The Lemon Index
20141st generation
Better than average · most complaints: engine
31 owner complaints, first 3 years 25–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2013 Subaru Crosstrek 282013 Kia Soul 462013 Jeep Compass 40
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2013 Buick Encore
- Throttle body / loss of power9 complaintsmostly at 16,000–70,000 miles (27,000–113,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Encore (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 4,000 and 22,000 miles (6,400–35,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 31 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 16V502000 (electrical), 14V488000 (seat belts) and 14V446000 (seats) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Has this car had that problem?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Buick sent dealers 1628 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Gmc/chevrolet/buick: transmission pump needs inspecting due to engine cranking but fails to…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Buick's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 31 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 21K miles (6K to 35K km) on the car (25 of all 31 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 7.7M views · 2013–2022 Buick Encore
- Infotainment, battery & electrical321K views
Buick Encore Key Fob Battery Replacement (2017 - 2022)FobBattery · 239K views · 5 videos - Oil changes & service208K views
How to Change Oil on 2018-2021 Buick EncoreDaniel Fliman · 139K views · 5 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door196K views
2012-2018 Buick Encore cabin air filter replacementTruckNerd · 87K views · 6 videos - Cooling system157K views
Buick Encore Thermostat Change 2013 - 2016G Mans World · 65K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Intake, EGR & engine sensors156K views
2017 Buick Encore “Shakes, Sputters & RPM Surges” P0131, P0137, P0171, P2270 DTC FIXv8pontiacvent · 38K views · 7 videos - Brakes & ABS90K views
2015 Buick Encore Rear Brake Pad ChangePilot View Productions · 33K views · 3 videos - Spark plugs & ignition coils82K views
2017-2019 BUICK ENCORE 1.4L Turbo - Bad Spark Plugs & Coil PacksPro Tips Plus · 40K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter81K views
The Fast and Easy Way To Service The Transmission On A 2015 Buick Encore with a Ecotec 1.4Hot Rod Dave · 81K views
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Buick Encore SUV 2013-2022 1st Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 109K views
Should you buy a used 2013-2016 Buick Encore/Chevy Trax? The honest truth you need to hear.Another Lap · 36K views
Review of My 2019 Buick Encore, Reliability & RecallsWitchauto · 31K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2013 is the same generation.
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1628 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/chevrolet/buick: transmission pump needs inspecting due to engine cranking but fails to…
- Engine rattle/knock noise, loose or broken front crankshaft pulley bolt and/or flywheel bolts
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Electrical · recall issued 2016
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.
- Seats · recall issued 2014
Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
Show all 6 recalls
- Equipment · recall issued 2014
In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
- Airbags · recall issued 2014
In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
- Steering · recall issued 2013
The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Encore SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,150–$2,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl.
Every Buick Encore year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 7 Buick Encore years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2013 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-encore/?y=2013" title="Buick Encore reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="399" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/buick-encore/2013/">Lemon Index</a> (2013 Buick Encore reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2013 Buick Encore reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 78; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick Encore year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2020.
What are the most common 2013 Buick Encore problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (26%), electrical (23%) and speed control (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Buick Encore have?
6 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Buick Encore get?
25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Buick Encore safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Buick Encore problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 4,000 and 22,000 miles (6,400–35,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 31 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2013 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2013 Buick Encore have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Buick Encore cost in fuel a year?
About $2,150 to $2,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Buick Encore have?
1.4L 4-cyl.
What Buick Encore year is better than the 2013?
Nearby, the 2014 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2020 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works