This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Buick Encore engine problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Buick Encore have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 60,189 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
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Encore | 16 |
| 2014 Encore | 18 |
| 2015 Encore | 14 |
| 2016 Encore | 26 |
| 2017 Encore (this page) | 30 |
| 2018 Encore | 20 |
| 2019 Encore | 23 |
| 2021 Encore | 3 |
3fires
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of Buick Encore we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 30.
Engine accounts for 34% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
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 warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
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
Engine problems on the 2017 Buick Encore cluster around the 1.4L turbo and emissions control systems. Turbocharger failure is the most common complaint, with owners reporting loss of power, hesitation, and stalling starting as early as 40,000 miles. GM issued recall N232395330 in February 2024 for turbocharger replacement, but many owners report their VINs weren't included despite identical symptoms, and several say the replacement turbos still fail within months.
The PCV valve system is a persistent offender—the internal valve can dislodge without a retaining clip, creating excessive engine pressure that breaks gaskets, fouls spark plugs, and causes misfiring. One owner noted a service center had repaired three to four of these in a few weeks and expected a recall.
Engine fires are documented at low mileage (under 47,000 miles) with no warning lights beforehand—a safety hazard. Stalling occurs at traffic lights and highway speeds, sometimes without any diagnostic codes, leaving mechanics unable to pinpoint the cause. Engine overheating persists even after water pump and thermostat replacement. Rough idle, vacuum leaks, and an "Engine Power Reduced" warning also appear across multiple reports. Dealers frequently claim no codes are present, making diagnosis difficult, and manufacturer assistance has been limited except for the partial turbo recall.
Same Buick Encore engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger failure
Turbocharger malfunction causing loss of power, hesitation, rough running, and stalling. Multiple owners report turbo replacement via recall N232395330 (released February 2024), but continued failures afterward. One owner reports a cracked turbo not covered under the same recall. Oil leaks from turbo feed lines noted post-recall repair.
When: 40,000–118,000 miles; recurring issues noted even after recall replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Lack of adequate power acceleration; Vehicle chugging and unintended acceleration followed by near-shutdown; Hesitation when depressing accelerator; Rough idle and difficult acceleration; Check engine light and Stabilitrak warning lights; Sudden loss of power; vehicle enters 'limp mode'; Smoke from under hood or rear of vehicle; Stalling at highway speeds and traffic lights
Codes mentioned: P0299 (low boost pressure/faulty turbocharger), Cylinder misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Independent and dealer replacement of turbocharger; one owner replaced aftermarket turbo, later also had catalytic converter dragging noise. Post-recall service: oil feed line tightened; later turbo replacement needed again. Reimbursement claim denied for non-dealer repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N232395330 (Turbocharger Replacement) issued February 2024; VINs of some owners not included in coverage. Manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA for assistance with VIN inclusion. No help provided by manufacturer or dealer in multiple cases.
PCV valve dislodging and resulting engine stress
Internal PCV valve in valve cover lacks retaining clip, allowing it to become dislodged and drawn into engine. Loss of PCV function creates extreme internal engine pressure, breaking gaskets, causing vacuum leaks, misfiring, and loss of power. One owner cites Dorman video documenting the issue and re-engineered parts. Owners report replacement of valve covers, spark plugs (fouled by oil), MAF sensor, distributor power bar, and air intake hose.
When: 95,000+ miles; recurring after repairs in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Severe engine vibration; Misfiring and rough running; Loss of power during acceleration (safety hazard); Check engine light; Vacuum leaks; Fouled spark plugs; Hesitant acceleration
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (specific codes not stated in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover gasket replacement (one owner replaced twice); spark plug replacement; MAF sensor replacement; distributor power bar replacement; air intake hose replacement. One owner mentions replacing turbocharger oil intake line.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned. Owner notes Dorman produced video and re-engineered part but GM has not issued recall.
Engine overheating with recurrent failures
Engine overheating even after water pump and thermostat replacement. Multiple dealer visits resulted in repeated 'engine needs replacement' diagnosis, yet failures persisted. One case diagnosed multiple failed components (water outlet housing, blower motor, A/C condenser, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, turbocharger, fan) all at once; repairs did not resolve overheating.
When: 60,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; High engine temperature warning light; Smoke from front of vehicle; Temperature gauge reading hot
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement; thermostat replacement; water outlet housing, blower motor, A/C condenser, turbocharger, and fan replacement. Failures recurred; warranty had expired so final repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned in most cases; one case noted manufacturer contacted but no response recorded.
Stalling and rough idle with no diagnostic codes
Vehicle stalls while at traffic lights, during acceleration, or while moving, often in cold weather. Check engine light may illuminate but diagnostic systems show no codes, making troubleshooting difficult. Dealer unable to duplicate or diagnose. In cold weather, vehicle dies when releasing accelerator and produces white smoke; hesitation at highway speed nearly caused accident.
When: 28,000–88,000 miles; some instances in cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling at idle and while moving; Rough idle; hesitant acceleration ('missing'); White smoke in cold weather when releasing gas pedal; Dies when stepping off gas at highway speed; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Vehicle shudders and stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement suspected (incorrect diagnosis). Owners unable to obtain printouts of computer diagnostics; dealer drove vehicle only 9 miles and could not duplicate. No repairs completed; owner advised to wait until next winter to recheck.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated computer shows no problems and could not assist. Computer codes non-printable per dealership.
Engine fire
Engine caught fire or burst into flames while vehicle was stationary or shortly after parking, at low mileage. One incident involved 89-year-old occupant who had to be dragged from vehicle by bystanders. Vehicles were total losses. No warning lights or diagnostics preceded the fires.
When: 7,500–47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood or front end; Flames engulfing front of vehicle; No warning lights preceding event (in most cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not repaired; deemed total losses by insurance. Not diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned; manufacturer not contacted in some cases.
Vacuum leak causing rough running and engine pressure issues
PCV diaphragm torn in valve cover control valve, creating excessive vacuum (19 inches vs. normal 2–3 inches). Causes rough running, poor idle, and check engine light. Service center technician reported seeing 3–4 similar repairs in preceding weeks and anticipated recall.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Engine running rough; Difficulty maintaining idle; Poor acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover assembly with PCV control valve and gasket replaced at dealer parts cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned; technician anticipated recall may be forthcoming.
Reduced power / 'Engine Power Reduced' message
Message 'Engine Power Reduced' displays on instrument cluster along with check engine light. Vehicle loses motive power but failure cannot be reproduced during dealer test drive. Possibly related to turbocharger issues but VIN not covered under special coverage program.
When: 88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 'Engine Power Reduced' message on instrument panel; Check engine light; Loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; failure could not be duplicated during dealer diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Failure related to Special Coverage N232395330 but VIN not included. Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA.
AC compressor drawing engine power and poor performance on grades
When air conditioning is engaged, it significantly reduces engine power output, making acceleration difficult and hill climbing nearly impossible. Problem worsens over time. No diagnostic codes retrieved despite repeated dealership visits.
When: Multiple visits over two years; progressive worsening
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power when AC is running; Difficulty accelerating onto freeway; Inability to climb hills with AC on; Poor overall acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; dealership states no codes are being generated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provides no assistance; states no codes present.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 and a half there is another leak will be bringing back to dealership and paying out of pocket for leaks because of a…
1. Valve cover gaskets been replaced in valve covers been replaced twice. 04/16/2024. 95113 miles 2. Air conditioning cooling leak and the fan motor would not shut off unless disconnecting the battery cable. 08/26/2024 at 100,254 miles 3. The turbocharger inline for the oil intake has been replaced . The car cannot completely carry a full carload without having no power to get up hills. I have…
Vehicle check engine light (illuminated amber picture of an engine) came on. Vehicle started running rough. Difficulty keeping the vehicle running at idle. Engine running rough/poor acceleration. Drove vehicle to local service center and left for diagnosis and repair. Service center scanned computer for codes. Found the P.C.V. vacuum control in the valve cover had torn its diaphragm and the…
I have went to the dealership for the past two years with this problem and they keep saying they are not getting any codes: when the air conditioner is on it’s pulling the power from the motor and makes it hard to go up hill. Hard To accelerate when going on to the freeway as well. The problem is only getting worse and worse.
Had engine trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Buick Encore?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 44,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 60,189. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; 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/2017/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.