2015 Buick Encore problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 124 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Buick Encore, filed between 2015-06-04 and 2026-07-29. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (30, 24%), engine (29, 23%) and steering (27, 22%). Owners reported 6 crashes, 2 fires and 7 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Buick Encore complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 30 | 24% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 29 | 23% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 27 | 22% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 20 | 16% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 16 | 13% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Unknown or other | 15 | 12% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 11 | 9% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Suspension | 5 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 4 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 124 (24%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 10 of them also name the steering; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Buick Encore covers this system.
Engine: 29 complaints
- 29 complaints of 124 (23%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Buick Encore covers this system.
Steering: 27 complaints
- 27 complaints of 124 (22%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 10 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Buick Encore; the recall, campaign 15V146000, says: “The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.”
Service brakes: 20 complaints
- 20 complaints of 124 (16%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 3 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Buick Encore covers this system.
Air bags: 16 complaints
- 16 complaints of 124 (13%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2015 Buick Encore; the latest, campaign 17V437000, says: “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.”
Power train: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 124 (9%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Buick Encore covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ENCORE, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Buick Encore recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Buick Encore?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Buick Encore's most common problem areas are the electrical system (30 of 124 complaints), engine (29 of 124 complaints) and steering (27 of 124 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Buick Encore have?
NHTSA has 124 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Buick Encore, including 6 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Buick Encore's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Buick Encore; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.