Buick Encore problems
87 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
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: 29 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.
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…
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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 87 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: 29 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's the most common problem on the 2017 Buick Encore?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 29 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 87 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.