2018 Buick Encore problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2018 Buick Encore sits mid-pack among Encore years: 105 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 98, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 30 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
105
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2018 compare to other Encore years?
What are the most common 2018 Buick Encore problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 30 | 29% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 14 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 11 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 10 | 10% | — flat |
| Other | 10 | 10% | — flat |
| Transmission | 10 | 10% | — flat |
| Steering | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE TURBO HOSE ON A MAJORITY OF 2018 BUICK ENCORE'S THAT REQUIRE A NEW HOSE. THERE IS A NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER ON THESE PARTS DUE TO ALL OF THE REPAIRS. WHEN THIS ITEM BROKE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THERE WAS A LOUD POP FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND…”
“Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these issues have been…”
“I HAVE COMPLIN TO MY DEALER ABOUT MY CAR EXCELERATING WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES . THEY SAID THEY CAN FIND A PROBLEM , WELL IT HAPPEN AGAIN ON AUGUST 29 2019 AN IT CAUSE A ACCIDENT I WAS DRIVING ON A 6 LANE ROADWAY AROUND 330 IN THE AFTERNOON I WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL AT 45 MPH AN WHEN I WENT TO STOP THE…”
“When crossing through an intersection at approximately 45mph, I was struck by another vehicle, speed unknown, who failed to stop at a stop sign. My vehicle was struck on the front passenger corner. My vehicle continued in a forward motion for several hundred feet. Both driver and front passenger…”
“THIS TOOK PLACE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE PARKING LOT OF A COMMERCIAL BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION GOING FORWARD. IT WAS DECELERATING HEAD-IN INTO A PARKING SPOT. THE BRAKING ACTION WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE HAD SLOWED TO ABOUT 5 MPH. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKING WAS…”
2018 Buick Encore — common questions
Is the 2018 Buick Encore reliable?
It is close to typical for the Encore: 105 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2018 Encore problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (30 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), brakes (11 complaints).
Does the 2018 Buick Encore have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Buick Encore.
Which Buick Encore years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Encore years to avoid are 2015, 2013. The cleanest record among Encore years belongs to 2022.
How safe is the 2018 Buick Encore?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Buick Encore earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.