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2017 Buick Encore problems

The most common problem on the 2017 Buick Encore is engine and cooling, typically around 48,000 miles. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical Encore model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Year score
63/100
Owner complaints
90
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
1,1211 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Crash rating
5/5
Fuel economy
27-30mpg

The worst 2017 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
    40
  • Airbags
    13
  • Transmission
    9
  • Brakes
    8
  • Fuel system
    8
  • Seat belts
    8
  • Visibility
    8
  • Body
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Lights
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Buick Encore

Check engine light 15No deployment 8Fire or smoke 6Seat belt 5Wipers 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2017 Buick Encore mention

P0299 2

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 2017 Buick Encore

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Buick Encore 1,121

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

See all 1,121 bulletins for the 2017 Buick Encore

2017 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

2017 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‑cylAWD24-2630-3127-28

What 2017 Buick Encore owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Wheels · 58,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed two fractured lug nuts on the front passenger-side wheel and two fractured lug nuts on the rear passenger-side wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the lug nuts required replacement. The contact expressed safety concerns because a lug wrench would fail to engage the fractured lug nuts during a tire replacement. The contact was informed that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

The factory-installed turbocharger assembly on my 2017 Buick Encore failed mechanically while operating the vehicle, creating an immediate and severe roadway safety hazard.The structural failure of the turbocharger causes the vehicle to experience a sudden, unpredictable, and extreme loss of engine propulsion while actively driving. This severe power degradation makes it incredibly dangerous to accelerate, merge into highway traffic, or clear busy intersections safely, as the vehicle fails to respond to throttle input and drops speed rapidly. The vehicle is displaying an active diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost condition).The manufacturer, General Motors, is fully aware of this exact component defect and has issued corporate Special Coverage Adjustment Bulletin N232395330 to address cracked turbo housings and wastegate failures on this model. However, because my vehicle is over their arbitrary 120,000-mile corporate warranty limit, GM’s Executive Resolution Team (Case #103125607) has issued a final refusal to repair the component.The manufacturer's mileage limitation leaves a documented, highly dangerous engine propulsion defect completely uncorrected on an active vehicle, posing a continuing, severe safety risk to the occupants and other drivers on public roads.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Tires · 129,000 miles · MP

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended in the driveway in front of the residence, the front passenger’s side tire suddenly blew out. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The turbocharger had previously become inoperative. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Boyd's Chevrolet (1875 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792). After three weeks, the dealer made an unknown diagnosis and replaced the tire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Engine · TX

There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flange, resulting in boost pressure loss. There is already a recall associated with this problem in other VIN’s with the same year and type of vehicle, recall needs to be expanded because this is a known and ongoing problem.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Body, Wheels · NC

UNKNOWN. MY 2017 Buick Encore while parked in front of my home just blew up at 1 am. I have a video of this occuring. It was on the passengers side. My neighbor stated that he heard a loud bang and went outside. He said parts were flying off my car. I don't know how to send the video but I do have one when this occured. I have contacted Buick Corporate and now they are saying that they are sending my matter to the legal department. Buick corporate told me to have my vehicle towed to the Buick Dealer which I did because I wanted to know why that happened. I paid to have it towed and tomorrow I have to pay to have it towed back home until legal gets back in touch with me. The way that the vehicle exploded I am scared to even get back into the vehicle. I am so thankful that this occured at 1 am and my grandson was in bed This could have really hurt or killed someone. I thank God that I wasn't driving it. When the tow truck driver arrived he said oh your air bag exploded . I told him that I didn't know what caused it. The Buick dealer never inspected the vehicle. The Buick dealer stated that it was the tire that blew from his visual inspection.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

Formal Consumer Complaint Statement — GM / Crivelli Buick I am filing a formal consumer complaint against Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC and General Motors/Buick regarding what I believe was discriminatory and unfair treatment in connection with a warranty-covered vehicle repair. The customer is [XXX] , owner of a 2017 Buick Encore. The vehicle was serviced by Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, on or about May 20, 2026, for a turbocharger failure covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232395330. The vehicle had recently passed Pennsylvania safety and emissions inspection on April 30, 2026. The turbo-related diagnostic code appeared on or about [XXX]. Crivelli completed the minimum turbocharger warranty repair but then informed the customer that additional intake/manifold-related repairs were needed and would not be covered. The customer disputed this because the additional failure appeared during the same repair sequence and appears directly related to the covered turbocharger failure. A written request was faxed asking Crivelli to review the invoice, compare the repair to GM’s covered parts list, and submit the related intake/manifold issue to GM for collateral coverage, goodwill review, or warranty consideration. Crivelli did not respond to the fax notice and did not return the customer’s calls. When the customer attempted to follow up with the service department, Scott from the service department refused to review the concern, refused to provide further service, and refused to contact GM regarding the related warranty issue. Based on the conduct, tone, refusal to review the documentation, refusal to escalate to GM, and refusal to provide equal service, I believe the customer was denied fair consumer service because of race.The customer is not asking for special treatment. The customer is asking for equal treatment, proper review of GM’s own warranty/special coverage bulletin, and fair handling of a related mechanical INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A

Filed May 17, 2026 · Tires · NC

Will vehicle was parked in my driveway there was a loud like explosion. It just exploded. My passenger size of my vehicle is totalled. I do have a video of the car blowing up. I am so happy that it was late in the early mornings. I have grandkids that play here and one of them could have got hurt or killed.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine · 88,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and went into "LIMP Mode". Additionally, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the issue but declined to service the vehicle because the vehicle had a salvage title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · 44,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle experienced reduced power. The stabili-trak and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a diagnostic trouble code for a cylinder misfire was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cylinder #1 ignition coil and spark plug were replaced, but the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the engine might need to be replaced; however, the mechanic did not specialize in engine diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to GM Special Coverage Number: N232395330; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Body · MD

Rear passenger doors fail to engage internal lock when Child-Lock feature is on, door can still be opened from interior. Rear door locks fail to properly engage when locking and unlocking vehicle

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Questions about the 2017 Buick Encore

Is the 2017 Buick Encore reliable?

Owners have filed 90 complaints about the 2017 Buick Encore, 1.2 times a typical Encore model year.

What is the 2017 Buick Encore year score?

The 2017 Buick Encore scores 63 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 2017 Buick Encore?

Engine and cooling, with 40 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles. Next is airbags (13).

How many recalls does the 2017 Buick Encore have?

2 recalls, covering seat belts.

Is the 2017 Buick Encore safe in a crash?

In government crash tests the 2017 Buick Encore scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).

What gas mileage does the 2017 Buick Encore get?

Official estimates for the 2017 Buick Encore range from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-27 city and 33 highway.

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