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The world of compact SUVs has seen a lot of models come and go, but the 2019 Buick Encore continues to be a favorite. The automaker claims that the new Encore helps owners “make the most of every drive,” but many people find it challenging to drive at all. This model suffers from a defective electrical system, malfunctioning service brakes, a broken engine and poor exterior lighting.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 Buick Encore
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Air Bags | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Power Train | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
Problems with the Electrical System
The Buick Encore is not a cheap SUV. With the price tag, one would expect high-end materials used throughout, but it seems that Buick forgot to take care of the electrical system.
One Cars.com review states, “I’ve had nothing but problems with this car. When I first got the car, the tire pressure light kept coming on. Did everything and finally bought new tires this year!. Also, the first year I had it, the radio locked up. Had to get that replaced. The second year my engine light kept coming on. For almost 6 weeks I was taking my car in to find out what is going on. So many sensors had to be replaced . One time I drove it out of the service and going home, the light comes on. This year, the engine light comes on and I lose braking and steering. Spark plug replaced! A couple of days out of service and the light comes back on! Take it to be looked at and light goes off before I get to the service. Another couple of days and the light comes back on! This is getting ridiculous.of course service is closed so I get ready to call service the next morning and the light goes off! When not experiencing any issues the car runs great. Come on this is new car! Suppose to feel safe but am scared to drive any long distance!”
It appears that this Encore was nothing but a nuisance to the owner. Aside from this, there is also a dangerous defect with this SUV model. NHTSA Campaign Number states that some might be equipped with a defective Sensing Diagnostic Module that can prevent the air bags from deploying. With that in mind, it’s challenging to see this vehicle as a reliable option for “every drive,” especially if owners want to live after an accident.
Problems with the Engine
One of the most important parts of any car is the engine. With the right amount of power and performance, the ride can be extremely enjoyable. Otherwise, owners just become frustrated with constant issues.
That’s precisely what’s discussed in this Cars.com review. “Beautiful car but after owning it for 5 days, the engine light came on and I was having problems driving it. I had to pull over on the highway at night! Being a single woman, this is a safety hazard. I was only 5 minutes from home, so I decided to risk it and drive it to the safety of my drive way. I then called the dealership and told them I was return it. Of course the dealership said I can’t return a car. I had it towed back to there anyway and refuse to pick it up. At this point, I don’t care what they do with the car. I have already notified the bank that I am not paying for it and I don’t care if it impacts my credit for 7 years. My safety and life are more important!”
This driver was willing to ruin her credit history over this car’s engine problems. It turns out that Buick isn’t oblivious to problems. The automaker even discussed how fuel can sometimes contaminate the oil because of defects with Service Bulletin #PIP5647. When these situations occur, owners can only “make the most of every drive” to the dealership and hope for a repair.
Problems with the Brakes
With all the problems already discussed, it makes sense that owners would want to ensure that the brakes are working correctly. Surprise, surprise; they aren’t!
Here is a complaint filed with the NHTSA. “The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. When the contact depressed the brake pedal, the pedal traveled to the floorboard. The contact had to pump the brake pedal a few times for it to function properly. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to [dealer] on April 3, 2019 where it was diagnosed that a new vacuum pump needed to be installed; however, the same codes did not appear the following day. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 3,000.”
Other complaints discuss the opposite, where the brakes were applying themselves in some situations. Either way, these instances show how dangerous the Encore can be. In fact, Buick goes on to state that some models were delivered with the shipping material still installed on the brake pressure sensor assemblies. This statement found with Service Bulletin #PIC5704F shows how incompetent the company truly is. It won’t be long before this Buick SUV is making the most of its drive to the junkyard.
Problems with the Tail Lights
It’s important to see clearly on the road and no one expects problems with the lighting on a premium SUV. However, the Encore disappoints yet again.
One NHTSA review states, “There’s condensation in both taillights every single morning. This is a 2019 vehicle that I’ve owned for only 4 months. No other car I’ve seen has this condensation. I took it to the dealership and they said the heat of the brake lights should burn up the condensation.”
When a dealer suggests that the condensation will “burn up” from brake light usage, that shows how poor the entire operation is. In fact, this dealer should have had enough sense to read Service Bulletin #010842001L, which discusses the procedure designed to replace the exterior lamps that have condensation buildup. It’s just one more problem that Buick doesn’t want to face in hopes they can continue to dupe customers. It won’t be long before many of these drivers become fans of foreign cars instead.
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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We have had some minor problems with our 2019 but overlooked. Went out to start it, radio comes on, but engine will not even try to start. I hate these electronics! The old cars you could work on.
My interior also is terrible in my 2019. I have had nothing but issues with sensors on the tires. Have had issues since I got it. The fuel milage has killed me since I got it. I hate I spent my retirement on it live on limited income and thought buick was a good car . Saddens me. My cousin got the enclave not any better of a choice.
I have a 2019 Buick Encore. I have been having trouble with my tire pressure. The light was constantly coming on. Then it stop coming one even at 27. This has been going on since the year I bought the SUV. I had to go to a different dealership because they were not fixing my vehicle right. Come to find out they will not service me because of a review I wrote. I emailed M. Barra CEO of GM. I was told they didn’t have to service me. No more GM vehicles for me.
2014 Buick Encore .My rear differential have broken in half. Motor head gasket had to be replace. Remote start does not work. Many more problems..I am really disapointed with my Buick.
I bought a “new” 2019 Buick Encore in January of 2020 at their end-of-the-year sale. I’ve had smaller issues with the air conditioning, however, it stopped working completely this past week ending 5/7/22. I took it up to my local Pep Boys & the compressor is bad & needs replacing. It had 350 miles on it but it only has 16k miles on it as of today. I take excellent care of my cars & find it unbelievable the compressor has gone bad so soon! As a widow this is highly disturbing to me & a financial blow! Pep Boys, who have been our mechanics for years, called to find out my warranty didn’t cover the compressor. I’m truly at a loss & need expert help.
2019 Buick Encore bought brand new, first problem I had was the car would not unlock (and I forgot about the special key) so I had to climb from the trunk to the front seat!!! Took it back to the dealership and told them what was going on (they did not even tell me about the special key) so I had to climb from the front seat out the trunk!! They had it for approximately 2 weeks it’s fixed this happened about a year ago. Now I was coming home from work on the highway and went to accelerate and the sped dropped down to 80 got off the highway and on the ramp dropped down to 20 and the car shook, got it up to 50 and almost home had to accelerate a bit to get in the other lane and a big poof of white smoke came out from the tail pipe. My mechanic told me it needs a new motor. Bringing it to the dealership to see what they say and it is just passed the warranty!!!! I am so not happy with this car and would not suggest it to anyone!!!
I bought a 2019 Buick Encore in Mar/April of 2021. I was having issues with the radio. I called my salesman to see if they had heard of or seen any issues about this. He texted me and then a colleague of his texted and asked me if I was happy with the experience. I then texted my salesman and asked about trading it. He asked me what was wrong and I told him, the car had trash and a sucker stuck to the carpet under the seat.. in it, my phone fell under the seat and that’s when I found it, there is a slash in the seal on the door, my radio doesn’t work, the overhead light casing is not secured well, there were about 11 things he stated need to be replaced. I doubt it is considered a lemon, however, I was told that we were waiting on the parts over several months ago. Since covid, they state that they are not making cars, don’t know when they will receive the parts, for apparently they aren’t making the parts either. They state that I could trade it. However, I wonder of the new car issues. BTW, the radio needed updated and not 2 wks later it needed it again, I have no sound half the time. Turning the volume up all the way only for it to go lower. I was also told my turbo is sensitive. I have noticed my brakes lagging. I shall call about that as well, since reading this information.
I have 2019 Buick Encore it’s my 2nd Encore I had a 2018 got rear ended by a drunk driver at a red light totaled it. Not has happy with this model less mpg interior not as durable. Tire sensors kept malfunctioning. Now at 55k a/c condenser has a leak. Where are 2022’s I want a newer car.
I have a 2019 Buick Encore which I bought new two years ago. The car has performed almost flawlessly since purchase until 5 March 2021. It began turning itself off with no warning even at highway speeds. When it shuts down you lose all control of the vehicle to include the lights and brakes. Sometimes the car will start itself without touching the start button. Sometimes the horn will blow with no one around the vehicle and then the alarm will sound. Sometimes you can hear what appears to be an electrical short while driving. It is very unsafe to drive the vehicle because you have no idea when it will start acting up and you can’t control the stopping and steering. Today I talked with the dealership and was told that they have no power to do anything to solve the issue that it has to go through the Buick division. Tomorrow I will call GM roadside to have the vehicle picked up and carried to the dealer service department.