This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Buick Encore engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Buick Encore have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the engine 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 →
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Encore | 18 |
| 2015 Encore | 14 |
| 2016 Encore | 26 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 |
| 2018 Encore (this page) | 20 |
| 2019 Encore | 23 |
| 2021 Encore | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 20 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Buick Encore, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Engine accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 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
The 2018 Buick Encore's engine is subject to multiple chronic failures. GM acknowledged a turbocharger defect in a March 2024 recall letter but limited coverage to 10 years or 120,000 miles—owners exceeding mileage face a $130 diagnostic fee with no guarantee GM will cover repairs. Turbo hose clamps come loose starting around 54,000 miles, causing power loss and check engine lights; dealers report nationwide backorders on replacement hoses, and tightening is temporary, failing again within two months. The accelerator pedal position sensor (code P2138) forces the engine into limp mode, preventing acceleration from a stop for up to a minute—a serious safety hazard. Timing chains fail without warning, causing sudden power loss in traffic and potential crankshaft damage; one owner's chain failed at 98,507 miles. Oil cooler pipes leak persistently, oil filter housings crack and leak, and the exhaust flex pipe at the manifold joint can leak, venting fumes into the cabin. Some owners report general stalling, rough running, and power loss that produce no diagnostic codes. Dealers across multiple states confirm these are known, widespread issues, yet most remain unrecalled. Owners report parts shortages and repair backlogs as a result of the high failure volume.
Same Buick Encore engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger failure and defect
Turbocharger assembly fails or develops leaks, triggering check engine light and reduced power. GM issued a recall letter in March 2024 acknowledging the condition can occur within 10 years/120,000 miles.
When: Between 54,000 and 128,000 miles; can occur before warranty cutoff at 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs rough; Reduced power; Check engine light illuminates; Loss of motive power without warning; Vehicle restarts independently after power loss
Codes mentioned: Diagnostic trouble code set (specific code not named in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: GM recall issued March 2024; coverage limited to 10 years/120,000 miles. Dealers charging $130 diagnostic fee for out-of-warranty vehicles. Turbocharger assembly replacement performed in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall campaign March 2024 for turbocharger condition; coverage expires at 120,000 miles or 10 years from in-service date, whichever first. Owners over mileage limit charged $130 diagnostic fee.
Turbo hose failure
Turbo inlet/outlet hoses develop looseness or cracks, causing check engine light and power loss. Multiple dealers report nationwide backorder on replacement hoses due to high repair volume.
When: As low as 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Decreased fuel economy; Vehicle will not accelerate appropriately; Loud pop from engine compartment; Loss of power during highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: Clamps and hoses tightened and realigned by dealers; failures recurred within 2 months. Hose replacement needed; nationwide backorder reported on parts. One owner quoted $2,300 for out-of-pocket turbo oil line repair.
Accelerator pedal position sensor failure
Accelerator pedal position sensor malfunctions, forcing engine into limp mode and preventing proper acceleration. Vehicle cannot accelerate from stop for up to a minute.
When: July (mileage not specified); occurs at least 126,819 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Limp mode activation; Check engine light on; Cannot accelerate from stop; Vehicle does not move until approximately one minute after pedal depression
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Initial dealer fix was dielectric grease application; lasted 0.15 miles before failure recurred. Accelerator pedal position sensor replacement recommended and likely performed.
Engine timing chain malfunction
Timing chain fails without warning, causing immediate loss of power and engine damage. Vehicle hesitates and loses power in traffic with potential for collision.
When: Without prior warning; mileage unspecified in one case, 98,507 miles in another
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates and loses power while driving; Engine cannot maintain speed limit; Vehicle loses motive power without warning; Vehicle fails to restart after power loss; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: One case: dealer diagnosed timing chain malfunction confirmed by diagnostic testing; owner advised not to drive due to engine damage risk and towed home. Second case at 98,507 miles: timing chain failure resulted in crankshaft damage; vehicle not repaired.
Oil cooler pipe leak
Oil cooler pipe develops persistent leak, dripping oil underneath vehicle. Pipe replacement needed. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles and still under emission warranty.
When: Less than 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking onto ground under vehicle; Persistent leak
Repairs/costs cited: Owner's certified mechanic husband diagnosed leaking oil cooler pipe requiring replacement. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner referenced GMC recall 43210; VIN was not associated with recall. Manufacturer made aware but provided no assistance.
Ignition coil and spark plug misfires
Vehicle shakes abnormally during driving with check engine and stabilitrak lights. Independent mechanic replaced ignition coils and spark plugs but failure recurred.
When: At approximately 109,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal shaking while driving; Check engine warning light illuminates; Stabilitrak warning light illuminates; Intermittent but recurring failures
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced ignition coils and spark plugs; failure reoccurred after repair.
Oil filter housing crack and leak
Oil filter housing unit develops cracks causing oil leakage. Dealership noted this is a known issue affecting multiple vehicles of same model but GM has not issued a recall.
When: Timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from cracked filter housing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership advised checking for recalls due to known problem but none issued. Temporary oil top-up provided to allow owner to drive home.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Buick not issuing recall for this issue at this time despite known widespread problem.
General rough running and power loss without codes
Engine stalls, shuts off, and loses power during acceleration and normal driving with no diagnostic trouble codes appearing. Vehicle struggles to accelerate during highway merges.
When: Timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling and shutoff; Low power when accelerating; Slow acceleration during highway merges; Coughing and sputtering sounds; Squeaking sounds; Shaking while in park or stationary; Check engine light on; RPM drop with engine sputtering; No trouble codes generated
Exhaust flex pipe leak
Flex pipe component of front exhaust pipe develops leak at the exhaust manifold junction. Risk of exhaust fumes entering passenger compartment. Vehicle has less than 50,000 miles and emission warranty in effect.
When: Less than 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Different exhaust sound than normal; Exhaust leak from flex pipe
Repairs/costs cited: Local repair shop confirmed flex pipe leak just off exhaust manifold. Emission warranty in effect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and Northeast Region District Service Manager contacted; no information on response provided.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
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 failure was caused by a leaking oil cooler pipe. The contact was informed that the oil cooler pipe needed to be replaced.…
Overdrive recall and check engine lights is on. We were just informed about the recall from our mechanic
Brought my car to get an oil change and was told they could not do it as my oil filter housing unit is cracked and leaking oil they said to check for recalls as this is an issue with other vehicle same problem. Upon checking i was informed that Buick is not making this a recall item at this time. They put in enough oil for me to get home.
Component failure: the engine timing chain. Yes, it is available for inspection. Safety risk: vehicle hesitated and lost power in traffic, causing my vehicle to automatically slow down where I was no longer driving at the speed limit. My safety and other drivers around me was compromised as this could have caused a major accident should I have been rear ended. I had it towed to lambert Buick,…
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the timing chain, resulting in damage to…
There is a malfunction with the turbo hose on a majority of 2018 Buick encore's that require a new hose. There is a nationwide back order on these parts due to all of the repairs. When this item broke I was driving about 70 MPH on the interstate, there was a loud pop from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not accelerate appropriately.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light would illuminate as the average miles per gallon decreased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the clamps for the turbo hoses were loose. The clamps and hoses were realigned and tightened. The contact stated that the failure recurred 2 months later. The vehicle…
Stalling and shuts off. Low power when accelerating. Car has been so slow to take off that when merging into on coming traffic I have to move to shoulder & then try again to prevent an accident. Coughs, putt & squeaking sounds.Car shakes while in park or not in motion. Check engine light on.
There are many Buick Encores, including 2018 that have a problem with acceleator position sensors. My car’s vin # shows that it does not have this notice, and thus no problem. However, in July this 2018 Buick Encore went into ‘limp mode, check engine light came on. Code for problem was 2138 (accelerator Pedal Position Sensor) The initial dealer solution was to apply dielectric grease. However,…
Had engine trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Buick Encore?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 20 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 83,661 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 $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/2018/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.