The Lemon Index
201520171st generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: engine
28 owner complaints, first 3 years 26–30 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2016 Honda HR-V 582016 Subaru Crosstrek 622016 Kia Soul 81
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2016 Buick Encore
- Turbocharger19 complaints
- Engine stalling8 complaints
Specific parts named in the 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 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 6,500 and 32,000 miles (10,000–52,000 km) (the middle half of the 26 complaints, of all 28 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 17V437000 (airbags) and 16V651000 (airbags) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
- Buick sent dealers 1254 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Turbocharger Noise and/or Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated with DTC P2261”?
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 28 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 6K to 32K miles (10K to 52K km) on the car (26 of all 28 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.
In owners' words
Anti theft light comes on intermittently. When this happens the car acts like it might stall when idling.
2016 Buick Encore owner · NHTSA complaint 11204334
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 2016 is the same generation.
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 1254 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Turbocharger Noise and/or Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated with DTC P2261
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Airbags · recall issued 2017
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.
- Airbags · recall issued 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
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
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Encore SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,000–$2,300 (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. 2016 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 2016 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-encore/?y=2016" 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/2016/">Lemon Index</a> (2016 Buick Encore reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2016 Buick Encore reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a third as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 35; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick Encore year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2020.
What are the most common 2016 Buick Encore problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (39%), airbags (11%) and fuel system (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Buick Encore have?
2 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Buick Encore get?
26 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 Buick Encore problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 6,500 and 32,000 miles (10,000–52,000 km) (the middle half of the 26 complaints, of all 28 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2016 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 2016 Buick Encore have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Buick Encore cost in fuel a year?
About $2,000 to $2,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Buick Encore have?
1.4L 4-cyl.
What Buick Encore year is better than the 2016?
Nearby, the 2018 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter 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