This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Buick Encore engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Buick Encore have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 63,360 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
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Encore | 14 |
| 2016 Encore | 26 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 |
| 2018 Encore | 20 |
| 2019 Encore (this page) | 23 |
| 2021 Encore | 3 |
What stands out
Among the 8 model years of Buick Encore in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Engine accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 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 2019 Buick Encore's 1.4L turbo engine shows a pattern of serious failures across multiple systems. Turbocharger problems dominate the complaints—failures occur as early as 14,300 miles and at 50,000, 63,500, and 103,000 miles with symptoms including loss of power, jerking, white smoke, and rough running. Some owners report turbos fail immediately after replacement. The intake manifold's non-return (PCV check) valve design fails or goes missing, causing check engine codes P0325 and P1101, boost leaks, and oil consumption. GM issued a technical bulletin (19-NA-101, July 2024) acknowledging this defect on 2013-2019 1.4L turbos, but the valve is non-serviceable—requiring full manifold replacement. Engine stalling without warning, misfiring, fuel pump control module failure, and coolant intrusion into cylinders are also reported. One owner experienced an uncontrolled engine surge during parking attributed to start-stop technology. Critically, owners note GM issued recalls for 2017-2018 Buick Encores and 2016-2017 models (reissued 2020-2023) for turbocharger failures but exempted the 2019 model despite having identical engines. Multiple owners feel misled by dealership refusal to cover repairs and lack of manufacturer support despite known technical bulletins."
Same Buick Encore engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Knock sensor and intake manifold PCV system failure
Check engine light on and off over months; knock sensor replaced but light returns with P0325 and P1101 codes. GM service bulletin 19-NA-101 (July 2024) identifies missing or failed non-return (check) valve in intake manifold on 1.4L turbo engines, causing boost/vacuum leaks, oil consumption, and engine performance faults. PCV valve is non-serviceable; entire manifold replacement required.
When: Intermittent over months; replacement triggered further codes
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light on and off; check engine light returns after knock sensor replacement
Repairs/costs cited: OEM knock sensor replacement attempted (~$); intake manifold replacement required due to non-serviceable PCV valve inside manifold
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-101 (July 2024) covers 2013-2019 vehicles including 2019 Buick Encore 1.4L turbo. No recall issued; owner states GM should offer goodwill assistance.
Turbocharger failures
Multiple reports of turbocharger failure causing loss of power, jerking, rough running, and white smoke from exhaust. Failures occur at low to moderate mileage. One owner reports turbo replaced once, then failed again immediately. Wastegate actuator sticking reported in one case. One owner notes 2017-2018 Buick Encore has recall for same turbo (TSB N232395330) but 2019 not included despite identical engine. Another owner reports 2016-2017 recalls reissued 2020-2023 for same turbo; 2019 exempted.
When: 14,300 miles; 50,000 miles; 63,500 miles; 68,000 miles; 103,000 miles; 123,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: loss of motive power; jerking back and forth; white smoke from tailpipe; vehicle shaking and jerking; rough running; check engine light; reduced acceleration; engine revved before accelerating
Codes mentioned: P0299
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement; one owner reports second replacement also failed. Wastegate repair. One repair bill $4,463.43 for turbocharger and water outlet replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2017-2018 Buick Encore have recall for turbocharger; 2019 model year not included despite same engine. Dealers referred some complaints to NHTSA. Owners state this is 'well documented' and 'known problem' with no recall for 2019.
Engine stalling and power loss without warning
Vehicle loses motive power and stalls without warning lights or with delayed warning lights. One case at 1,090 miles with engine start button malfunction. Another at 60,000 miles with no diagnostic at dealer. Third case stalled twice without warning with check engine light appearing after.
When: 1,090 miles; 60,000 miles; at undisclosed speeds
Symptoms owners cite: loss of motive power without warning; vehicle stalled without warning; engine start button malfunction; no warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired in cases; towed twice in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; did not assist in one case. No repair or diagnosis completed.
Engine sluggishness and reduced power with P0299 code
Vehicle becomes sluggish and unable to accelerate properly, barely operating at slow speeds. One owner reports code P0299 (turbo underboost) with no warning lights initially. Described as 'known issue/defect from the manufacturer with technical bulletin' that was never communicated at purchase.
When: Mileage not stated; triggered before long trip in cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: sluggish acceleration; barely able to operate at slow speeds; unable to go
Codes mentioned: P0299
Repairs/costs cited: Technical bulletin exists for repair; dealership refused to cover and wanted more money than independent shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM headquarters said they should cover per technical bulletin; dealership refused to cover at no cost.
Engine overheating with fuel pump and thermostat failure
Engine overheated while driving with check engine light illuminated. Diagnosed with fuel pump and thermostat failure and replaced. Failure recurred. Later, vehicle lost motive power without warning light at 60,000 miles; towed but not diagnosed or repaired.
When: Around 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine overheated; check engine light; loss of motive power; no warning light on second failure
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump and thermostat replaced; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of recurring failure
Coolant intrusion into cylinders
Vehicle shaking and jerking abnormally at 55 mph with multiple unknown warning lights. Diagnosed with coolant intrusion into cylinders requiring engine disassembly.
When: Approximately 103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: shaking and jerking abnormally; multiple unknown warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Engine disassembly required; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure
Turbocharger failure due to low oil pressure
Check engine light illuminated; turbocharger diagnosed as blown due to low oil pressure. Owner reports this is second turbo failure from same cause.
When: 63,500 miles (second failure)
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light; turbocharger failure
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger previously replaced; second replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2017-2018 Buick Encore has recall for same issue; 2019 not included. Manufacturer notified; vehicle not repaired.
Valve cover, intake manifold, oxygen sensor failure with burning oil smell
Check engine light remained illuminated with burning oil odor inside cabin; vehicle stalled. Diagnosed with faulty valve cover, intake manifold, and oxygen sensors requiring replacement.
When: 63,360 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light; burning oil odor inside cabin; vehicle stalled
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover, intake manifold, and oxygen sensors need replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Wastegate actuator sticking and turbocharger failure
Check engine light illuminated while accelerating from stoplight; engine revved before accelerating. Diagnosed with stuck wastegate actuator causing turbocharger failure.
When: 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine revved before accelerating; check engine light; rough running; does not accelerate properly; rocks back and forth
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB N232395330 exists for 2017-2018 Buick Encore but 2019 not included. Manufacturer not informed.
Forward surge during parking with start-stop technology
Owner took foot off brake before putting car in park while parking; car surged forward over curb, sidewalk, into rock garden with strong force. Owner attributes to 1.4L SIDI turbo engine start-stop technology causing uncontrolled surge.
When: Unknown mileage; during parking maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: uncontrolled engine surge while foot off brake; strong forward propulsion 6-8 feet before brake applied
Repairs/costs cited: Approximately $9,000 damage to underside from rocks
Fuel pump control module failure
Check engine light came on; repair shop diagnosed fuel pump control module failure. Described as 'known issue with Buick.' Owner was advised not to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns.
When: Under 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light; vehicle advised not to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump control module replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states this is known issue with Buick
Engine and A/C failure at low mileage
Engine and A/C failed on new vehicle with only 67,000 miles. Vehicle left undrivable for 2 years. Owner considers this lemon and plans class action lawsuit.
When: 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine failure; A/C failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine and A/C replacement required
Engine misfiring without power or pickup
Vehicle started sputtering during highway drive with no pickup. Diagnosed with misfiring engine at dealer; owner advised not to drive due to safety issues. Vehicle towed to warranty dealer.
When: Unknown mileage; during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: sputtering; no pickup; misfiring
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not repair; towed to warranty dealer (still under full warranty)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Under full warranty; taken to dealership for repair
Oil cooler leaks with subsequent turbo failures
Three leaks in oil cooler; during repair, turbo found cracked. First replacement turbo installed; second new turbo also failed. After second turbo replacement, car ran fine for about one day, then turbo continuously stalls while driving.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: oil cooler leaks; turbo stalling continuously after second replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler replacement and turbocharger replacement (twice); recurring turbo stalling issue
Multiple simultaneous failures: oil leak, coolant leak, turbo, oxygen sensor, exhaust manifold
Owner brought vehicle in for oil and water pump (coolant) leak; multiple check engine light-related failures including turbocharger, oxygen sensor, and exhaust manifold faults identified. Owner states this has been ongoing issue since purchase.
When: Ongoing since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: oil leak; water pump/coolant leak; check engine light; turbocharger failure; oxygen sensor failure; exhaust manifold failure
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler, water pump, turbocharger, oxygen sensor, exhaust manifold repairs needed
Turbocharger and catalytic converter failure at 50,000 miles
Both turbocharger and catalytic converter failed at 50,000 miles. Owner notes 2017-2018 Buick Encores have safety recall for turbocharger but 2019 was not included despite having same engine and turbocharger.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: turbocharger failure; catalytic converter failure
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger and catalytic converter replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2017-2018 models recalled for turbocharger; 2019 excluded despite identical engine.
Turbocharger gasket failure with coolant leak and overheating
Turbocharger gasket failed resulting in coolant leak and engine overheating. Repair required turbocharger replacement and water outlet replacement.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: turbocharger gasket leak; coolant leak; engine overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger and water outlet replacement; repair bill $4,463.43
Excessive forward jolt when taking foot off brake from full stop
Vehicle jolts forward excessively when driver takes foot off brake from full stop, more than normal. Check engine light came on and vehicle drives rougher.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: excessive forward jolt from full stop; check engine light; rough driving
Repeated check engine light failures at new vehicle
Vehicle purchased; check engine light came on within 2 days. Fixed, then came on second, third, and fourth times. Dealership unwilling to repair for free or swap vehicle due to buyer's credit situation. Buyer feels sold a lemon with no support from dealership.
When: 2 days after purchase; multiple recurrences
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light; repeated failures
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repairs needed; buyer cannot afford $500 repair cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership offered to put buyer in another car but loan company refused due to credit; dealership would not assist with free repair
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My check engine light has been appearing off and on for a few months. I received a diagnostic code of P0325 TWICE by two different professional technicians. I ordered an OEM knock sensor, hired a technician to replace the knock sensor, drove about 10 miles and the check engine light came back on. Then, I received a diagnostic code of P-1101, and the recommended solution is to replace the intake…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Buick Encore?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 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?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 14,300 and 68,000 miles, with the median around 63,360. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,300; a quarter make it past 68,000. 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/2019/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.