Buick Encore fire or smoke problems

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI · fire

Car erupted into flames while I was driving on expressway fire started in engine bay I have police report

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · IN · fire

On XXX, at approximately 1:00 p.m., my 2019 Buick Encore unexpectedly caught fire while I was operating it in [XXX]. Prior to the fire, I experienced abnormal symptoms, including the vehicle failing to restart, a hissing sound, smoke coming from the engine compartment, and then visible flames. The smoke changed from black to white and then green before the fire intensified. I safely exited the vehicle before the fire spread. The exact component that failed is unknown. Based on my observations, the fire appeared to originate from the engine compartment or underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was declared a total loss. This incident placed my safety at serious risk because the fire occurred without warning while I was using the vehicle. Had I not exited when I did, the outcome could have been much worse. The incident also created a hazard to nearby motorists and anyone in the surrounding area. The problem has not been reproduced because the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The vehicle was inspected by General Motors after the incident as part of a product allegation investigation. General Motors later informed me that it found “no merit” to my product allegation but refused to disclose the basis for its conclusion, stating that its investigation materials are confidential and proprietary. As a result, I still have not been provided with an explanation for what caused my vehicle to catch fire. I am submitting this complaint because I believe an unexpected vehicle fire is a significant safety concern that should be documented and evaluated. If other owners have experienced similar inci INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Jul 22, 2025 · Engine · 60,189 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water outlet housing, the blower motor, A/C condenser, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, turbo charger, and the fan were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,189.

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Engine · 123,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle started to lose motive power, started jerking back and forth, and there was white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road before driving to the residence. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Airbags, Steering · 20,000 miles · MI · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2020 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering and drove straight into a deep ditch. The contact did not recall whether a warning light illuminated. The front driver's side and passenger's side air bags exploded while deploying and propelled fragments that burned the skin near the contact left breast, hit the contact's shoulder and right wrist. The contact's wrist was bleeding. Additionally, there was powder smoke coming out of the air bags. The contact exited the vehicle with the assistance of bystanders. The police assisted the contact out of the deep ditch and transported the contact to the residence. A police report was filed. The contact's husband transported her to the hospital, where the contact was informed that her right wrist bone was dislocated, and surgery was required. The contact received the needed medical assistance. Additionally, the contact had been receiving physical therapy. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer's autobody repair shop, where it was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Engine · 47,000 miles · IL · fire

The contact owned a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the vehicle was at a standstill in a traffic light, she saw smoke exiting from the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a bystander informed the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle safely before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The insurance company deemed the vehicle was a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Filed May 19, 2021 · Engine · 80,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 buick encore. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 10 MPH. The there was white smoke coming from the exhaust tip. The contact drove the vehicle to a service station and then had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo charger was defective and there was engine oil in the catalytic converter. The turbo charger and catalytic converter were replaced however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic found a misfire on cylinder #3 and turbo charger as well as catalytic converter were full of oil . Additionally, there was not enough compression on the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure was 80,000.

Filed Dec 24, 2019 · Engine · 85,000 miles · OH

My awd went out on 3 occasions, each time I was told they found nothing. One day I lost acceleration power and then the engine light came on. The dealership said my pistons were not firing and had to be replaced with the turbo. All was covered, however two weeks later my red oil alarm came on, I was out of oil. The car went back to dealer, all oil was burned up and so was my turbo. I had taken my car in previously for large amount of smoke coming out the back-end. I was told nothing was found to be wrong?

Filed Apr 18, 2019 · Engine · 12,000 miles · CA · fire

My 2017 encore burst into flames. I arrived to work after lunch, I parked and turned off the ignition and I see smoke coming from under the hood of my car. I paused just a moment to see if it was going to stop but it got worse very fast. I grabbed my purse and jumped out of the car as the front end closest to the windshield was becoming engulfed in flames. I immediately called 911 but by the time the fire department arrived, it was too late to save the car.