Buick Encore Years to Avoid: A Guide to Reliable Models

The Buick Encore is one of the most-used compact luxury sport utility vehicles that not only offers comfort and improved handling but also costs less than its competitors. However, as with any car, not every model year is the same, so here we will break down the years into eras. There are Buick Encore years that were reported to have numerous issues within those years, while there are those years that users reported minimum issues.

If you’re considering purchasing a Buick Encore, knowing which Buick Encore years to avoid and which are the most reliable is essential. This guide aims to discuss the topic in detail to assist you with your decision.

Table of Contents

Buick Encore Years to Avoid: What is Buick Encore?

The GM Buick Encore is one of the subcompact SUVs that General Motors introduced to the markets in 2013 and which comes along with luxury features, a rather small size, and enhanced fuel efficiency. Soon, the car was adopted by auto-owners in cities who wanted luxurious cars with good handles and maneuverability.

The Encore can accommodate up to five people and has plenty of sophisticated infotainment features; it comes as a front-wheel and all-wheel drive. It provides good comfort and a fashionable appearance, and its price meets average rates; however, some models have some problems with reliability, so it is necessary to do research before purchasing a car.

Common Issues Found In Buick Encore Models

Despite the fact that the Buick Encore looks good, packs lots of technology, and provides great ride and handling, mechanical problems are a concern of some model years. Common Buick Encore problems that owners have reported across various models include:

Turbocharger Failure: Earlier trim level meant that the vehicles ran with small turbocharger issues while in operation.
Transmission Issues: Some of the model years experienced rough shifting and transmission.
Excessive Oil Consumption: Some models consumed oil at a much higher rate than intended, a fact that could prove to be detrimental to the engine.
Electrical Problems: A common complaint from many owners was on malfunctioning lights and glitches aired by the infotainment systems.
Cooling System Failures: Other causes of engine damage also include overheating as a result of cooling system problems in some model cars.

Buick Encore Years to Avoid

That said, while there are many things that are impressive about the Buick Encore, there are some model years that are deeply flawed. If you’re wondering what year Buick Encore to avoid, it’s best to be cautious of these particular years due to their well-documented issues.

1. 2013 Buick Encore

This vehicle specific belongs to subcompact crossover category, and the first model year of Buick Encore was produced in 2013. Although it came with many aspects that later formed the Encore, it had some early bumps, which lowered the cars’ reliability.

Common Issues with the 2013 Model:

Engine Problems: The worst thing about the 2013 model is in the engine. Some of the complaints that drivers of vehicles with this product have made include engine stalls, rough idle, and power loss while driving.
Turbocharger Failure: One of the more serious problems with the 2013 model is the turbocharger which has been known to degrade more than it should. However, changing a turbocharger is expensive and this forms part of the main cons as follows.
Transmission Concerns: Several owners also complained of transmission issues, including slipping, and hard shifting gear, thus contributing to poor reliability of the 2013 Encore.

2. 2014 Buick Encore

There were lots of problems that were inherent to the 2013 Buick Encore model still expressed in the 2014 model. While Buick made some improvements, the 2014 Buick Encore reliability problems could cause headaches for owners.

Common Issues with the 2014 Model:

Engine and Turbocharger Problems: Similar to the previous model of 2013, the 2014 model Buick Encore had lots of issues concerning the engine and turbocharger. Some of the complaints cited include engine lag, stalling, and in some situations, engine failure.
Excessive Oil Consumption: Some of the owners who complained claimed that their 2014 Encore was using oil at an exceptionally fast pace. Failure to do this will be detrimental since it will lead to severe problems that affect an engine.
Transmission Issues: Shift solution issues were carried over to the 2014 model, with some drivers reporting complaints of gear shift sticking, erratic shifts, and delayed engagement.

3. 2015 Buick Encore

While Buick stepped up trying to solve some of the issues vice victims reported in earlier models, the 2015 Buick Encore registered a variety of different known problems, which greatly affected its reliability outlook. It may not be as full of problems as the 2013 and 2014 models, but it still has enough to make one worry.

Common Issues with the 2015 Model:

Transmission Problems: For the 2015 Encore, the issue of transmission remained to be prevalent. Few owners complained of the transmission slipping or even flopping in their cars.
Turbocharger Failures: The problems also remained same, particularly, some of the owners had to incur high costs for repairs because the unit failed early.
Interior Electronics: Problems with touch screen and others inside Encore’s new infotainment were published before that came with some malfunction, and troubles with Bluetooth connections.

Buick Encore Years with Lesser Problems

As it was having noticeable issues in the 2013-2015 Buick Encore models, the company stepped up its game in the succeeding years. Used Buick Encore is an ideal model since there are certain years that experience low problems and, therefore, are more reliable.

1. 2016 Buick Encore

Starting from 2016 the Buick Encore had step forward in terms of reliability of the model. Buick solved many of the persistent problems seen in previous years and as a result the 2016 Encore is a far better choice for a used vehicle.

Why the 2016 Model is a Good Choice:

Improved Reliability: It is observed that there were less number of complaints regarding the engine and transmission in the model of 2016, which proved that Buick had come up with some of the major problems.
Better Fuel Efficiency: Owners also noted enhanced fuel consumption in the 2016 model and this will please the penny pinching individual looking for a subcompact SUV.
Fewer Electronic Issues: The 2016 model of the Encore was less of a complaint about the infotainment system and other electronics making it a lot more enjoyable to drive.

2. 2017 Buick Encore

The 2017 model of Buick Encore showed enhancement in the reliability criteria as compared to its previous models. New design and additional features make a 2017 model one of the brightest examples of how these cars were used in the lineup.

Why the 2017 Model is a Good Choice:

Updated Design: While the 2017 model of this car remains very similar to previous models, the exterior has been given a slightly fresher, less conservative look with a new front grille design and new headlights.
Improved Engine Performance: Buick pursuant to removing most of those problems found in the previous models, offered better performances of the engines.
Enhanced Technology: The 2017 Encore had an enhanced lineup over the previous model, with features such as Apple Car Play and Android Auto making it a more technologically suitable model to purchase.

Overall, there are no glaring issues with the 2017 Buick Encore and it’s a good option for those seeking a used subcompact SUV with fewer problems and a more contemporary look.

3. 2018 Buick Encore

The 2018 model is the best year for Buick Encore known for its reliability. Buick persisted in the improvement of the Encore, fixing previous problems and making the 2018 model one of the best options for used buyers.

Why the 2018 Model is a Good Choice:

Few Complaints: There were fewer complaints with the 2018 Encore than in the previous models, which suggest that Buick had overcome most of the issues that were characteristic of most models of this make.
Refined Interior: The 2018 model also has some high end interior with the right choice of good material as well as a quiet interior ideal for long drives.
Advanced Safety Features: The 2018 Encore came with even more safety features including forward collision and lane departure warning making it safer for families.

With its reliability, comfort, and advanced features, the 2018 Buick Encore best year is a top choice for anyone looking to buy a used model.

Buick Encore: Comparison with Other Models and Lifespan

When making a comparison between the Buick Encore and other subcompact SUVs it is also useful to take a look at the RAM EcoDiesel or the Honda CR-V. For example, the Honda CR-V is larger on the inside and costs less in repairs over time which means consumers prefer such models as CR-V because of the boot space and low mechanical faults. On its part, the RAM EcoDiesel is famous for its great fuel economy and performance, particularly when it comes to the need to pull better power through a diesel engine.

However, the Buick Encore includes more gear and is less noisy than the opposition for a lower price, which makes the car one of the best contenders for people looking for a luxurious compact vehicle.

So, how long do Buick Encores last? Fully maintained Buick Encore models are endowed with the capability to run 150,000 to 200,0000 miles or even more. This translates to approximately 10-15 years of use in relation on how the car is being used and maintained. Along with regular maintenance, choosing one of the more reliable model years can help extend the Buick Encore life expectancy, ensuring you get the most value out of your vehicle.

Conclusion

The Buick Encore is a muscular, comfortable compact SUV with middle-row captain’s chairs, generous space, and comfortable seating for adults. Yet, every model year may not be as reliable as its previous or subsequent model years.

The 2013 to 2017 Buick Encore models are advisable to be avoided because they are characterized by frequent turbocharger failure, transmission problems, and high frequency of recall. However, now many people are using the 2018 and the later models which are much better and much more reliable ones.

If you adhere to the information described above and pay attention to the model year of the Buick Encore you are searching for; you are likely to secure a reliable automobile.