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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-BUICK-ENCORE
2018 · buick

buick Encore problems

0 safety recalls. 69 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
19 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
10 reports · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
10 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
5 reports · avg $850
moderate
steering
5 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
3 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 Encore · engine
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed there was oil leaking onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact’s husband, who is a certified mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the…
12/30/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11633066.0
2018 Encore · airbags
previous airbag recall, but not including my VIN. However, my airbag light is on and malfunctioning. It will cost $200 to just diagnose the repair and no idea what the cost to fix this saftey issue on a car that is only 5 years old. Please help!
12/12/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11497139.0
2018 Encore · engine
Overdrive recall and check engine lights is on. We were just informed about the recall from our mechanic
12/07/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11629408.0
2018 Encore · other
I WAS TOLD TO REACH OUT TO THIS SITE BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN IN A THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO GET MY 2018 BUICK BOUGHT BACK BY GM. IN JUNE 2019 THE BUICK DIED ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS IN ARCHIE, MO THEN 30-40 SECONDS LATER IT STARTED BACK UP ON…
12/03/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11377742.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2018 Buick Encore reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 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.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Buick Encore?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 19 complaints filed. 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. 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 2018 Buick Encore?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 69 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 15 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with buick. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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