NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 88 owner complaints for the 2019 Buick Encore. Most complaints involve engine (33) and fuel/propulsion system (12). The EPA rates it 26–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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.”
“Car has airbag light on. The car keeps leaking which then caused damage to my spark plugs and coil pack. It then led to the O2 sensors being burned. It has been at the dealership multiple times within a 3-week time frame. The low fuel light comes on when it is on a full tank, then it begins to hesitate and the car lunges forward when at a complete stop. Tires act like they cannot keep traction when all 4 tires are brand new and front rotors and brakes have been replaced. Yes, all my concerns have been brought to many dealerships' attention. It is unsafe and unreliable. The dealership said they could not replicate the issue but once I get back into my car it starts up.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,200 | 312 |
| Encore Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 329 |
| Encore AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 330 |
| Encore AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 344 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
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.
Owners filed 88 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (33), fuel/propulsion system (12), air bags (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Buick Encore at 26–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Buick Encore 5 out of 5 stars overall.