The largest recall covering the original Buick Encore is 16V-651: on 2014–2017 models, air bag module software could run a diagnostic test that blocks frontal air bag deployment. 2013–2014 Encores also have front seat weld and lap belt pretensioner recalls. Recalls on 2019–2020 models were smaller.
CarWhere lists 8 documented Encore issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
First generation Encore problems (2013–2022)
Frontal air bags may not deploy during a software test (recalls 16V-651 and 17V-437) (2014–2017)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2014–2017
- Years:
- 2014–2017
- Powertrain:
- All
Under certain driving conditions, air bag sensing module software may start a diagnostic test during which the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners would not deploy. Recall 16V-651 covers 2014–2017 Encores and many GM trucks and cars, about 3,640,162 vehicles; 17V-437 (40,683 vehicles) covers some that were already repaired. Dealers reflash the module software.
Symptoms
- No warning sign; confirm through the recall record
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 16V651 (2016-09) · 3,640,162 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2][3]
Front seats may not stay anchored in a crash (recall 14V-446) (2013–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2013–2014
- Years:
- 2013–2014
- Powertrain:
- All
An incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket means the front seats may not stay secured during a high load such as a crash. The campaign covers 2013–2014 Encores and several other GM models, about 124,007 vehicles. Dealers inspect the weld and replace the lower seat track as needed.
Symptoms
- Front seat that shifts on its tracks
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V446 (2014-07) · 124,007 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4][3]
Lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock (recall 14V-488) (2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2013
- Years:
- 2013
- Powertrain:
- All
The driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in the retracted position, so the belts can extend when pulled. The campaign covers 2013 Encore and Cadillac ATS models, about 48,114 vehicles. Dealers replace both front lap belt pretensioners.
Symptoms
- Lap belt that pulls out under load
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V488 (2014-08) · 48,114 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5][3]
Loss of electric power steering assist (recall 15V-146) (2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2015
- Years:
- 2015
- Powertrain:
- All
The steering column housing may rub the power steering circuit board, wearing it and causing a loss of assist. About 2,295 2015 Encore and Trax models are covered. Dealers inspect and replace the steering column as needed.
Symptoms
- Sudden heavy steering
- Power steering warning message
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 15V146 (2015-03) · 2,295 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6][3]
Start/stop accumulator may be missing bolts (recall 20V-668) (2019–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2019–2020
- Years:
- 2019–2020
- Powertrain:
- 1.4L turbo with automatic stop/start
The transmission start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts. The campaign covers 2019–2020 Encores and other GM models, about 194,105 vehicles. Dealers inspect the accumulator and replace it if bolts are missing.
Symptoms
- Transmission fluid leak or loss of drive
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 20V668 (2020-10) · 194,105 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7][3]
Engine block heater cord can crack in the cold (recall 14V-417) (2013–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2013–2014
- Years:
- 2013–2014
- Powertrain:
- 1.4L turbo with block heater
On 2013–2014 Encore AWD models and other GM cars with a Calix oil pan/block heater, the heater power cord may be damaged in cold temperatures. About 2,990 vehicles are covered. Dealers fit a cord rated to minus 40 degrees Celsius.
Symptoms
- Cracked block heater cord insulation
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V417 (2014-07) · 2,990 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8][3]
Heated steering wheel fastener may be loose (recall 13V-105) (2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2013
- Years:
- 2013
- Powertrain:
- All
On 2013 Encores built December 9–28, 2012 with a heated steering wheel, the steering wheel fastener may not have been installed properly, so the wheel could come loose. About 144 vehicles are covered.
Symptoms
- Steering wheel play or clunking
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 13V105 (2013-03) · 144 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9][3]
Air bag module may be left in manufacturing mode (recall 18V-774) (2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2013–2022) – 2019
- Years:
- 2019
- Powertrain:
- All
On a small number of 2019 Encore, Spark, Traverse and Trax models (12 vehicles), the air bag sensing module may not have been switched out of manufacturing mode, so the air bags would not deploy. Dealers reprogram the module.
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 18V774 (2018-11) · 12 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10][3]