2019 Buick Encore recalls and problems

The 2019 Buick Encore has 2 safety recalls and 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
88
Crashes / fires
9 / 2
Injuries / deaths
10 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Buick Encore vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Buick Encore recalls

Recall 20V-668: Power Train

Reported Oct 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall 18V-774: Air Bags

Reported Nov 1, 2018 · 12 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.

2019 Buick Encore problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine33
Unknown or Other12
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Air Bags11
Electrical System10
Power Train10
Service Brakes7
Vehicle Speed Control7
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Exterior Lighting5
Suspension4
Forward Collision Avoidance3

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 34,000 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 2019 Buick Encore complaints

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

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 30,000 miles · reported Oct 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to start after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was purchased, and the mechanic replaced the oxygen sensor. Despite the repair, the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic. Diagnostic trouble codes retrieved via an OBD-II scanner indicated…
Wheels · reported Oct 11, 2026
Front driver and passanger tire hubs made a warble sound. Took to a good year auto shop for inspection and the driver tire disconnected from the hub. Was informed this is NOT a normal wear and tear issue given the year and mileage of the vehicle, and to report it immediately. There were no warning lights just sounds reported and investigated to find cause.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 60,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the flex pipe was cracked, causing the contact to become ill from the fumes. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor occasionally coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The contact expressed concerns about the safety of driving the vehicle with the fumes entering the vehicle from the flex pipe. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the flex pipe was cracked in half and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was…
Engine · reported Aug 8, 2026
Loss of acceleration due to cracked turbo boost. I guess you need a special 2019 vin # to be included in a recall. Recall for 2017 2018 and a select few 2019 very disappointed with this big repair job that is a known problem. I'm done with Buick.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jul 21, 2026
92,000 miles my catalytic convertor went bad, had for 5 years. This resulted in lag when trying to accelerate and pull out in traffic. It cost $3,000 to fix as well as the turbocharger being broke. The blind spot detection to passenger side mirror stays on at all times and should only come on when there is an object detected in the right side blind area. I'm [XXX] old and have never ever has a catalytic convertor go bad. Buick should be responsible for these repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Other Buick Encore years

Compare all Buick Encore years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Buick Encore have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Buick Encore: 20V-668 (power train), 18V-774 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Buick Encore?

Owners report engine problems most often (33 reports), followed by unknown or other (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 34,000 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.