2016 Buick Encore problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Buick Encore, filed between 2016-07-20 and 2026-07-31. The most common problem areas are the engine (40, 51%), fuel/propulsion system (13, 16%) and power train (11, 14%). Owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 14 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Buick Encore complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 40 | 51% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 11 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 8 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 7 | 9% | 5 | 0 | 14 |
| Steering | 5 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Structure | 4 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | 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.
Engine: 40 complaints
- 40 complaints of 79 (51%) name the engine.
- 8 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Encore covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 79 (16%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 7 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Encore covers this system.
Power train: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 79 (14%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 8 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Encore covers this system.
Electrical system: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 79 (11%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Encore covers this system.
Air bags: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 79 (9%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the seat belts; owners reported 5 crashes and 14 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 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.”
Steering: 5 complaints
- 5 complaints of 79 (6%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Buick Encore covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 6 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ENCORE, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Buick Encore recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Encore?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Buick Encore's most common problem areas are the engine (40 of 79 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (13 of 79 complaints) and power train (11 of 79 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Buick Encore have?
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Buick Encore, including 6 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Buick Encore's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Buick Encore; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.