The most-reported Encore run is KL4CJASB7HB (2017 builds) with 9 complaints, 5.3× the typical run. Engine problems make up 32% of reports; 2019 is the worst model year at 2.1 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for Encore model years 2013–2020.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Buick Encore has 331 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 6% of every Encore complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL4CJASB7HB•••••• | 2017 | — | — | |
| KL4CJASBXGB•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| KL4CJCSB4FB•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| KL4CJASB5JB•••••• | 2018 | 3 | — | |
| KL4CJASB9KB•••••• | 2019 | 3 | — | |
| KL4CJASB2GB•••••• | 2016 | 1 | — | |
| KL4CJASBXKB•••••• | 2019 | — | — | |
| KL4CJASB3GB•••••• | 2016 | 2 | — | |
| KL4CJASB8HB•••••• | 2017 | 1 | — | |
| KL4CJBSB9EB•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| KL4CJBSBXGB•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| KL4CJBSB6FB•••••• | 2015 | 1 | — |
Each of the other 319 Encore runs has 4 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 130 Encore VINs so far, most often 2019, 2015, 2017 builds; 10 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Buick Encore the gap between build years is 1.9×: a 2019 car draws 2.1 complaints per run, a 2021 one 1.1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 9 | 8 | — | |
| 2020 | 18 | 13 | — | |
| 2019 | 85 | 40 | 9 | |
| 2018 | 71 | 42 | 9 | |
| 2017 | 84 | 50 | 11 | |
| 2016 | 78 | 44 | 6 | |
| 2015 | 117 | 63 | 6 | |
| 2014 | 52 | 38 | 2 | |
| 2013 | 42 | 30 | 3 |
Heaviest year here is 2019 at 2.1 complaints per run; lightest is 2021 at 1.1. The 2022 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 32% of everything Buick Encore owners report: Engine, 215 of 564 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 5 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | 1 | |
| Power Train | 5 | 1 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 31 | 1 | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | — | |
| Service Brakes | 11 | — | |
| Steering | 2 | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 13 recall campaigns on the Buick Encore; the 6 below cover build years 2013 to 2020. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 16V651000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2014–2017 |
| 17V437000 | Air Bags:frontal | 2014–2017 |
| 20V668000 | Power Train:automatic Transmission | 2019–2020 |
| 14V417000 | Equipment:electrical | 2013–2014 |
| 14V446000 | Seats | 2013–2014 |
| 20V537000 | Seats:critical Fasteners | 2020 |
16V651000 was opened in 2016 on cars built from 2014: 2 years on the road before the recall.
The Encore against its rivals
The Encore draws 1.7 complaints per production run; the Jeep Renegade 4.2 and the Fiat 500X 1.9. That is the lowest rate of the 3.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Encore | 564 | 331 | 8.3% | |
| Jeep Renegade | 2,126 | 511 | 3.6% | |
| Fiat 500X | 185 | 99 | 1.6% |
How serious were they
Of the 564 reports on the Buick Encore, 8.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Buick Encore | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 564 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 47 (8.3%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 8 (1.4%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 72 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 43% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The Buick Encore share of that is 564 complaints over 331 runs, 0.05% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Buick Encore VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 564 NHTSA complaints from 331 Encore runs and 13 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Encore production run has the most complaints?
KL4CJASB7HB, a 2017 build, with 9 complaints. The typical Encore run has 1.7.
Which Encore years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2019 is heaviest at 2.1 complaints per run and 2021 lightest at 1.1.
Does the Encore get more complaints than the Jeep Renegade?
No: 1.7 complaints per production run for the Encore against 4.2 for the Jeep Renegade.
How many Encore complaints involve a crash?
8.3% of 564 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 8 involved a fire.
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