2016 Buick Encore recalls and problems

The 2016 Buick Encore has 2 safety recalls and 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

6 / 1

Injuries / deaths

14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Buick Encore vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Buick Encore recalls

Recall 17V-437: Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Jul 10, 2017 · 40,683 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Recall 16V-651: Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Sep 8, 2016 · 3,640,162 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

2016 Buick Encore problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	41
Fuel/Propulsion System	13
Power Train	12
Electrical System	9
Unknown or Other	8
Air Bags	7
Steering	5
Structure	4
Seat Belts	4
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Wheels	3
Vehicle Speed Control	3

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 4
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 32,251 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Buick Encore complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Nov 6, 2026

Vehicle has significant oil leak from unknown part(S) of the engine. Oil is dripping from several areas on the underside of the engine, even pooling in ground/floor areas creating a possible fumes/fire hazard and possible engine fail during operation due to loss of oil. Dealership sold this vehicle used "as is" and when asked about the problem responded they knew nothing of it. Issue appeared the first day after we purchsed the vehicle and needed to use it, oil spots is several locations of our driveway. Online rearch revealed info that this is, apparently, a common issue with this model veh.…

Engine · reported Oct 1, 2026

Sequential powertrain and turbocharger failure on 1.4L Ecotec engine following $5,700 in prior engine repairs. Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power. Component is covered under GM Special Coverage/warranty. Authorized GM dealer (Mike Haggerty Buick GMC) and General Motors have engaged in warranty evasion, refusing repair authorization and unlawfully retaining the disabled vehicle on the dealership lot for over 70 days. Furthermore, the dealership transmitted a false completed repair record to national vehicle history databases (CARFAX) on August 28, 2026, while the vehicle remained…

Structure · reported Jul 31, 2026

We noticed the paint bubbling on one of her doors on the car and took it to the dealership who took no accountability. Now the car is peeling in the back and weâve also noticed the same car, same model and make on the road with the same paint peeling issues that thereâs no formal recall as of yet and we are not getting any resolution with GM.

Engine · reported Feb 21, 2026

power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. Said it was a circuit card in the steering system that was the problem. 2015 years had a recall but not 2016 . But the failure from the 2015 is the same with the 2016 year. GM contacted and they deny claim to get repair cost refunded.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Feb 2, 2026

Turbo exhibits exact same symptoms of 17-18 encore recall for the turbo. I frequently get the p0299 code the car becomes sluggish and hesitates to take off from a stop when this code comes on making this car dangerous to drive. This issue has almost caused multiple accidents because the car is so under powered that its hard to get the car across traffic without being hit. I have been having this issue for several years and no one has been able to tell me why the car does this.

Other Buick Encore years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 201720162015 2014 2013

Compare all Buick Encore years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Buick Encore have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Buick Encore: 17V-437 (seat belts, air bags), 16V-651 (seat belts, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Buick Encore?

Owners report engine problems most often (41 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 32,251 miles.

Are Buick recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.