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What are some common issues with the Buick Encore turbocharger system?
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48 answers
★ Top Answer
There have been numerous model years for the Buick Encore turbo, each with its own set of quirks and problems. A total of 13 recalls have been issued for this vehicle, with some concerning issues like airbags failing to deploy in a crash and front seat belts not staying locked under load, potentially leading to fatalities. Not all the recalls are safety-related though; some relate to electrical system problems that could pose risks such as electrical shock or oil leaks that could result in loss of propulsion and an increased risk of a crash. Given the frequency of recalls and the variety of issues, it might be wise to steer clear of the Buick Encore Turbo.
More answers
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I'm experiencing similar problems with my Buick Encore. If so many people are facing the same issues, I believe it might be time to consider a class action lawsuit.
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My turbocharger failed in my Encore, but fortunately, it was covered under warranty. It would have been costly to repair if not for the warranty. However, for those who like to do it themselves, there is a solution available on YouTube. This is a common problem.
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The turbocharger failed at 43,000 miles and after 6 years, despite the vehicle being well taken care of. It is unacceptable for this to occur.
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In 2020, the check engine light illuminated and power was reduced in my Buick Encore GX with 28000 miles. The dealer diagnosed a faulty turbo actuator, replaced it under warranty, but a week later the same issue reoccurred. This time, an internal failure of the turbo was found, leading to a replacement that took a month. However, just two days after getting the car back, the check engine light and power reduction problem resurfaced. Now, the car is back at the dealer awaiting further assistance.
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My new 2021 Buick Encore started having issues with the turbo after driving 9000 miles. The engine light came on, and I was advised to use a front bra when the temperature drops below 30 degrees. This was my first time purchasing a Buick, and I was left feeling let down. Living in Michigan means dealing with constantly fluctuating temperatures, and being in our 60s, we decided to trade in the Buick for a Honda CRV. We are much happier with our decision now.
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I just recently purchased a 2023 Encore, and I'm already experiencing issues with the Turbo, even though it has less than 100 miles on it! I'm extremely disappointed and have taken legal action by filing a lemon law claim.
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I own a 2017 Encore with 60,000 miles on it. Recently, the turbo failed and my trusted mechanic explained that the small size of the engine doesn't generate sufficient oil pressure for the turbo, leading to these issues.
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I own a 2021 Buick Encore. The turbo actuator broke down at around 17,000 miles. It took about a month to receive the necessary parts. During this time, they advised me to keep driving the car while waiting for the parts. Once it was fixed, the check engine light came on and the engine power decreased after less than 10 miles of driving. The dealership has had my car for almost 4 months now, claiming they are still waiting for parts to repair it. The car currently has 19,000 miles on it. I have been making car payments, insurance payments, paying for a car wash I can't even use, and maintaining my Sirius radio subscription throughout this ordeal. I am fed up with this situation.
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I own a 2017 Buick Encore, and it has been nothing but a headache with all the problems I've had with it.
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The turbo actuator failed at 35,500 miles, so I took it in for repair and they fixed the issue. However, now at less than 40,000 miles, it seems to be malfunctioning again. We have been following the maintenance recommendations and have even done routine maintenance earlier than required several times. There seems to be no explanation for this recurring problem other than a flaw in the design.
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In 2018, my Encore has clocked 130,000 miles and is still running strong on its original turbo. Similarly, my 2019 Encore with 60,000 miles is also powered by the original turbo. I am a big fan of these vehicles.
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55,300 miles on the clock, turbo is toast. AutoZone employee mentioned that this issue is uncommon for that mileage, but he's come across it on this particular vehicle.
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I bought a 2017 Encore with 42,000 miles on it. The turbo failed at around 50,000 miles, so they replaced it. Now, two years later, it's failed again!
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The majority of issues you may encounter with the Buick Encore turbo stem from a lack of proper maintenance, such as engine or transmission failure, and wear on the brakes. Following the vehicle's maintenance schedule diligently should prevent most problems. When purchasing a used model, it is important to inspect for common issues like worn brake pads, old oil, or damaged wires.
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2021 Buick Encore GX with only 22,000 miles, meticulously cared for. Unfortunately, the turbo failed, but it's being fixed under warranty – talk about unbelievable! Considering trading it in for a Volkswagen Tiguan. Feeling really disappointed with Buick, I mean come on, it's practically a new car.
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I purchased a brand new 2020 Encore. During the first winter, the check engine light turned on. The dealership claimed they fixed it and provided a front bra for the car. I reside in Northern Minnesota. The service manager mentioned that these vehicles aren't designed for cold temperatures. However, the problem persists as the engine light continues to be illuminated. This experience has solidified that I won't be buying another Buick in the future.
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Hey, make sure to check out TSB 17-NA-1284 if you own a Buick Encore, Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic or Trax from 2013-2020. You need to inspect the oil cartridge cap in your vehicle to see if it requires the UFI-PF2263G bypass valve filter or the Hengst-PF2257G bypass valve cap. Don't rely on your owner's manual or VIN to decide on the correct filter - it must be based on the cap. If you use a Hengst filter in a UFI housing, the oil cartridge is bypassed all the time, leading to unfiltered oil circulation which could result in various engine or turbo issues.
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I purchased a pre-owned 2015 Encore that had low mileage. In 2019, the turbo failed with just 38,000 miles on it and was replaced for free under warranty. Now, in 2022, it has failed again. The dealer informed me that the warranty on the replacement turbo was only valid for two years. So, I am now facing another costly turbo replacement. This will be the third time I have had to replace the turbo, with my car now at 98,000 miles. I am really frustrated with Buick for this situation.
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I own a 2019 Buick Encore and I'm in a situation where I need to swap out the turbo. I'm debating whether it's worth the investment or if I should just trade it in. My car has already racked up 89,000 miles. If this turbo issue is widespread, it feels like we should consider taking legal action with a class action lawsuit.
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I drive a 2023 Buick Encore that I purchased new in September 2022 with only 3 miles on it. Currently, the car has 5000 miles on it. The dealer informed me today that there is a problem with the turbo.
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In 2021, my Encore turbo broke down twice within one month. After the second incident, I decided to trade in that unreliable Briggs and Stratton for a more dependable vehicle. Lesson learned - never again!
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I bought a brand-new 2019 Buick Encore from a dealer in 2019. In July 2021, I had issues with the check engine light and a faulty turbo, which were replaced under warranty. Then in July 2022, after some maintenance on the transmission and throttle box, I noticed the engine light come on while driving home from the dealer. I returned the next morning, and even though the car was running fine, the engine light was still on. It turned out to be another problem with the turbo, according to the dealer.
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I have 36,000 miles on my car, and the turbo broke about four months ago. I'm still waiting on one last gasket to replace the faulty turbo. The dealership has looked all across the country but still can't find the gasket I need. My car has lost engine power, so I only use it for short trips around town and avoid driving long distances. Sadly, this will be my final Buick.
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I had to swap out my catalytic converter in my 3-year-old car. It took me 4 months to locate the replacement part, so my car has just been parked in the driveway. I've been making payments on it and driving around in a gas-guzzling beater car. Oh my goodness!
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I recently bought a pre-owned 2018 Buick Encore three weeks ago, and now the turbo and Catalytic Converters have failed. Luckily, I have warranty coverage from the dealership. I'm looking to exchange the car for a different one, but there's nothing within my budget available at the dealership right now.
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It seems like I lucked out that my 2014 Buick Encore's turbocharger blew at 115,635 miles. It was replaced, but now at 121,000 miles, my engine has failed. My extended warranty ended at 120,000 miles. The dealership claims it wasn't the turbocharger, but I believe otherwise. There were no warning lights, just rough performance and power loss. The turbo replacement cost over $3,000, which the warranty covered. Now, I have a useless car with new $800 tires. They estimate a new engine at $9,000. I hope the GM warranty will cover it.
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After only two years of ownership and less than 54,000 miles, my turbocharger is failing and needs to be replaced. I purchased this car used as the 2nd owner in 2021, and it has been in and out of the shop for various smaller repairs costing me over $200 each time. The final straw was having to pay $700 for a catalytic converter replacement and now facing a failing turbocharger replacement, costing me $1,620 out of pocket since the drive train warranty has expired. I believe a class action lawsuit should be pursued to hold GM accountable for the poor quality Encore Turbo. This car has been a financial burden for me, and I am considering switching to a foreign brand as GM has lost my trust and respect for producing reliable vehicles.
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I've had to change the turbo in my 2015 Buick Encore two times already. The first replacement was covered by the warranty, but the second one was costly. Now with over 100,000 miles, the turbo has failed again. What's causing this recurring issue? There should be a recall on this!
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In 2018, after driving 40,000 miles, my check engine light suddenly turned on. I brought my car in for inspection and discovered that the turbocharger was cracked completely across its housing. Prior to the check engine light coming on, my car had started to slow down. The mechanic informed me that it was the 6th or 7th cracked turbocharger he had replaced in just two weeks. The cost of the repair was $2,600, and my warranty had just expired, presenting a significant issue. I plan to reach out to the Customer Advocate Group (CAG) as this seems like a problem that should be subject to a recall.
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I'm dealing with a frustrating issue that has been happening intermittently for the past 2 years. The dealership where I purchased the car has finally taken some action, thanks to my extended warranty, and I am currently at 55,049 miles. The situation only started to get resolved when I returned to the same dealership to buy a new car and they couldn't understand why I was there again since I had bought the same model almost 3 years ago. Now, I'm in a rental car for the next 7-10 days while we wait for the necessary part to arrive.
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My 2019 encore is currently in the shop with just over 50,000 miles. There are three cracks in the turbo, and the warranty will only cover half of the repair costs. Those guys are real jerks.
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I'm the owner of a 2020 Buick Encore GX with 64,000 miles. I've been diligent about changing the oil and filter and getting the vehicle serviced every 3,000 miles. Recently, I got a "Reduced Engine Speed" alert and the engine light came on. After taking it to the dealership where I bought the car new and get it serviced, they couldn't find any issues and only charged me the diagnostic fee of $89.99. However, the problem recurred after 2 weeks, and now they say it's the Turbocharger needing a $2,000 repair. Unfortunately, the part is on back order, so I can't have it fixed immediately. Given my daily 106-mile commute for work, it's stressed that I need to drive it, even though GM can only contribute $600 towards the repair cost. I'm worried driving it may cause more damage, but I have no other transportation options at the moment.
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I purchased my 2021 Buick Encore GX brand new with just 10 miles. Fast forward 2 years and 37,000 miles later, and now I have to replace the turbocharger! It's crazy! Luckily, it's covered by the warranty. I might have to consider trading it in soon. Ugh, what a hassle!
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I live in Quebec and I bought a 2017 Buick Encore with 76,000 kilometers on the odometer. It now has 122,000 kilometers and the check engine light is on. I replaced both oxygen sensors, the front exhaust line was also replaced after it got cut, but I still keep getting the P0420 (bank 1) and P2097 (bank 1) codes. Maybe there's also an issue with the turbo!!
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My 2016 Buick Encore's turbo has malfunctioned, leading to an oil warning beep and engine issues. The repair cost is estimated at $7-10k, a cost I cannot afford. The warranty has expired, and even the dealership cannot assist me. It's frustrating that despite having only 117 miles, my Buick is already facing such significant problems, whereas cars like Toyota and Honda can last up to 200 miles without issues.
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I own a 2022 Buick Encore and unfortunately, I've had to bring it in for repairs three times already. Initially, the gear shift was faulty, then there was an issue with a sensor that caused glitches with my dash and radio. Recently, the engine light came on with a message about reduced engine power, indicating a problem with the turbo. I am extremely frustrated with General Motors and considering switching back to Toyota.
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I own a 2015 Buick Encore with 144,000 miles on it, and I've had to change the exhaust manifold and sensor three times in the past five years. It seems to need replacement every 1.5-2 years. Just recently, I had it replaced again, but the check engine light came back on. The mechanic is puzzled by this recurring issue.
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I purchased a brand-new 2021 Encore from the dealership with only 9 miles on it. Now, with 96,869 miles on the odometer, I've had to replace the turbocharger twice - once at 45,000 miles and again at 80,000 miles. Currently, I'm dealing with an oil leak issue that may have caused damage to the engine, despite the fact that it was supposedly fixed by the dealer. After bringing it in for repairs, the leak reoccurred in less than 5,000 miles. I suspect that all Encores have been hastily manufactured or designed with defects, whether deliberately or unintentionally, by GMC.
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Avoid purchasing a car with a turbocharger, especially Buick turbo cars, as they are not reliable if you need to replace them frequently.
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The 2017 Buick Encore with 72046 miles was bought used in 2019 and was owned for 4 years. The warranty expired on September 29, 2023. Unfortunately, the turbocharger stopped working on November 9, 2023, resulting in a costly repair of $2,226.15. The issues with the turbocharger in this Buick are disappointing. I recommend steering clear of buying both new and used Buick vehicles based on this experience. Diagnostic codes P0299 and P0304 were identified.
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I own a 2015 Buick Encore that has just 66,000 miles on it, and I've been dealing with frequent issues of the engine light turning on and off. After some investigation, I discovered that the problem lies with the turbocharger. I was under the impression that the turbocharger was supposed to have a longer lifespan than this.
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My Encore needed a new turbo that cost around $1800 and had to be replaced a second time because it kept causing issues. I suggest considering other options and avoiding Buicks with turbos altogether. It's best to steer clear!
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Our 2017 Buick Encore is now on its second turbo. It was just returned from the repair shop after a 7-week wait, despite us owning the car for only 2 years.
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In 2017 and 2018, Buick Encore owners have the opportunity to have their turbochargers replaced for free by GM: https://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/02/some-2017-2018-buick-encore-crossovers-need-a-turbocharger-replacement/#:~:text=For%202017%20and%202018%20Buick%20Encore%20crossovers%20not%20repaired%20before,is%20offered%20free%20of%20charge.
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Throughout my life, I've always driven Buick cars that have reliably lasted over 250,000 miles. Recently, my car's turbo failed in early March and then again this morning. I support the idea of a class action lawsuit, as this is the second time I've had this issue within two months - even though my car only had 60,000 miles and the GM warranty covered the repairs.
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My Encore GX, which is just 2 years old with only 17000 miles, unexpectedly requires a new turbo. I am waiting for the replacement part to arrive. It's disappointing as my previous Buick also had engine issues after 2 years. We were told that the problems were unique to that specific car and that the Encore GX would be trouble-free.
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Make sure you stick to using only 5-20W synthetic oil to prevent damaging the turbocharger. Using any other type of oil could cause the turbo to fail.
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