2017 Buick Encore recalls and problems

The 2017 Buick Encore has 2 safety recalls and 90 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
90
Crashes / fires
12 / 4
Injuries / deaths
28 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Buick Encore vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 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.

2017 Buick Encore problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine35
Unknown or Other13
Air Bags13
Power Train9
Service Brakes8
Visibility/Wiper8
Seat Belts8
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Tires5
Steering4
Structure4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 41,000 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 2017 Buick Encore complaints

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

Wheels · at 58,000 miles · reported Oct 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed two fractured lug nuts on the front passenger-side wheel and two fractured lug nuts on the rear passenger-side wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the lug nuts required replacement. The contact expressed safety concerns because a lug wrench would fail to engage the fractured lug nuts during a tire replacement. The contact was informed that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a…
Tires · at 129,000 miles · reported Jul 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended in the driveway in front of the residence, the front passenger’s side tire suddenly blew out. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The turbocharger had previously become inoperative. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Boyd's Chevrolet (1875 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, NC…
Engine · reported Jun 11, 2026
There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flange, resulting in boost pressure loss. There is already a recall associated with this problem in other VIN’s with the same year and type of vehicle, recall needs to be expanded because this is a known…
Unknown or Other · reported May 29, 2026
UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have one when this occured. I have contacted Buick Corporate and now they are saying that they are sending my matter to the legal department. Buick corporate told me to have my vehicle towed to the Buick Dealer which I did because I wanted to know why that happened. I paid to have it towed and tomorrow I…
Tires · reported May 17, 2026
Will vehicle was parked in my driveway there was a loud like explosion. It just exploded. My passenger size of my vehicle is totalled. I do have a video of the car blowing up. I am so happy that it was late in the early mornings. I have grandkids that play here and one of them could have got hurt or killed.

Other Buick Encore years

Compare all Buick Encore years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Buick Encore have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 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 2017 Buick Encore?

Owners report engine problems most often (35 reports), followed by unknown or other (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 41,000 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.