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Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2016 Buick EncoreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 80 owner complaints for the 2016 Buick Encore. Most complaints involve engine (41) and fuel/propulsion system (13). The EPA rates it 26–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

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Combined MPG
26–30mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jul 2017
Owner complaints
80
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jul 10, 2017NHTSA 17V437000

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Sep 8, 2016NHTSA 16V651000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

80 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2016 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine41
  2. Fuel/propulsion system13
  3. Power train12
  4. Electrical system9
  5. Air bags7
  6. Steering5
  7. Structure4
  8. Seat belts4
  9. Engine and engine cooling3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Encore model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201352
201460
2015124
201680
201790
201875
201988
202019
20219
20228
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
14
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

41 reports1 fire
“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 disabled and unrepaired on the lot.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11768263

Fuel/propulsion system

13 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11715060

Power train

12 reports
“On my way home in December 2025, my car started to sputter and make noises. All of a sudden the car started going about 10-15 miles. I almost go hit by several vehicles, because they had to put on brakes, I was trying to go up then down a hilly road. I finally was able to get to an Auto Advance Shop, I had to tow the car to Honda then to Buick for a diagnostic test. It had been over a month and I can’t get information in writing what the diagnostic test results are. I’ve had to rent a vehicle for over a month, even though I have a Lifetime Warranty on my power train and motor. I have submitted all my service and repair paperwork to John Miles Buick Conyers Georgia, the GM and Service Department, also I contacted GMC Corporate Office. I have been in a rental car for over a month that I can no longer afford. I don’t know where else to get results for my issue. Thank you, XXX. [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 17, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11711624
All 2016 Encore problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Encore
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
273330$2,100297
Encore
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,200320
Encore AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive
263128$2,200314
Encore AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
233026$2,400348
  • Encore
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI
    27 city · 33 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Encore
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    25 city · 33 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Encore AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI
    26 city · 31 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Encore AWD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    23 city · 30 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Buick Encore SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Overall
5 / 5
Buick Encore SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 10266Vehicle 10265
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Encore questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Encore have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Buick Encore problems?

Owners filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (41), fuel/propulsion system (13), power train (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Buick Encore get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Buick Encore at 26–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Buick Encore?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Buick Encore 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026