This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Buick Encore engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Buick Encore have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Encore | 16 |
| 2014 Encore | 18 |
| 2015 Encore | 14 |
| 2016 Encore (this page) | 26 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 |
| 2018 Encore | 20 |
| 2019 Encore | 23 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 26 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Buick Encore, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 26 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2016 Buick Encore owners report chronic engine failures centered on turbocharger defects and oil-system leaks. The turbocharger commonly fails at 60,000–80,000 miles—some as low as 32,000—triggering P0299 codes and stranding drivers on highways when boost suddenly drops. One owner experienced catastrophic turbo failure that pushed oil throughout the engine and catalytic converter; another had a replacement turbo from the GM dealership fail shortly after.
Oil leaks from the cooler pipe and pump failures cause the engine to lose all oil during operation, burning it internally or spraying the engine bay. Multiple owners report the transmission oil alarm activating mid-drive with no warning. At least two cases required full engine replacement before 100,000 miles.
Coolant leaks and overheating come paired with turbo trouble—the system cannot hold pressure, forcing owners to refill repeatedly. Several owners report the "Engine Overheating - Idle Engine" alarm followed by immediate power loss on interstates, creating collision hazards.
Engine misfires, stalling, and refusal to restart happen at speeds and in traffic. Dealers run diagnostics multiple times without resolution. Buick issued a November 2021 letter promising free turbo replacement within 10 years/120,000 miles, but denies claims for non-dealership repairs and doesn't cover engine damage from turbo failure. Turbo parts are on extended backorder, and some VINs are excluded from the coverage bulletin without explanation.
Same Buick Encore engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger failure and underboost condition
Turbocharger develops cracks, fails mechanically, or triggers underboost codes (P0299). Owners report loss of boost, reduced acceleration capability, sudden power loss on highways, and turbos requiring replacement. One owner reported catastrophic turbo failure pushing oil into engine and catalytic converter. Another reported a replacement turbo from GM dealership that itself failed.
When: 67,584 miles; 60,000 miles; 80,000 miles; 6-month timeframe from June 2025; varies 58,500–123,000 miles across complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with P0299 code; Loss of power and acceleration at highway speeds; Vehicle deceleration from 65 mph to 10–40 mph without driver input; Engine struggling to accelerate; unsafe merging; White or black smoke from exhaust; Rattling or knocking sound from engine
Codes mentioned: P0299
Repairs/costs cited: Independent shop turbo replacement: $1,480.49. Dealership performed replacements; one owner's replacement turbo failed again. Parts on backorder at dealerships; aftermarket parts reportedly unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special coverage letter issued November 2021 for turbocharger replacement (within 10 years or 120,000 miles from purchase). One owner's claim denied because repair was done at independent shop, not dealership. Service Bulletin A212338300 exists but some VINs excluded. TSB 43210 references oil cooler pipe issue.
Engine oil loss and pressure system failures
Oil leaks from oil cooler pipes with damaged O-rings, oil lines, or internal pump failures. Owners report severe oil loss during driving (burning all oil), oil in catalytic converter from turbo failures, and evidence of oil on engine surfaces. One owner's engine seized due to oil pump failure at 58,500 miles.
When: 28,000 miles; 58,500 miles; 87,064 miles; 100,000 miles; varies across complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell of engine oil; Smoke from engine compartment or exhaust; Oil leaking from underneath vehicle; Red oil alarm on dashboard; Oil burning during operation; Engine smoking at idle or startup
Codes mentioned: P0700
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover replacement suggested at 87,064 miles (not successful). Oil cooler pipe O-ring failure noted. Repairs mentioned but not completed in several reports. One engine required complete replacement at 58,500 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall/TSB 43210 addresses engine oil leakage at oil cooler pipe caused by damaged O-ring. Some owners report VINs not included in recall coverage or dealer refusal to perform recall work.
Coolant system leaks and overheating
Vehicle loses coolant, overheats, and cannot hold coolant pressure. Multiple owners report rapid temperature gauge drops, 'Engine Overheating - Idle Engine' warnings, and coolant loss. Turbo coolant feedline issues reported. One owner required thermostat replacement, housing, water pump, and turbo coolant line repairs.
When: 35,000 miles or less; overheating episodes March–April 2024; varies across complaints
Symptoms owners cite: 'Engine Overheating - Idle Engine' warning on display; White smoke from exhaust; Rapid temperature gauge swings to overheat zone; Unable to hold coolant; Coolant loss requiring refills
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat and housing replacement, water pump replacement, turbo coolant feedline replacement ($3,280 labor and parts cited for one repair; coolant refills multiple times).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended turbo coverage excludes turbo coolant feedline issues in some interpretations. One owner received partial coverage for some repairs under warranty.
Engine misfire, stalling, and no-start conditions
Engine misfires (especially cylinder #3), stalls unexpectedly at speeds or in traffic, fails to restart, hesitates on acceleration, and exhibits rough idle. Check engine lights appear with various codes. Engine compression loss reported in at least one case.
When: 32,251 miles; 28,000 miles; very early (250 miles on new vehicle); varies throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine stalling while driving at various speeds; Inability to restart or delayed restart; Hesitation and lack of spark on acceleration; Rough idle feeling; missing sensation when stopped; Vehicle won't accelerate to speed limit
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0243, P0333, P0366
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in at least two cases (32,251 miles and 80,000 miles). Piston and turbo replacement covered on one vehicle. Dealer diagnostics inconclusive in multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner's engine replacement covered under warranty while vehicle was still in warranty period. Extended turbo coverage does not cover engine repairs resulting from turbo failure.
AWD malfunction (related to engine/driveline)
AWD system fails multiple times; owner brought vehicle to dealer three times with no diagnosis. Later discovered pistons not firing and turbo failure. Relates to broader engine/drivetrain control issues.
When: Timing unclear; owner reports multiple dealer visits with no resolution
Symptoms owners cite: AWD engagement failure; No diagnostic codes or error messages on failed visits; Smoke from exhaust reported separately
Repairs/costs cited: Piston and turbo replacement performed at dealership. Turbo subsequently failed and burned all oil.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial repairs covered under warranty; subsequent turbo failure not covered.
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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 alarm came on, I was out of oil. The car went back to dealer, all oil was burned up and so was my turbo. I had taken my…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Buick encore. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed a strong odor in the vehicle. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the ECM sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice, and the dealer replaced the map sensor the contact still noticed an odor in the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified.…
2016 Buick Encore VIN # [XXX] with 67,584 miles. My car's check engine light came on. Upon checking the code at O'Reilly Auto I was told I had to see a mechanic as it showed code p0299, Turbo. I made an appointment at Garrigans Auto repair Shop, a reputable shop. After they inspected the SUV I was told the turbo had a crack and needed to be replaced. On 7/14/2023 I had the repairs done at a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Buick encore. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 44 MPH and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted until it came to a complete stop. The vehicle was restarted, but hesitated to drive. The vehicle was taken to bob ruth Ford (700 n u.s. 15, dillsburg, pa 17019, (877) 818-1593) where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The…
When stopped, the vehicle feels like its missing, sometimes feels like it wants to stall. When accelerating, sometimes hesitates or not quite getting spark. Scary when merging and don't have full power right away. Brought to dealer 3 times, and now warranty has passed. Happens everyday.
Acceleration was reduced immediately on the freeway after the check engine light came on the day before with a P0299 code for turbocharger repair. Now the vehicle will not start and the dealership service said an additional code of po366 is now showing. Are these related? The turbocharger has an extended special coverage, but not engine repair that is likely the result of the turbocharger…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Buick Encore?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 32,251 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,251; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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/2016/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.