Launched in 2012, the Encore was one model that popularized the Buick among more first-time car buyers. Launched as a restyled and rebranded version of the Chevrolet Trax, the first-generation Buick Encore continued to be on sale in the US for almost a decade in both pre-facelift and facelift versions.
While the previous-generation Buick Encore is now a chapter in the history books, having been replaced by the Encore GX, its decade-long run means that the subcompact SUV holds a decent track record. Given its positioning as an entry-level vehicle, the Encore was aimed primarily at first-time car buyers who prefer something reliable, efficient, and practical.
Did the reliability of Buick Encore fulfill these expectations, or did it prove to be a hassle to own in the long years of ownership? We analyzed the entire decade-long journey of Encore and have come up with some useful insights on its reliability.
Reliability Ratings Of Buick Encore
J.D. Power has remained a trustworthy source for determining long-term reliability for all passenger vehicles sold. Based on data from numerous customer ownership experiences using various analytics and software, J.D. Power issues specific ratings for quality and reliability, driving experience, and resale vehicles.
J.D. Power has given quality and reliability ratings to all the model years of the Buick Encore – from the first model in 2013 to the last one in 2022. Based on various factors like defects and malfunctions and long-term dependability, the following are the quality and reliability ratings of all Buick Encore model years:
| Model Year of Buick Encore | Quality And Reliability Index, Issued By J.D. Power |
| 2013 | 86/100 |
| 2014 | 84/100 |
| 2015 | 78/100 |
| 2016 | 84/100 |
| 2017 | 87/100 |
| 2018 | 86/100 |
| 2019 | 88/100 |
| 2020 | 90/100 |
| 2021 | 91/100 |
| 2022 | 88/100 |
Key Pointers Of Buick Encore Reliability – Most And Least Reliable Model Years
Based on the quality and reliability indices achieved by all the model years of Buick Encore, we have come to a few conclusions:
Most reliable Model Year
The 2020 and 2021 model years of Buick Encore were the most reliable versions of the subcompact SUV. Only two recalls affected the 2020 Encore – missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator and missing front seat rear attachment bolts. On the other hand, zero recalls were issued for the 2021 Encore.
Least Reliable Model Year
The 2015 model year of the Buick Encore was its least reliable version in comparison to other model years of the subcompact SUV, with the least quality and reliability index. The 2015 Encore was recalled four times by NHTSA for concerns like the steering column coming in contact with the power steering circuit board, chances of airbags not deploying, potential loss of electric power steering, and missing rim-size information. However, the chances of these concerns popping up were pretty minimal.
Higher Reliability Ratings Of Facelifted Version
While the pre-facelifted versions of the Encore suffered from customer complaints and rough edges, Buick ironed out all the concerns in the facelifted Encore that debuted in 2017. That shows in the quality and reliability indices, with the facelifted Encore consistently scoring high in reliability.
Common Reliability Problems Of Buick Encore
As mentioned above, with the facelifted version introduced in 2017, Buick rectified several shortcomings of the Encore, which troubled some of the owners of its pre-facelifted version. Some of the common concerns faced by Buick Encore owners, as mentioned in customer complaints mentioned on the website of NHTSA and general experiences faced by customers, are as follows:
Excessive oil consumption
The 1.4-liter engine of the Buick Encore is prone to excessive oil consumption, especially in the earlier model years (2013-2015). Buick also issued a recall for this concern, where it replaced the piston rings of the engines of the affected batch.
Transmission problems
The owners of earlier model years of Buick Encore have also reported issues like rough shifting and shuttering of gears, with some even reporting complete transmission failures.
Laggy infotainment
For the most part, the electrical system of Buick Encore was trouble-free. However, some owners have reported stalling and laggy performance of the IntelliLink system in the infotainment screen. Buick addressed this issue with software updates.
Factors That Make Buick Encore Reliable
The Buick Encore, especially in its facelifted version, has proven to be a reliable affair due to these two reasons:
Engine Improvements
The Buick Encore debuted in 2012 with General Motors’ 1.4-liter A14NET 128 hp inline-four turbocharged gasoline engine. Offered in three model years of Encore from 2013 to 2016, this engine was prone to recalls.
However, Buick took note of the concerns and upgraded the Encore with a revised, more powerful 1.4-liter B14XFT inline-four turbocharged gasoline engine. While claiming a higher power output of 153 hp, this engine also came with upgraded internals, making it more reliable in the long run. This upgraded engine is one of the prime reasons Encore started achieving higher quality and reliability indices in J.D. Power ratings.
Proven Platform
The Buick Encore had General Motors’ Gamma II platform underpinning it in its decade-long existence. Developed by GM Korea for compact vehicles in emerging car markets, the Gamma II platform is an evolution of the Gamma platform developed by Opel.
Since 2010, the Gamma II platform has served as the basis for a range of compact offerings from General Motors, proving its versatility and cost-effectiveness without compromising reliability.
Conclusion: Is Buick Encore Reliable Enough?
In much of its existence, the Buick Encore has been a reliable car, with many improvements coming in its facelifted version. While it’s not entirely a rags-to-riches turnaround, the facelift did take note of all the minor concerns, ironing out the chinks in the ownership experience of the Encore.
Besides its affordable pricing and spacious and comfortable cabin, the Buick Encore also came with limited reliance on electronics and periodic upgrades to its powertrain. The facelifted model years are worth the investment, though the pre-facelifted model years can also make sense, provided they are maintained well with all the recalls addressed.
FAQs:
Q1. Does the Buick Encore have transmission problems?
The owners of earlier model years of Buick Encore reported concerns like rough shifting and shuttering of gears. However, Buick eliminated these concerns in the updated Encore introduced in 2017.
Q2. What is the best year of the Buick Encore?
The 2021 Buick Encore is the best model year of the subcompact SUV, scoring a quality and reliability index of 91 out of 100 by J.D. Power.
Q3. How long do Buick Encore engines last?
If properly maintained, the engine of a Buick Encore can last for around 200,000 miles without major problems or overhauling.
Q4. What is the most common problem with the Buick Encore?
Excessive oil consumption, rough gear shifting, and laggy infotainment systems are some concerns reported by earlier model years. Almost all these issues were rectified with the facelifted version.
Q5. Is Buick Encore a luxury brand?
The Encore was Buick’s smallest and most affordable offering between 2012 to 2022. It was more of a budget model and not a luxury subcompact SUV.
