Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2018 Buick EncoreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 75 owner complaints for the 2018 Buick Encore. Most complaints involve engine (30) and service brakes (11). The EPA rates it 27–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
27–30mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
75
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Buick Encore as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

75 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2018 – Nov 2026
  1. Engine30
  2. Service brakes11
  3. Power train10
  4. Air bags10
  5. Electrical system9
  6. Fuel/propulsion system6
  7. Steering6
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)5
  9. Engine and engine cooling4

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
10
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
9
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

30 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle ran rough and sputtered. The check engine warning light failed to illuminate following a deep cleaning service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and repair. The dealer identified software failures associated with DTC: P162B and DTC: P111E, and performed software updates. The contact stated that a leak occurred in the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system associated with DTC: P0171. The dealer replaced the intake manifold, vapor canister purge valve, and PCV component, stating that no leaks were found during the inspection. The contact had the removed parts inspected by an independent mechanic, who found an internal leak. The contact stated that the OnStar system indicated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and an abnormal exhaust odor emanated from the vehicle. While driving, the driver experienced drowsiness and expressed concern regarding carbon monoxide exposure. The contact stated that the tailpipe was damaged and expressed concern regarding warranty coverage for the turbocharger and catalytic converter. The manufacturer was…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11775182

Service brakes

11 reports4 crashes
“I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a repeated dangerous defect in my 2018 Buick Encore. The vehicle intermittently locks up while driving without warning. When this happens: brakes become unresponsive or lock steering becomes difficult or locks gas pedal does not respond dashboard warning lights activate vehicle systems malfunction vehicle may not shut off normally This defect has occurred multiple times and creates a serious crash risk. The vehicle has now undergone three repair attempts at an authorized Buick dealership. During the second repair attempt, dealership staff personally experienced the same malfunction while test driving the vehicle. I paid approximately $2,078 cash for repairs after being told the issue was fixed, but the same dangerous defect happened again afterward.The vehicle has remained at the dealership for 15+ consecutive days, causing loss of transportation and work hardship. I am also concerned by inconsistent repair documentation and possible repairs performed that were not clearly disclosed or authorized. This vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and the defect has not been corrected despite multiple repair attempts. I…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11734491

Power train

10 reports1 crash
“The contact owned a 2018 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 23, 2026Power trainODI 11726518
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; Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive
273330$2,100298
Encore
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,200313
Encore AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive
263128$2,200319
Encore AWD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
243027$2,300335
  • Encore
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start
    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
    24 city · 30 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
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 12180Vehicle 12179
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

2018 Encore questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Buick Encore have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.

What are the most common 2018 Buick Encore problems?

Owners filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (30), service brakes (11), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Buick Encore get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Buick Encore at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Buick Encore?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Buick Encore 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026