2016 Buick Encore: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Reliability starts improving: complaints shift to mostly the 1.4L turbo and cooling-system issues, with steering and brake reports easing. A quiet, value-priced subcompact; a reasonable used buy if the turbo checks out and mileage is low. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Buick Encore ranged from $24,065 to $29,785 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Reliability starts improving: complaints shift to mostly the 1.4L turbo and cooling-system issues, with steering and brake reports easing. A quiet, value-priced subcompact; a reasonable used buy if the turbo checks out and mileage is low.
Sources (5)
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/buick-encore-reliability-and-common-problems/
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/buick-encore-years-to-avoid/
- pauletteauto.comhttps://www.pauletteauto.com/buick-encore-years-to-avoid/
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/buick-encore.html
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/encore
Known issues
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1.4L turbocharger failure and loss of power: the turbo can fail around 90,000 miles, setting an underboost code (P0299) and triggering reduced-power/limp mode and a check-engine light. The defining Encore defect across the whole run.
commonly reported · 145 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–110k miles · engine
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Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can degrade over time and must be confirmed repaired under the GM recall.
occasional · 41 NHTSA complaints · other
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Engine cooling system leaks: many coolant hoses and components on the 1.4L turbo are plastic and prone to cracking, leading to coolant loss and overheating.
occasional · 30 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–110k miles · engine
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PCV valve (integrated into the intake manifold) can fail, causing excessive oil consumption, vacuum leaks, a whistling noise and rough idle, and can damage the turbocharger if left unaddressed.
occasional · 25 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–120k miles · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=encore&…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=encore&…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/buick-encore-reliability-and-common-problems/
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/buick-encore-years-to-avoid/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quiet, near-luxury-feel cabin at a subcompact price
- Compact, maneuverable and easy to park, with a high seating position
- Comfortable ride and a premium badge for the money, with available all-wheel drive
Cons
- Weak 1.4L turbo acceleration that feels slow when loaded or merging
- Limited cargo space and only mediocre real-world fuel economy for a small SUV
- Turbocharger, PCV and cooling-system reliability concerns that grow as the car ages
- Dated, sometimes laggy early IntelliLink infotainment
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $24,065 | discontinued | — | — |
| Convenience | $26,355 | discontinued | — | — |
| Sport Touring | $27,350 | discontinued | — | — |
| Leather | $28,300 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium | $29,785 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-buick-encore-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/encore
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/38950
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Buick Encore have?
Documented issue patterns include: 1.4L turbocharger failure and loss of power: the turbo can fail around 90,000 miles, setting an underboost code (P0299) and triggering reduced-power/limp mode and a check-engine light. The defining Encore defect across the whole run; Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; the inflator can degrade over time and must be confirmed repaired under the GM recall; Engine cooling system leaks: many coolant hoses and components on the 1.4L turbo are plastic and prone to cracking, leading to coolant loss and overheating; PCV valve (integrated into the intake manifold) can fail, causing excessive oil consumption, vacuum leaks, a whistling noise and rough idle, and can damage the turbocharger if left unaddressed. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Buick Encore reliable?
Reliability starts improving: complaints shift to mostly the 1.4L turbo and cooling-system issues, with steering and brake reports easing. A quiet, value-priced subcompact; a reasonable used buy if the turbo checks out and mileage is low.
How much did the 2016 Buick Encore cost new?
Between $24,065 and $29,785 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Buick Encore expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.