Buick Encore recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Buick Encore, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 22
Total Complaints 813
Years Covered 2013–2022

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Buick Encore, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Seats and restraints

5 campaigns · Years: 2013–2017, 2020

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 2 more notices in this theme

Airbags

2 campaigns · Years: 2013, 2019

These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.

Official notices (evidence):

Electrical

2 campaigns · Years: 2013–2014

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Steering and suspension

2 campaigns · Years: 2013, 2015

These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.

Official notices (evidence):

Equipment and labeling

1 campaign · Years: 2015

These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.

Official notices (evidence):

Powertrain

1 campaign · Years: 2019–2020

These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Buick Encore in NHTSA complaint data are Engine, Electrical system, Power train.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2022 0 8 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling.
2021 0 9 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Air bags.
2020 2 28 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Power train.
2019 2 101 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Air bags.
2018 0 95 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Service brakes, Power train.
2017 2 116 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags, Seat belts.
2016 2 109 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train.
2015 4 185 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Steering.
2014 4 92 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Power train.
2013 6 70 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Electrical system.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Seat belts , Seats and Equipment

Show recall evidence by year

2020

  • Seats: Critical fasteners: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (20V537000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
  • Power train: Automatic transmission: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (20V668000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.

2019

  • Air bags: Air bag/restraint control module: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (18V774000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.
  • Power train: Automatic transmission: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (20V668000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.

2017

  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V651000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 Po
  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (17V437000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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, Su

2016

  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V651000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 Po
  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (17V437000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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, Su

2015

  • Steering: Electric power assist system: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (15V146000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering print
  • Equipment: Labels: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (15V162000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire placards that do not provide the rim size info
  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V651000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 Po
  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (17V437000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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, Su

2014

  • Equipment: Electrical: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V417000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V446000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the
  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V651000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 Po
  • Seat belts: Pretensioner: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (17V437000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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, Su

2013

  • Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (13V105000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or
  • Air bags: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V298000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator ma
  • Equipment: Electrical: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V417000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V446000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the
  • Seat belts: Front: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (14V488000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables
  • Electrical system: Ignition: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (16V502000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 20

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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

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