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2016 Buick Encore problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Buick Encore is engine and cooling, typically around 55,500 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Encore model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
72/100
Owner complaints
80
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1,254
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
26-30mpg

The worst 2016 Buick Encore problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    43
  • Fuel system
    13
  • Transmission
    12
  • Electrical
    9
  • Airbags
    7
  • Steering
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Wheels
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Buick Encore

Check engine light 23Stalling 7Overheating 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2016 Buick Encore mention

P0299 5

Recalls 2

Seat belts: pretensionerReported July 10, 2017 · 40,683 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 17V437000 · Recall details

Seat belts: pretensionerReported September 8, 2016 · 3,640,162 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 16V651000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2016 Buick Encore

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Buick Encore 1,254

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,254 bulletins for the 2016 Buick Encore

2016 Buick Encore crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Buick Encore SUV AWD5554
Buick Encore SUV FWD5554

2016 Buick Encore fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.4L 4‑cylFWD25-273328-30
1.4L 4‑cylAWD23-2630-3126-28

What 2016 Buick Encore owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IL

Sequential powertrain and turbocharger failure on 1.4L Ecotec engine following $5,700 in prior engine repairs. Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power. Component is covered under GM Special Coverage/warranty. Authorized GM dealer (Mike Haggerty Buick GMC) and General Motors have engaged in warranty evasion, refusing repair authorization and unlawfully retaining the disabled vehicle on the dealership lot for over 70 days. Furthermore, the dealership transmitted a false completed repair record to national vehicle history databases (CARFAX) on August 28, 2026, while the vehicle remained disabled and unrepaired on the lot.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Body · MD

We noticed the paint bubbling on one of her doors on the car and took it to the dealership who took no accountability. Now the car is peeling in the back and we’ve also noticed the same car, same model and make on the road with the same paint peeling issues that there’s no formal recall as of yet and we are not getting any resolution with GM.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Electrical · MO

Ignition switch getting very hot

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Engine, Suspension · TN

power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. Said it was a circuit card in the steering system that was the problem. 2015 years had a recall but not 2016 . But the failure from the 2015 is the same with the 2016 year. GM contacted and they deny claim to get repair cost refunded.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Fuel system · WI

Turbo exhibits exact same symptoms of 17-18 encore recall for the turbo. I frequently get the p0299 code the car becomes sluggish and hesitates to take off from a stop when this code comes on making this car dangerous to drive. This issue has almost caused multiple accidents because the car is so under powered that its hard to get the car across traffic without being hit. I have been having this issue for several years and no one has been able to tell me why the car does this.

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

On my way home in December 2025, my car started to sputter and make noises. All of a sudden the car started going about 10-15 miles. I almost go hit by several vehicles, because they had to put on brakes, I was trying to go up then down a hilly road. I finally was able to get to an Auto Advance Shop, I had to tow the car to Honda then to Buick for a diagnostic test. It had been over a month and I can’t get information in writing what the diagnostic test results are. I’ve had to rent a vehicle for over a month, even though I have a Lifetime Warranty on my power train and motor. I have submitted all my service and repair paperwork to John Miles Buick Conyers Georgia, the GM and Service Department, also I contacted GMC Corporate Office. I have been in a rental car for over a month that I can no longer afford. I don’t know where else to get results for my issue. Thank you, XXX. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

I was stopped at a traffic light and began moving forward to make a turn into traffic. As I activated my turn signal and started to proceed through the intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. Another vehicle was entering the intersection at the same time, creating a near-collision situation. I was forced to restart the vehicle in traffic. The incident occurred within less than 250 miles of purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle had recently received an oil change and inspection. No warning lights or messages were observed prior to the stall. This event created a serious safety risk.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Steering · 88,300 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Fault" was displayed, the steering icon was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The following day, the contact discovered that the vehicle could be started. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the steering failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V146000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer had not yet been contacted. The failure mileage was 88,300.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Engine · OH

Vehicle unable to hold coolant. Local shop says the coolant lines hold pressure and leak appears to be with manifold and turbo. Car has less than 35k miles. There is a recall for this turbo issue with 2017 and up models but why not for 2016, or any other years with same issue?

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Engine · NC

I believe my turbocharge is malfunctioning. The check engine light is on with code P0299. My vehicle is struggling to accelerate properly putting us in a few close calls while driving. Yes it is available for inspection - I've seen one mechanic on 6/13/25 - scheduled a follow up with a different one on 6/20/25 and have an appointment scheduled with GM on 7/1/25 should it go that far. I cannot pull out in front of vehicles even with double the normal amount of space confidently due to my lack of acceleration putting my family - pregnant wife and 1 year old at risk. We floor the gas pedal to try and get what should be normal acceleration but sometime it responds normally which has put us at risk of hitting vehicles in front of us. Yes - it has been inspected and we're getting more opinions. First appeared early June but no other warnings

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Questions about the 2016 Buick Encore

Is the 2016 Buick Encore reliable?

Owners have filed 80 complaints about the 2016 Buick Encore, close to a typical Encore model year.

What is the 2016 Buick Encore year score?

The 2016 Buick Encore scores 72 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Encore: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Buick Encore?

Engine and cooling, with 43 complaints, typically around 55,500 miles. Next is fuel system (13).

How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Encore have?

2 recalls, covering seat belts.

Is the 2016 Buick Encore safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2016 Buick Encore scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Buick Encore get?

Official estimates for the 2016 Buick Encore range from 26 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-27 city and 33 highway.

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