Problems · by component

2019 Buick Encore engine problems

33 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2019 Buick Encore cite engine, 38% of all 88 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
33
38% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2026EngineODI 11755596
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 8, 2026Suspension, Air bags, EngineODI 11736708
“My check engine light continues to turn on and the code is related to the wastegate actuator/turbo charger. My car is running rough and doesn't accelerate properly. It sometimes rocks back and forth when I try to accelerate. Which is a KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BUICK. GMC REFUSES TO RECALL THIS WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE. And naturally, it becomes an issue after the warranty expires. Mileage: 67,067”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11735620
“3 leaks in oil cooler. When mech got in to do the repairs, they noticed the turbo was cracked. Replaced it with new turbo which also failed. After the second new turbo was installed the car ran fine for about a day and now the turbo continuously stalls while driving it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 20, 2026EngineODI 11732593
“SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened. Had thermostat and water pump replaced. Not fixed. Coolant keeps running out if bottom of suv. It is at dealership and blown head gasket and probably much worse. Apparently these models have something wrong with cooling system. The engine cost will be about what I owe on it. Buick needs to pay for another engine for my SUV. I have a warranty but they won’t honor the engine replacement and I’m out of a vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11727136
“Driving down the road and car became sluggish to respond/accelerate and could barely operate at slow speeds or not be able to go. Thankfully at this time I was close to home and not on the highway but was leaving on a long trip with areas of no service and isolation and temps in the -20F could be a very dangerous situation. There were no warning lights on at all. But I own a code reader and hooked it up anyways and got code P0299. Took it to a small local repair shop and will include their report as a file because I don't understand all of it but this is a known issue/defect from the manufacturer with a technical bulletin out about it with a fix for it. Was never notified of this at purchase or since. Then took to the manufacturer dealership to try and get them to fix it but they won't and want more money than the small shop. Feel misled when headquarters said yea we should cover that move it to a dealership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2026EngineODI 11718958

Showing 6 of 33 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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