The Lemon Index
201820201st generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: engine
Better years to buy
28 owner complaints, first 3 years 26–28 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2019 Honda HR-V 412019 Subaru Crosstrek 1672019 Hyundai Kona 90
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
What breaks most on the 2019 Buick Encore
- Turbocharger20 complaintsmostly at 14,000–68,000 miles (23,000–109,000 km)
- Engine stalling10 complaintsmostly at 1,100–39,000 miles (1,800–63,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 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
Only 18 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 20V668000 (transmission & drivetrain) and 18V774000 (airbags) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- 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?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Buick sent dealers 670 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of the timing chain tesnioner gasket…”?
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 2K to 14K miles (3K to 23K km) on the car (18 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
My check engine light came on, and the behicle has been driving rougher. It jolts forward when you take your foot off the brake from a full stop, more than normal.
2019 Buick Encore owner · NHTSA complaint 11412754
More owner reports
Hacker its being able to change stereo and penetrate into the unit and manipulate car settings as he's please. Dangerous while I am driving.
NHTSA complaint 11376463
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 2019 is the same generation.
Problems Buick told dealers about
Buick sent dealers 670 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of the timing chain tesnioner gasket…
- This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of a crank no start or extended…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Airbags · recall issued 2018
The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Buick Encore SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,150–$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. 2019 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 2019 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/buick-encore/?y=2019" 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/2019/">Lemon Index</a> (2019 Buick Encore reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2019 Buick Encore reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a quarter as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 27; 100 is average, lower is better). The Buick Encore year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2020.
What are the most common 2019 Buick Encore problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), electrical (18%) and brakes (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Buick Encore have?
2 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Buick Encore get?
26 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 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.
Does the 2019 Buick Encore have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2019 Buick Encore cost in fuel a year?
About $2,150 to $2,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Buick Encore have?
1.4L 4-cyl.
What Buick Encore year is better than the 2019?
Nearby, the 2020 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
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