2015 Buick Encore problems

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The Buick Encore is a subcompact crossover SUV built by General Motors from 2012 to 2022. It is subcompact crossover SUV marketed by Buick and its fourth SUV overall after the Rendezvous, Rainier, and Enclave.

The "Encore" designation was previously used by American Motors Corporation (AMC) for the subcompact two and four-door hatchback variants of the U.S.-built front-wheel drive Renault Alliance from 1984 to 1987.

First generation (2013)

The first-generation Encore is a restyled first-generation Chevrolet Trax, and shares the same styling with the European Opel/Vauxhall Mokka. It debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 10, 2012, and went on sale at the end of 2012. The North American Encore is assembled at the GM Korea plant in Bupyeong, South Korea alongside the Trax. The Chinese market Encore is assembled in Shandong.

The 2013, 2014 and 2015 Encore in the U.S. was offered in Base, Convenience, Leather, and Premium level models with the A14NET 1.4-liter inline-four multi-port fuel injected (MFI) VVT turbo gasoline engine rated at 128 hp (95 kW; 130 PS) @ 4900 rpm coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions.

For 2016, a new Sport Touring second tier model was added which included an 18-inch alloy wheels with midnight silver finish, rear spoiler, body-color door handles, remote start, fog lights, and a new more powerful B14XFT Ecotec inline four-cylinder direct fuel injection VVT engine rated at 153 hp (114 kW; 155 PS) @ 5600 rpm in Encore marketing materials. However, Opel in Europe rates the engine for the Mokka at 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) @ 4900–6000 rpm.

The Ecotec direct-injection engine package includes Stop/Start technology to improve fuel economy and was made available as an option on all but the base model for 2017 and 2018. In 2017, the model levels became Base, Preferred, Sport Touring, Preferred II, Essence, and Premium.

2015 Buick Encore

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Common 2015 Buick Encore problems

The 2015 Buick Encore has several common problems that owners have reported, which can be categorized into brake issues, electrical problems, and engine troubles.

Brake issues are a significant concern for the 2015 Buick Encore, with nearly 30% of NHTSA complaints being brake-related. Owners have reported abnormal noises such as grinding and squeaking, reduced braking performance, increased stopping distance, and problems emphasized in wet weather conditions. These issues can lead to severe consequences, including outright brake failure.

Electrical problems in the 2015 Buick Encore range from freezing display screens to GPS failures. These issues can cause more problems with the rest of the car, as reported by some owners. Technical service bulletins have been released to address these various electronics issues.

Engine troubles for the 2015 Buick Encore include loss of power, failing turbochargers, involuntary acceleration, and misfiring. Turbocharger failures are the most commonly reported engine issue, with multiple owners reporting failures at high mileage. Replacing the turbocharger and its respective components is very expensive, with costs potentially reaching up to $1,500 pre-labor.

These issues have contributed to the 2015 Buick Encore being ranked 14th out of 21 compact SUVs by Vehicle History owners. While the SUV has good qualities and is generally liked by owners, the combination of brake problems, electrical issues, and engine troubles can lead to costly repairs and maintenance. It is essential to be aware of these issues and look out for signs of potential problems when considering purchasing a 2015 Buick Encore.

2015 Buick Encore engine

What problems does a 2015 Buick Encore have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

  • Engine Major. Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt. ...
  • Exhaust. ...
  • Climate System. ...
  • Fuel System/Emissions. ...
  • Engine Electrical. ...
  • Paint And Trim. ...
  • Transmission Major. ...
  • Steering And Suspension.

What is a common problem with a Buick Encore?

The Encore is praised for its luxurious feel and longevity. Despite being reliable, the Encore isn't perfect. The most common issues drivers have with the Encore are engine problems, defective airbags and seatbelts, and loss of power.

How many miles will a 2015 Buick Encore last?

200,000 miles

With care the engine should easily last 200,000 miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2015 Buick Encore?

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015.

What problems does a 2015 Buick Encore have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

  • Engine Major. Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt. ...
  • Exhaust. ...
  • Climate System. ...
  • Fuel System/Emissions. ...
  • Engine Electrical. ...
  • Paint And Trim. ...
  • Transmission Major. ...
  • Steering And Suspension.

What is a common problem with a Buick Encore?

The Encore is praised for its luxurious feel and longevity. Despite being reliable, the Encore isn't perfect. The most common issues drivers have with the Encore are engine problems, defective airbags and seatbelts, and loss of power.

How many miles will a 2015 Buick Encore last?

200,000 miles

With care the engine should easily last 200,000 miles.

Are there any recalls on 2015 Buick Encore?

Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015.

2015 Buick Encore car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Encore problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine problems
  • Steering problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Buick Encore vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2015 Buick Encore

The NHTSA has received 113 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Buick Encore. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2015 Buick Encore vehicles.

2024-08-29

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
  • VIN: KL4CJBSB1FB
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and jerking while attempting to accelerate while driving at various speeds, and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was informed about the failure and confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 86,600.
2024-08-06

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
  • VIN: KL4CJFSB8FB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact stopped the vehicle and added coolant and drove to the residence. The contact stated that the next day while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. Additionally, the radio and instrument panel became inoperable. The message "Check Power Steering Unit" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 108,172.
2024-07-21

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
  • VIN: KL4CJDSB9FB
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: My check engine light came on so I took it to a repair shop. They put it on their Diagnostic System Check Computer and the code #PO299 came up. After further inspection and investigation, the failed part is the Turbocharger- A1140104N. This vehicle's, vin number, model year and mileage qualifies it for warranty replacement and labor for the faulty part. However, because it is a Buick and not a Chevy the dealership is not authorizing the repair, even though it is the exact same system and part that is being replaced in the Chevy models. Without this part functioning properly, it affects performance and the car's ability to accelerate when needed which makes it a hazard to drive if you should need to accelerate quickly.
2024-07-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
  • VIN: KL4CJDSB2FB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: tilt steering wheel usage is causing wires in steering culumb to break
2024-04-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-03
  • VIN: KL4CJASBXFB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: MY KEY GETS STUCK IN THE EGNITION, MY MACHANIC SAID IT IS SPECIFIC TO THIS MAKE AND MODEL CAR.
2024-02-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-21
  • VIN: KL4CJCSB6FB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: I was driving at 65 when the power assist on my steering stopped and i was forced off the road. The check engine light was on and the word STEERING appeared on the dash It duplicates the description in recall 15168 but there is no recall listed for my VIN number The dealer also stated the same issue regarding the VIN
2024-02-10

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-10
  • VIN: KL4CJGSB1FB
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Massive coolant leak. Been happening on and off since I bought the car in nov2019. Taken to several shops and have had replacement done and it goes right back to leaking. This time the shop believes it's leaking into the engine itself.
2024-01-30

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-29
  • VIN: KL4CJBSB4FB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized with the electronic power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a gas station temporarily. The dealer was contacted and suggested the contact call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering) as a possible solution; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,326.
2024-01-08

STEERING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-05
  • VIN: KL4CJASB4FB
  • Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: While at a stoplight, my buick encore's power steering just stopped working. I was only able to turn the steering wheel with great effort. The car would not go in reverse, although when pressing on the accelerator in reverse, the engine would rev. Shifting from drive to reverse also caused the car to jolt. The car is available for inspection. This has happened previously in fall of 2021, and the same exact thing happened, but this time while I was driving through an intersection. I was unable to steer and ran into a curb. My safety and safety of others was put at risk because I could have hit another driver or pedestrian The car has been inspected by a Triple A approved mechanic twice (once in 2021 and once now), and they have not found any problems with the car. The power steering and traction lights came on on my dashboard.
2023-11-28

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-04
  • VIN: KL4CJHSB8FB
  • Components: SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 1. Both rear springs have broken within 1 year of each other. There were no accidents or any kind or off road driving. These are Expensive to fix. 2. Driver side airbag light is on. No idea why. Afraid to drive this vehicle.
2023-11-28

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-20
  • VIN: KL4CJFSB6FB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: Power steering failed when driving. I had another passenger with me and when avoiding a pothole in the road, the car went crazy and it took all I could to control the vehicle and NOT crash into anyone or another car! I am having nightmares of what could have happened to me and my passenger. On the next day, I tried to start my vehicle and the steeling wheel was locked. I had it towed to VIP near me. They did a diagnosis on my vehicle and claim that I need a new steeling column and the circuit board. They did further research and found that the 2015 Buick Encores have had a recall on the steering. They then mentioned that there was nothing more they could do and they advised me NOT to drive the vehicle as it was UNSAFE. I then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer (Jacks Chevrolet) claims that my car's VIN isn't included in the recall. My question is if my vehicle demonstrates the same characteristics, WHY isn't it part of the recall? My car is UNSAFE to drive! Jack’s Chevrolet in Saco performed a diagnosis, and the issue was with the battery. From what the contact was told, the power steering is electric, and the battery had tested bad (bad cell). And they stated the power steering is working properly. The contact stated after one event of driving the vehicle after the repair, the vehicle is again demonstrating an unreasonable risk to safety. The steering wheel is locked, and the steering is uncontrolled.
2023-11-11

SUSPENSION,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-08
  • VIN: KL4CJGSB3FB
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: It’s it’s firing and shaking, and I have kept up on the oil changes. It’s a lot of money
2023-10-13

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-13
  • VIN: KL4CJFSB5FB
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: It seems like the 2015 Buick Encores are having a lot of the same issues. I do not see a recall for any of these issues. 1. loss of power when trying to accelerate. This has almost caused an accident for me. I had plenty of time to pull out, but my car wouldn't speed up. Thankfully the car coming up noticed I was having issues and slowed down. This also may affect the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. No warning lights came on. It eventually corrected itself and I was able to accelerate. This has been an ongoing issue. Nobody seems to know what is causing this or how to fix it. 2. I start my car and put it into gear, and it shakes like it wants to stall. I quickly put it back into park and wait a few minutes before putting it back into gear. It also does this while I am waiting at lights at intersections. That is very concerning because if i stall mid intersection this could cause and accident and or injury to me or other motorists. No lights appear when this happens. Again, nobody knows why it does this or how to correct it. 3. Back of my car stared chipping paint for no reason. There was no trauma to cause this to occur. Apparently, this is another common issue with this car. I've read that there have been lawsuits against the company for using paint similar to what this is doing. 3. I had to replace my engine under two years of having it. It was still under warranty at the time, but I hadn't had the car very long at all.
2023-08-17

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-06-14
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and pulling into the driveway, the vehicle decelerated independently with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the "Power Steering Fault" message was displayed, and the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and the vehicle shutoff and failed to restart. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The contact replaced the battery but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering) and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.
2023-07-17

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-09
  • VIN: KL4CJASB6FB
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: The turbocharger on my car is failing and had a verified check engine light code PO299. The car is a 2015 with low miles, only 53k. This is an obvious manufacturer defect/defective product with an estimated cost of $1500.00 to replace, according to an ASE independent auto shop I use for all my vehicles. The car is unfortunately not under any warranty anymore, to my knowledge. There is no recall on this part but online on Buick forums and other credible sites, you will find owners of the same exact car reporting independently, the same failing part issues. I am the second owner of this car and bought it used in 2021 from Carmax. Since then, I have spent $$$ to fix random necessary repairs that are defects of the car but not on recall. Recently, the ac went out and that was over $500 alone. Prior to that an 02 sensor and sparkplug went out, etc. I want GM to reimburse me for the repair cost of the failing turbocharger on this low mileage vehicle as it is without a doubt, a manufacturer defect needing repair to prevent the engine from failure and a total loss! I contacted a GM/Buick agent and formal complaint and request for reimbursement. I am now waiting for up to two days for a "senior agent," to contact me back and discuss further options, if any. Until then, I am without a car with two kids at home and this defect is unsafe and a financial burden to me and my family. This is a known issue on this vehicle model and should be covered under a recall from GM!
2023-04-12

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-11
  • VIN: KL4CJCSB4FB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and became firm. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V146000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 50,000.
2023-03-21

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-21
  • VIN: KL4CJCSB4FB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The cooling system malfunctions. Repaired six times in a year. Overheats. Coolant issues.
2023-02-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
  • VIN: KL4CJGSB7FB
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: The PVC valve was frozen and leaked oil everywhere. I was told by a mechanic at my dealership that it is a known issue. They want $3000 to install a heater unit.
2022-12-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-12-22
  • VIN: KL4CJCSB6FB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
  • Summary: My car started surging when I was sitting at a traffic light and as I was crossing abridge The check engine light came on - 2 codes - transmission module 0700 and module 0073
2022-12-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-12-13
  • VIN: KL4CJDSBXFB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved and he was unable to shift the vehicle into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The contact referenced TSB Number: PIP5495H for the turbocharger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
2022-12-08

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-19
  • VIN: KL4CJGSB6FB
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I've had my car for 3 years. I've always kept up with it's maintenance. My engine/head gasket are blown and I found out this is a common issue with this car. The airbags also dont recognize when there are passengers in the car. I started my car up one morning in September and all of my lights started flashing. I immediately turned it off and towed it to my mechanic to find out that it pretty much has everything wrong with it. My car is barely above 80k
2022-07-21

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-07-20
  • VIN: Kl4cjcsb2fb
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: The car stopped having power steering and went into limp mode while I was turning into a school and then stalled.
2022-05-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-05-20
  • VIN: KL4CJHSBXFB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: while driving, the check engine light came on, traction assist light and then the car lost power steering. Very scary.
2022-04-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-04-04
  • VIN: KL4CJCSB8FB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: We have had problems with the air bags since the car was new. The SRS light would come on for a couple months then go off. It says it has a problem with the passenger presence module. Never had a recall but the dealer said that when we took it in for an oil change they updated the firmware on the air bag system. It never did work, it would sometimes work then not work. I took it back a few weeks ago and told them it still isn't right and I said since it is a safety issue they should cover it. They told me that since Ohio doesn't have auto inspections that they are not responsibile for taking care of it and I was looking at over 1000 to repair. That pissed me off so I took my car and left. I am taking it to a independent garage. I have had lots of problems eith this car and only have 42000 on it now. My last GM, next will be Toyota/
2022-03-08

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-02-25
  • VIN: KL4CJFSB8FB
  • Components: TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH downhill during inclement weather, the vehicle experienced intermittent brake failure. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle and ran off the roadway to prevent a crash. The vehicle drove over a curb before coming to a stop. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that the Traction Control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where it remained unrepaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,740.

2015 Buick Encore recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2015 Buick Encore.

2017-07-10
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
2016-09-08
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
2015-03-20
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire placards that do not provide the rim size information for the front or rear wheels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
  • Consequence: If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and will send owners a corrected label, free of charge. The recall April 29, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15166.
2015-03-13
  • Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
  • Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
  • Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.
  • Consequence: The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. 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 15168.

Negative 2015 Buick Encore car reviews

  1. Art Ortiz 2025-05-26

    Hello! I recently leased this car and wanted to share my experience with others. Unfortunately, I discovered that this car is not suitable for a rear-facing car seat. Even though my previous car, a Lexus, could accommodate a larger car seat, this Buick could not. I even had a car seat specialist come out to help me install it properly, but it still wouldn't fit. We tried several other car seats, but the only one that worked was the Chicco NextFit. However, it had to be installed on the side (not in the center, which would have been my preference), and the passenger seat had to be moved very far forward. I wish I had done more research before choosing this vehicle. Thank you for reading!

  2. Jerry Wuckert 2025-05-17

    When the brakes get wet, they seem to make a clunk noise. Additionally, the 7-inch dashboard screen often goes black, making it impossible to use the backup camera or radio controls. I have taken my car to John Paul Buick in Greenfield, WI twice, but unfortunately, neither issue has been resolved. I am quite disappointed with the service provided by the dealer.

  3. Toby Wehner 2025-04-13

    When my husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma, we knew we needed a reliable car with good gas mileage to transport him to his treatments at U of M, which is two hours away. We decided to purchase a Buick Encore, but unfortunately, we experienced some issues with the car. During one trip to U of M, the car broke down due to a coolant leak, which was not an easy fix. Additionally, we noticed a sour odor coming from the vents due to mold growing in the ventilation system. Although the fix was not complete, we were able to manage the issue. However, we did experience some episodes of musty air, which was concerning for my husband who has lung disease. To make matters worse, the power brake booster went out and the battery died within two weeks. Despite the repairs we had already paid for, we decided to trade the car in and take a loss. We will not be purchasing a Buick again.

  4. Janick Schowalter 2025-02-22

    I have owned this car for about a month and have experienced a few issues. There is a clunking noise when turning the wheel, the wiper fluid doesn't work when it's cold outside, the car starter doesn't always work, and there is an unidentified fluid leaking. Unfortunately, someone even got stuck inside the vehicle! Despite these issues, the dealer has been helpful, but I have been unable to speak to an unscripted person at GM. I understand that they cannot give out that information, but it has been frustrating. I have shared my experience with everyone I know, and I have not found anyone who would want to keep a car that someone was stuck in. As a loyal GM customer for years, I am disappointed. I haven't even made a payment yet, and I don't want to spend 60 months paying for a car that I am scared to be in. I would like a replacement car because this seems to be an anomaly based on my prior purchases and other reviews I have read. I hope that GM can resolve this issue, and I look forward to continuing my relationship with the brand. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  5. Anderson Cartwright 2024-11-24

    It's unfortunate, but I had to say goodbye to my beloved Mini Cooper S. As much as I loved turning heads with it, I needed a vehicle that could accommodate my flooring samples. After some searching, I found the Encore, which offered more space without sacrificing its small size. While the Cooper had some mechanical issues, it was incredibly fast - I could easily push it to 90 mph on I H 35. The Encore, on the other hand, struggled to accelerate from 50 mph to 60 mph when passing other vehicles. It's not the most powerful car out there, but it does have plenty of room and is loaded with sensors and a backup camera. Ultimately, I decided to trade it in after owning it for just one year. If you're looking for a car to drive around town or run errands, the Encore is a great choice - just don't expect it to have the same power as the Cooper.

Positive 2015 Buick Encore car reviews

  1. Frank Hermann 2025-05-24

    We've been Toyota people for decades, but the Buick dealership won us over with their smart, sharp-looking vehicle and their eagerness to earn our business. Although the car is not entirely built in America nor does it have a majority of American-made parts, my wife and I both love it after a week of driving it. As empty nesters, there's plenty of space for the two of us, and the car has plenty of pep to get us around town and beyond. It looks, feels, and drives like a car that will last us for years to come. We've driven a lot of new cars at our age, and this one doesn't feel cheap. It's on par with more expensive vehicles we've owned, and it has a lot of features you'd expect in higher-end cars and SUVs. After several months of use, including hauling furniture, driving through some decent snowfall, and taking some short trips, we're still very comfortable and pleased with the Encore. I highly recommend buying or leasing a Buick Encore.

  2. Ariel Marvin 2025-05-17

    Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like you are really enjoying your 2015 Buick Encore! While it may not fit all 8 of your grandchildren, it seems like the perfect size for you and your husband to hit the road and enjoy a quiet and efficient drive. We're glad to hear that the acceleration is there when you need it. Thank you for giving it 4 stars!

  3. Giovanni Mraz 2025-05-03

    Firstly, let me say that if you haven't researched this vehicle class, then complaining about speed and 'pickup' is your own fault. If you go in knowing that you're buying a heavy vehicle with a turbo'd 135+ HP engine, good for you. It's not going to launch from a full stop at a stop light or stop sign, but getting up to full speed or highway speed is quicker than you would expect. Passing on the highway is smooth and effortless. So, all that aside, do I like my purchase? Absolutely! I went from a V6 300hp Nissan to the Buick, and while I miss the HP, I love the Buick's quiet, smooth ride, excellent Bluetooth hands-free setup and recognition. Sirius XM sounds wonderful compared to my wife's 2014 Chrysler 300C, and having a 120gb iPod classic, setup was a breeze via the USB. (You could also just use a USB stick if you want to change your music more frequently.) Nighttime driving is pleasant, with minimal blind spots for lane changes and excellent headlight beams. The 4GLTE wifi works surprisingly well but can get pricey really quick on larger GB plans. I mostly do highway driving and average 31mpg and an average of 69 to 83 mph. The only real drawback I feel I am missing is the dimmed rearview mirror, which I feel is standard on cheaper model vehicles, push-button start, and door handle push-button lock/unlock (this usually comes standard with push-button start vehicles). Overall, I would give this an overall score of 4.5, forgoing the bells and whistles of other vehicles in this price range for quietness and a very smooth ride.

  4. Dejuan Windler 2025-04-23

    I would definitely recommend this car to anyone. It has great gas mileage, is very comfortable, and is extremely reliable.

  5. Leo Walker 2025-04-08

    The comfort of the Encore Premium is fantastic, and the ride is very quiet. While it may not have as much power as my Tiguan, I still find it to be a pleasure to drive, especially once I'm on the highway. The back seat is a bit narrow, so it may not be the best fit for taller passengers, but I don't often have people riding in the back. As for cargo space, it's important to keep in mind that this is a compact car, so space is limited, but I find that it still offers plenty of room and height. And if I ever need more space, I can always fold down the back seats. Overall, I think the Encore Premium is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious and comfortable ride that's also fuel-efficient and stylish inside and out.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2015 Buick Encore problems:

2015 Buick Encore Problems and Recalls Cover a Myriad of Brake ...
2015 Buick Encore Problems and Recalls Cover a Myriad of Brake ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/2015-buick-encore-problems-and-recalls-cover-a-myriad-of-brake-problems-two-airbag-recalls-and-faulty-radios

Apr 28, 2022 ... Miscellaneous Engine Troubles and Turbocharger Failures Cover the Remaining Problems with the 2015 Buick Enclave. While the brake and ...

2015 Buick Encore Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2015 Buick Encore Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/buick/encore/2015/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2015 Buick Encore? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

2015 Buick Encore Reliability - Consumer Reports
2015 Buick Encore Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buick/encore/2015/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Engine Major · Exhaust · Climate System · Fuel System/Emissions · Engine Electrical · Paint And Trim · Transmission Major.

Buick Encore Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage ...
Buick Encore Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage ...
https://www.carparts.com/blog/buick-encore-reliability-and-common-problems/

Feb 2, 2024 ... One of the most common 2015 Buick Encore problems is its severe brake issues, which can increase the risk of accidents. According to reports, ...

2015 Buick Encore Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
2015 Buick Encore Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/buick/encore/2015

2015 Buick Encore vehicles have 4 known recalls. The most common recall is: Software Defect May Prevent Airbags From Deploying. Air Bags and Seat Belts Do Not ...

Other years of Buick Encore

buick encore 2016 photo
Encore 2016
Buick

63

2

35

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick encore 2017 photo
Encore 2017
Buick

63

2

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick encore 2018 photo
Encore 2018
Buick

49

0

35

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick encore 2019 photo
Encore 2019
Buick

49

2

37

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick encore 2020 photo
Encore 2020
Buick

12

2

34

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
buick encore 2021 photo
Encore 2021
Buick

4

0

41

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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