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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-BUICK-ENCORE
2016 · buick

buick Encore problems

0 safety recalls. 77 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
26 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
10 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
airbags
7 reports · avg $1,100
severe
electrical
7 reports · avg $850
moderate
steering
5 reports · avg $700
moderate
body
3 reports · avg $1,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Encore · steering
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, STABILIZER AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE IN DRIVE, ACCELERATING, TACH AND SPEED DROPPED TO NOTHING. STABILIZER LIGHT FLASHED. PARKED VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE APPEARED. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO NEAR BY PARKING…
12/26/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11291268.0
2016 Encore · engine
MY AWD WENT OUT ON 3 OCCASIONS, EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THEY FOUND NOTHING. ONE DAY I LOST ACCELERATION POWER AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY PISTONS WERE NOT FIRING AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH THE TURBO. ALL WAS COVERED, HOWEVER TWO WEEKS LATER MY RED OIL…
12/24/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11291064.0
2016 Encore · airbags Crash
HAD ACCIDENT, WHERE I WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE, AFTER THAT IMPACT I WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR, WHICH TOTALED THE CAR. ME AND A PASSAGE WAS TOSSED AROUND LIKE RAG DOLLS. THE SEAT BELT ON THE PASSAGE SIDE DID NOT HOLD IN PLACE CAUSING HER HEAD TO STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD…
12/23/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11384768.0
2016 Encore · powertrain
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle accelerated independently before returning to normal functionality. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to…
12/07/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11558987.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
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Common questions

Is the 2016 Buick Encore reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Buick Encore?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 26 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. 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 2016 Buick Encore?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 77 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 13 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with buick. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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