This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Buick Encore powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Buick Encore have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Encore | 5 |
| 2014 Encore | 9 |
| 2015 Encore | 8 |
| 2016 Encore (this page) | 10 |
| 2017 Encore | 8 |
| 2018 Encore | 10 |
| 2019 Encore | 9 |
| 2020 Encore | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Buick Encore, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Among the 9 model years of Buick Encore in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Low compression and blown pistons stand out as the most consistent complaint. One owner at 46k miles (nearly 6 years, modest driving) experienced sudden misfire, shaking, and power loss on the freeway; compression tested at 60 psi versus the normal 180–210 psi range. This mirrors NHTSA Service Bulletin 19-NA-090 from April 2019 that describes identical Encore symptoms. A local Beaverton repair shop told another owner they'd seen three 2016 Encores with identical blown-piston failure in just six months, though they haven't inspected that particular vehicle.
Turbocharger failures also appear in the narratives, with one owner hearing a pop, losing acceleration, and smoking from the tailpipe; the engine was declared blown. Another reported code 0299 (turbo-related) reappearing after turbo replacement, along with engine overheating and power loss.
Unexpected stalling shows up twice: one owner stalled at a traffic light within 250 miles of purchase with no warning lights beforehand, and another stalled without warning at highway speed. A third owner describes severe power loss triggered by check engine light at speeds above 60 mph—power returns after shutdown but the light lingers for days.
Transmission issues include clunking during shifts (one owner three weeks after purchase) and heavy vibration in lower gears. One owner reports unintended acceleration with an ABS light, though the dealer couldn't diagnose it.
Most concerning: owners claim warranty denials. GM refused a blown-piston claim citing the 70k-mile warranty expiration, even though the vehicle had been driven only 17,000 miles in six years.
Same Buick Encore powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Low compression / blown piston
One or more cylinders develop critically low compression (owners report 60 psi when normal is 180–210 psi), indicating internal engine damage. Narrative #1 references NHTSA Service Bulletin 19-NA-090 describing identical symptoms on the Encore. Narrative #6 cites a local repair shop reporting three 2016 Encores with the same blown-piston failure in six months.
When: Narrative #1: 6 years of ownership, 46k miles; Narrative #3: 19k miles since last thermostat replacement; narratives #8–#9 do not specify exact mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire and severe shaking; Loss of power (speed dropped to 30 mph on highway); Check engine light illuminated; Smoking from tail pipe (narrative #9)
Codes mentioned: 0299 (turbo-related code mentioned in #3), Low compression confirmed via dealer compression test
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #1 indicates blown piston requiring engine replacement; narrative #9 mentions turbo failure leading to engine damage; repair shop owner (narrative #6) stated the engine is not rebuildable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Service Bulletin 19-NA-090 (April 30, 2019) describes misfire and low compression in one or more cylinders on Encores. Narrative #1: GM and dealership refused warranty coverage citing expiration (70k miles or January 2023 calendar limit). Narrative #2 mentions owner has Lifetime Warranty on powertrain but GM has not provided written diagnostic results after over a month.
Power loss under load / limp mode
Check engine light triggers and vehicle enters a severely reduced-power state, especially at highway speeds (60+ mph) and in upper gears. Power loss is temporary and clears after vehicle shutdown, but light persists for several days.
When: Narrative #4 does not specify mileage; narrative #3 occurred after recent thermostat replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Rapid power loss at highway speeds; No speed gain possible in 5th gear; speed loss in 6th gear; 3rd gear and below unaffected; Temporary resolution after vehicle shutdown
Codes mentioned: Code 0299 (turbocharger related, mentioned in narrative #3)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #3 documents thermostat replacement less than 19k miles prior; turbo was replaced and code 0299 reappeared
Engine overheating with power loss
Engine temperature spikes from normal operating range to maximum, accompanied by instrument panel warning (dinging). Power diminishes rapidly in response.
When: Narrative #3 does not specify mileage; thermostat had been replaced less than 19k miles prior to incident
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge jumps from mid-normal to maximum; Instrument panel overheat warning with audible alert; Rapid power loss; Check engine light present
Codes mentioned: 0299
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #3: Thermostat had been replaced less than 19k miles prior; turbo had been previously replaced
Unexpected stalling in traffic
Engine stalls and shuts off without warning while vehicle is moving or at a traffic light, resulting in immediate loss of all power. No warning lights observed prior to event.
When: Narrative #5: within 250 miles of purchase; narrative #7 does not specify mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall without warning; Loss of power steering / braking assist; No prior check engine light or warning messages
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #5 vehicle had recent oil change and inspection before stall; narrative #7 dealership unable to diagnose root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #7: Dealer could not determine cause and vehicle was not repaired
Transmission clunking and hesitation with surge acceleration
Gear shifts produce loud clunking noise as if gears are coming loose; engine hesitates briefly then accelerates abruptly without smooth throttle response.
When: Narrative #8: began January 2024, purchased December 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise during gear changes; Engine hesitation followed by hard acceleration surge; Feeling of abrupt power delivery not matching driver input
Turbocharger failure with engine damage
Turbo fails catastrophically, producing audible pop and heavy smoking; failure triggers immediate engine light and oil light, and engine becomes non-functional.
When: Narrative #9 does not specify mileage or timing
Symptoms owners cite: Buzzing sound when accelerating; Loud pop from engine; Heavy smoke from tail pipe; Check engine light and oil pressure light both illuminate; Loss of acceleration capability; Engine seizes
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9: Firestone technician determined turbo blew, causing engine failure; recommended dealer powertrain warranty coverage
Vibration in lower gears during shifts
Heavy vibration felt in engine or transmission during gear changes, particularly pronounced in lower gears. Vibration can be felt through the shift handle and occurs both on city streets and highways.
When: Narrative #10 does not specify mileage or timing
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy vibration while shifting gears; Vibration felt in shift handle; More pronounced in lower gears; Vibration seems to originate from engine or transmission
Independent acceleration (unintended acceleration)
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input, then returns to normal. ABS warning light illuminates during or after event.
When: Narrative #7 does not specify mileage, speed, or timing
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden uncontrolled acceleration; ABS warning light; Vehicle returns to normal operation
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #7: Dealership unable to determine cause; vehicle was not repaired
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…
I purchased my 2016 Buick encore from the car dealer name [XXX] in Rochester Michigan. I purchased it in December 20 23 beginning in January when I would change gears the car sounded like the gears were clunking like they were gonna fall out or something. also, the engine hesitates and then excels really fast like I’m racing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…
While traveling at higher speeds (60+ MPH), the check engine light will come on and the car will lose significant power in 4th and higher gear. This will present as speed can still be gained although very slowly in 4th gear, speed can be maintained but not gained while in 5th gear, and speed will only be lost while in 6th gear. 3rd gear and below all work fine. This issue is resolved by turning…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Buick Encore?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 51,360 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.