NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Buick Encore Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Buick Encore has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 52 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Buick dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Buick Encore, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Buick Encore owner complaints

Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Buick Encore, describing incidents dated January 28, 2013 to December 21, 2023.

Most-cited components

Engine 23 complaints
Electrical System 8 complaints
Power Train 7 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 6 complaints
Air Bags 5 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints

Of the 52 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 52 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11561388 · Filed December 21, 2023
My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets. I research online similar complaints with other Buick Encore 2013. I just this car March 2023 has about…
ODI #11532722 · Filed July 17, 2023
The check engine light came and took the car to O'Reillys and was informed it had low turbo boost code took car to the dealership and they indeed confirmed that was the issue and that it would be over $3000.00 to fix!!! I bought this car 4 months ago and this seems to be an issue with a few other…
ODI #11430630 · Filed August 26, 2021
The turbo charger is underboost and can explode the engine with oil flying everywhere

Read all 52 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Buick Encore in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA21-002: Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since September 17, 2021

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114

NHTSA #16V502000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported July 5, 2016 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 8,367 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 50490, 50491 · Owners notified October 14, 2016 · Vehicles built January 15, 2013 – January 15, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Safety consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seat Belts may not Remain Retracted Under Load

NHTSA #14V488000 · Seat Belts — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported August 8, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 48,114 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.37% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14171 · Owners notified November 20, 2014 · Vehicles built August 23, 2012 – March 1, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.

Safety consequence

If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Seats may not Remain Anchored in Vehicle

NHTSA #14V446000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported July 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 124,007 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14340 · Owners notified August 15, 2014 · Vehicles built August 23, 2012 – June 26, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

Safety consequence

A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine Block Heater Power Cord Damage

NHTSA #14V417000 · Equipment — Electrical · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 2,990 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14257 · Owners notified August 29, 2014 · Vehicles built August 23, 2012 – September 9, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Safety consequence

Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Front Air Bag Inflator Failure

NHTSA #14V298000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported June 6, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 61 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.89% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14211 · Owners notified July 30, 2014 · Vehicles built April 10, 2013 – May 8, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.

Safety consequence

If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Wheel may Detach

NHTSA #13V105000 · Steering — Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · NHTSA notice

Reported March 28, 2013 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 144 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 13098 · Owners notified May 21, 2013 · Vehicles built December 9, 2012 – December 28, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.

Safety consequence

If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will be provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall began on May 21, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Buick Encore SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

20% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

2013 Buick Encore SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

18% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

1 investigation

52 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Encore.

Engine

ODI #11561388

Incident: December 21, 2023 · Filed: December 21, 2023

My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets. I research online similar complaints with other Buick Encore 2013. I just this car March 2023 has about 89000. I am making payments.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11532722

Incident: May 1, 2023 · Filed: July 17, 2023

The check engine light came and took the car to O'Reillys and was informed it had low turbo boost code took car to the dealership and they indeed confirmed that was the issue and that it would be over $3000.00 to fix!!! I bought this car 4 months ago and this seems to be an issue with a few other owners as well Buick needs to recall this part!!! If not fixed it may cause deceleration or overheat and start to burn into the manifold of the exhaust. No other parties have looked at the car except the dealership. only lamp that came on was the check engine light and it was sometimes go off and then come back on.

Power Train

ODI #11430630

Incident: August 24, 2021 · Filed: August 26, 2021

The turbo charger is underboost and can explode the engine with oil flying everywhere

Engine

ODI #11258455

Incident: September 25, 2019 · Filed: September 26, 2019

TURBO WENT OUT TWICE WITHIN 3 MONTHS. ALSO I WAITED FOR 6 WEEKS ON A BACK ORDERED PART. SO MUCH SERVICE WORK... PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM THIS CAR IS A LEMON. THE PAINT LITERALLY FELL OFF THE MIRRORS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR.

Engine

ODI #11232474

Incident: July 10, 2019 · Filed: July 16, 2019

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WAS DETERMINED CADILLAC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ONLY HAS 89105 MILES ON IT

Unknown or Other

ODI #11206613

Incident: April 30, 2019 · Filed: May 9, 2019

I WANTED TO REGISTER A CONCERN ABOUT MY 2013 BUICK ENCORE. TWO DAYS AGO, WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED. THE GLASS SHARDS DIDN'T INJURE ME, BUT I FELT HELPLESS WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THERE WAS NOTHING INDICATING CONCERNS OR ISSUES WITH THE SUN ROOF, I AM FORTUNATE TO ESCAPE HARM, BUT WANTED GM TO BE AWARE OF THIS DANGER. WE HAVE BEEN LIFELONG GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMERS FOR OVER NEARLY 50 YEARS, AND FELT THE NEED TO BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11205773

Incident: May 2, 2019 · Filed: May 6, 2019

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN STARTED FLASHING WHILE IN MOTION. THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY. THE ENGINE HAD REDUCED POWER AND AT TIMES WOULD ONLY GO 30-35MPH EVEN WITH PEDAL MASHED ALL THE WAY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO O'REILLY'S AND THEY CHECKED THE CODES WHICH SHOW CAMSHAFT SENSOR, CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE, TURBO UNDERBOOST CODE AND ABS CODE. SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF ISSUES FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 67,000 MILES.

Power Train; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11186693

Incident: March 7, 2019 · Filed: March 14, 2019

THE ENGINE OIL COOLER IS LEAKING. THE FRONT DRIVER AXLE SHAFT SEAL IS LEAKING. THE CAR IS RUNNING TOO LEAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I REPLACED THE AIR FILTER AND CLEAN FUEL INJECTORS AND THE CAR IS SPUTTERING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THE CAR SPUTTERS WHEN STATIONARY AS WELL AS MOVING.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11154446

Incident: August 28, 2018 · Filed: November 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL FAILURES. ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE HEATED THROUGH THE VENTS WHILE THE OTHER SIDE WAS NOT ABLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO JERKED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED REGARDING THE JERKING AND HEATING FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Engine

ODI #11145335

Incident: November 5, 2018 · Filed: November 5, 2018

EARLY THIS YEAR WE START HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON THEN THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMING ON, SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IF FROM. SO FIRST WE HAD TO HAVE THREE SENSORS CHANGED, WE DID THAT AND AFTER THAT WAS DONE IT STILL KEPT JUMPING ON 4 TIME BEFORE IT STOPPED. THEN JUNE OF THIS YEAR IT STARTED BACK WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THEN THEY TELL US WE NEED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HAVE THAT REPLACED AGAIN IT KEEPS DOING 3 MORE TIMES THEN IT STOPS. WELL WE FIGURE WE HAVE THE PROBLEM SOLVED, BUT NO ON 10/26/2016 AS MY SISTER IS GETTING ON HIGHWAY 57 IN CHICAGO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMES ON, SO NOW SHE IS PULLED OVER ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TRYING TO GET THIS CAR TO ACT RIGHT, FINALLY AFTER SHE HAD TO KEEP STARTING IT UP AND SHUTTING IT OFF SHE GETS IT ACT RIGHT , BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON, AFTER SHE LEFT THE EVENT SHE WAS AT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF. NOW ON 11/04/2018 I'M ON THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY IN CHICAGO ONE OF OUR MOST BUSIEST AND DANGEROUS HIGHWAYS IT DOES IT AGAIN, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE REDUCE POWER TO THE ENGINE ACTIVATES, SO NOW I'M PULLED OVER PRAYING I DON'T GET HIT BY A TRUCK, I GET IT TO ACT RIGHT FINALLY AND I GET OFF JUST ENCASE IT DO IT AGAIN, I MAKE IT TO MY DESTINATION AND WHEN I GET READY TO LEAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF. ON 11/05/2018 I'M ONLY 5 BLOCKS FROM HOME AND IT DOES IT AGAIN,I GET IT TO ACT RIGHT AFTER I HAVE TO KEEP STARTING IT UP AND SHUTTING IT OFF AND LOW AND BEHOLD I GET 10 BLOCKS AND IT DOES IT AGAIN GET IT TO ACT RIGHT MAKE IT BACK HOME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON WHEN I GET TO THE DEALERSHIP THEN TURN IT OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS OFF. THIS IS BEGINNING TO BE A BIG PROBLEM CAUSE IT'S GOING TO CAUSE A ACCIDENT WHEN IT DOES THAT, AND THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.

Other Buick Encore model years

Check your 2013 Buick Encore VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Buick Encore at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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