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Buick Encore check engine light comes on

138 of the 605 owner complaints about the Buick Encore describe check engine light, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
138
worst model year
2015
typical repair cost reported
$1,600
typical mileage
63,500
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 15Overheating 13Loss of power 11Hesitation 11Misfire 7Jerking 6Won't start 4Won't shift 4

Trouble codes mentioned

P0299 8P0171 3P2138 2U0073 1P2101 1P162B 1P146B 1P1467 1P111E 1P0420 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · 55,753 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle ran rough and sputtered. The check engine warning light failed to illuminate following a deep cleaning service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and repair. The dealer identified software failures associated with DTC: P162B and DTC: P111E, and performed software updates. The contact stated that a leak occurred in the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system associated with DTC: P0171. The dealer replaced the intake manifold, vapor canister purge valve, and PCV component, stating that no leaks were found during the inspection. The contact had the removed parts inspected by an independent mechanic, who found an internal leak. The contact stated that the OnStar system indicated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and an abnormal exhaust odor emanated from the vehicle. While driving, the driver experienced drowsiness and expressed concern regarding carbon monoxide exposure. The contact stated that the tailpipe was damaged and expressed concern regarding warranty coverage for the turbocharger and catalytic converter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure regarding DTC: P0029, but declined warranty coverage. The contact believed that the failures were associated with Special Coverage Programs: N232395320 and N192211170. Although repairs and software updates were performed, the contact remained concerned that the underlying mechanical failures were not properly diagnosed or resolved, and that PCV, turbocharger, and exhaust failures caused reduced engine performance, cabin exhaust fumes, and risk of carbon monoxide exposure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,753.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine · 30,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to start after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was purchased, and the mechanic replaced the oxygen sensor. Despite the repair, the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic. Diagnostic trouble codes retrieved via an OBD-II scanner indicated catalytic converter issues; however, the mechanic determined the failure was related to the flex plate. The contact was referred to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assigned a case number. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

Not long after I purchased my car, i noticed it was lacking power during takeoff and when driving uphill which forced my car to hit very high RPMs during normal use. There was also a P0299 code that appeared then disappeared frequently. I discovered a turbo special coverage N232395330 and took it to Williams GMC in Charlotte. After i told them very clearly what happened MULTIPLE times, confirming the underboost and the code, I even brought it in with the code, they told me the code wasnt "active" and that there no problems...even after i told them I didnt feel safe and couldnt pull out at intersections with fear of being rear-ended. I had videos, they refused to look at and told me to come back when the code was permanent. I drove the vehicle for the next year, 20k miles in order to get the code permanent, after a trip home, through the mountains, really tough without the turbo, my car was consistently pinging 4-5000 RPM under the speed limit on inclines...this happened every time I drove through, but this time the code was active the entire time. 2-3000 miles with the code, finally it was permanent. I brought the car back to Williams GMC, to get the turbo changed. I updated them on recent occurrences, flashing check engine light, the code active for 2-3k miles, and they performed a road test, and declared it wasn't a problem. I told them i recently spent 5k on repairing my cooling and AC system because the turbo, they said that wouldn't affect those components, meanwhile i know they have plastic parts that can melt and the engine being forced to push 4-5k RPM the extra heat could easily melt those parts. They said, nothing was wrong and the road test was good. sent me on my way. I called corporate, they told me to get a second opinion. I did [XXX] found the problem and changed the turbo per the special coverage N232395330. a week later, my engine overheated, i pulled over and it wouldnt start, engin won't hold compression. Car is tot now. Long story shrt INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Engine · NH

General Motors issued a Special Policy N202299080 covering 2014 Buick Encores. My 2018 Encore had the same issues and symptoms as this Policy. My concern is because of this known problem the crankcase can be pressurized causing oil leaks which could cause a fire. General Motors issued a Service Information Bulletin 19-NA-114 in May 2019 about involving 2013 to 2019 Buick Encores. This is a known issue for many models other than my vehicle. I have the old parts from the repair for inspection which includes the Intake Manifold and the Valve Cover for faulty PCV components that cause the engine to produce excess Engine Crankcase pressure possibly causing a fire. My vehicle had a check engine light code of P0171 and the odor of burning oil.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

The turbo in my vehicle has a check engine light come on and than the engine does no act right. The repair shop that looked at car stated that the manufacture knows this is a known issue and they have not made a recall as several cars my year range has this going on. If this is a known issue why is there no recall. I worked had for my car and I can not afford the repair of a know issues with the turbo as it cost a lot and I should not have to cover this as it is apparent this is a manufacture defect that is known. It puts me as risk as the car is not preforming properly and it jumps and does not go properly when it has the issue arise. I will get hit for not going after I come to a stop and will not accelerate properly. This issue appeared 2 months after I purchased the car and I took it to a shop who told me he has tried to contact Buick to cover the repairs for others and gets no where. I think that the manufacture knows and will not repair something that is not the owners fault but there shafty part and they know this as it was a recall in other years of my vehicle.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Engine · PA

Request for Goodwill Assistance – Turbocharger Failure (Special Coverage XXX) Dear General Motors Customer Assistance, I am writing to request a one-time goodwill repair for my 2018 Buick Encore (VIN: [XXX]). Approximately two months after purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and diagnostic testing identified code P0299, indicating turbocharger failure. This issue appears to align with General Motors' Special Coverage Program XXX, issued in February 2024 for certain 2017–2018 Buick Encore vehicles equipped with the 1.4L engine due to known turbocharger failures. Unfortunately, my local GM dealership has informed me that they are unable to perform the repair under the special coverage because the vehicle carries a Pennsylvania reconstructed (R) title. While I understand the vehicle's title status, I respectfully ask GM to consider the unique circumstances. In Pennsylvania, reconstructed vehicles must undergo a rigorous Enhanced Vehicle Inspection process before they can be legally registered and operated on public roads. My vehicle successfully passed all required inspections and is legally certified for highway use. Because this special coverage was issued to address a defect that may lead to significant engine damage and, in some cases, a potential engine compartment fire, I am requesting a one-time goodwill repair or other assistance from General Motors. The concern involves a known condition affecting this vehicle platform and presents a potential safety risk during both local and highway driving. I have been a loyal GM customer and would greatly appreciate your review of this situation. Given that the vehicle has been properly repaired, inspected, and approved for road use under Pennsylvania law, I respectfully request that GM reconsider eligibility for assistance despite the reconstructed title designation. Thank you for your time, consideration, and any assistance you may be able to provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B

Filed May 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

My check engine light continues to turn on and the code is related to the wastegate actuator/turbo charger. My car is running rough and doesn't accelerate properly. It sometimes rocks back and forth when I try to accelerate. Which is a KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BUICK. GMC REFUSES TO RECALL THIS WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE. And naturally, it becomes an issue after the warranty expires. Mileage: 67,067

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Brakes · PA

I took my 2020 Buick Encore to an independent auto repair shop to have a brake inspection after I had contacted GM multiple times about the loss of acceleration, check engine light and stabilitrak light would come on with brake pedal stiffness and then almost needing to push it to the floor to stop. When I took it to the independent auto repair shop for the brake inspection they informed me of a PO161 code recall so I contacted my local recall service center, only to get a phone call from one of their salesman to come in and see about getting a new car. I've had other issues with this car since buying it in September of 2022 but now it's a serious safety situation and all they can either say is it doesn't match my vin so I'll have to pay out of pocket or go in debt for a new one. I don't know what to do at this point I feel at a loss.

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 18, 2026 · Engine · 63,360 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the odor of burning oil inside the cabin of the vehicle, before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve cover, intake manifold, and oxygen sensors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,360

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Buick Encore check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Buick Encore?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, engine overheating and sudden loss of power, and the codes they mention most are P0299, P0171 and P2138.

Which Buick Encore years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (24 complaints), 2016 (23 complaints) and 2018 (19 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Buick Encore?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,600 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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