VehicleVerdict

2019 Buick Encore problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2019 Buick Encore sits mid-pack among Encore years: 122 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 98, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 14 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

122

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

14

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Encore years?

Encore NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted192 complaints2013: 70 complaints2014: 92 complaints2015: 192 complaints2016: 118 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 105 complaints2019: 122 complaints2020: 34 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 11 complaints
Encore NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Encore years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Buick Encore problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3529%
Airbags119%
Fuel System119%
Electrical System108%
Other97%
Transmission97%
Brakes87%
Speed Control76%
Lighting54%
Suspension43%
Tires & Wheels43%
Driver Assistance43%
Steering22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seat Belts11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2019 Buick Encore have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

18V774000AirbagsNovember 1, 2018 · 12 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. 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 18365.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 27, 2022 · crash

“The airbags never deployed. I sustained a brain injury in the accident along with whiplash. I told the deputy on scene, that they did not deploy. My insurance looked at it. They totaled the car out. It is now sitting in a junk yard somewhere. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 7, 2023 · crash

“My engine light came on. The repair shop said I have to replace the fuel pump control module and that it is a known issue with Buick. I was advised not to drive the car. I am concerned that I could have been out and the car could have broken down. The car doesn’t even have 50,000 miles on it.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 31, 2025

“I WAS STOPPED IN A DRIVE THRU TACO BELL AND THE CLERK DROPPED MY CHANGE DOLLARS FROM MY PURCHASE SO I REACTED BY OPENING THE DOOR TO PICK UP THE MONEY BY TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WITHOUT PUTTING IT IN PARK BECAUSE IT WAS A REACTION. THE CAR'S STOP START FEATURE SURGED THE CAR FORWARD PINNING MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 8, 2019 · crash

“At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward. This resulted in my vehicle jumping over a safety curb and crashing into a building resulting in damage to my vehicle.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 27, 2022 · crash

2019 Buick Encore — common questions

Is the 2019 Buick Encore reliable?

It is close to typical for the Encore: 122 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Encore problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (35 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints), airbags (11 complaints).

Does the 2019 Buick Encore have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Buick Encore. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2019 Buick Encore?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 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.