2017 Buick Encore problems
The 2017 Buick Encore has 89 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2017 Buick Encore has 89 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 30 complaints, typically surfacing around 64,617 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Encore | 60 | 0 |
| 2015 Encore | 123 | 0 |
| 2016 Encore | 78 | 0 |
| 2017 Encore (this page) | 89 | 0 |
| 2018 Encore | 72 | 0 |
| 2019 Encore | 82 | 0 |
| 2020 Encore | 19 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
- Engine: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 44,000–88,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.8/10 — 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: 2017 Buick Encore SUV AWD. 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 2017 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
- engine — 30 owner reports · tends to show around 64,617 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- airbags — 13 owner reports · tends to show around 42,000 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- powertrain — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 23,533 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- brakes — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 20,800 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 64,617 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: 7.8/10 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 2017 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
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The vehicle started making noises and the instrument panel and screen went out. The vehicle was drivable, but the entire instrument panel was out. Radio stopped working, my screen went dark and the backup camera didn't work. The first time this happened the vehicle was…
The stablitrak light came on and vehicle has a throbbing coming from rear of vehicle, taking vehicle into have checked as when you apply brakes it is felt. The throbbing also happens when vehicle is stationary and dealer advised not to drive
The power steering works intermittent. In the morning when it is cold there is no power steering for you park it in the sun and let the inside of the car heat up it will start working. Also, when it is cold if you let it run with the heater going on the floor it will start…
Bought a 2017 Buick Encore November 2020 less than 6 months into owning the car check engine light came on. Purge solenoid as well as the Camshaft and 1 other component had a leak brought it to dealership and it was covered under warranty for repairs. Fast forward about a year…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Buick Encore reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 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 2017 Buick Encore?
On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Buick Encore is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Engine: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 44,000–88,000 mi; Reliability score 7.8/10 — 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 2017 Buick Encore?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 30 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,617 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 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 2017 Buick Encore a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 89 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 64,617 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 2017 Buick Encore?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 30 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,617 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 64,617 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 2017 Buick Encore?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 89 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 are not always better value.