 10 miles (essentially new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Severe brake vibration at low speeds; Vibration without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads replaced but failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Abrupt initial brake stop requiring multiple brake applications
When first starting to drive, brakes apply too hard and stop vehicle short. Driver must brake 3 times in a safe location before normal braking operation resumes. Occurs regardless of weather but especially severe during rain.
When: When first starting to drive; before brakes normalize after multiple applications
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes stop too short on initial application; Vehicle stops abruptly and unexpectedly; Worse during rain
Repairs/costs cited: Service center inspection found no issues
Hill Start Assist involuntary rollback
Vehicle rolls backward involuntarily on hills due to Hill Start Assist system malfunction. Customer dissatisfied with system behavior.
When: On hills/inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward involuntarily on hills
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised vehicle operates as designed
ABS failure on wet roads
ABS system failed when brakes applied at approximately 30 mph on wet, rainy road, resulting in rear-end collision at roundabout.
When: At approximately 30 mph on wet rainy road (5/25/18)
Symptoms owners cite: ABS failed during braking on wet road; Resulted in rear-end collision
Handbrake release button failure
Emergency/handbrake release button broke away from handle. Complete handbrake assembly replacement required.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Handbrake release button broke away from handle
Repairs/costs cited: Entire handbrake assembly replacement required at approximately $600
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
When we purchased this auto we were told the brakes would make a noise but that it was not a problem. We were not told that they would grab strongly enough to throw the driver forward at the slightest touch. The problem initially occurred each time the vehicle was first started but now happens more frequently and is much more severe. Is very dangerous when there is moisture in the air or when…
When first starting out, the brakes stop short. I have to brake 3 times somewhere safe in order to not stop short in front of another vehicle by accident. I had them inspected and the service center said they were fine, that's just the way they are. I feel this is a safety hazard because it stops short, whether I want to or not. It happens whether it is raining or not, but especially during…
Had brakes trouble with your 2015 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 brakes problem on the 2015 Buick Encore?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 30,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2015/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.