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2014 Buick Encore Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Buick Encore carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Turbocharger failure and underboost condition.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Campaign #14V417000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Risk: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

SEATS

Campaign #14V446000 · Jul 23, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

Risk: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Buick Encore.

Reported to NHTSA

Turbocharger failure and underboost condition

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2025-06

“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON MARCH 26, 2020, MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO KELLER'S PROFESSIONAL AUTO, WHO DETECTED THAT MY TURBO HAD A CRACK ALL THE WAY ACROSS, SO I HAD TO REPLACE IT. I ONLY HAD 45,352 MILES ON MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377760
“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352240
“IF THE VEHICLE DETECTS A TURBO UNDER BOOST CONDITION, ENGINE POWER IS IMMEDIATELY REDUCED (LIMP MODE) WITH NO INDICATOR LIGHT OR WARNING TO THE DRIVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11338554

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Catalytic converter failure with P0420 code

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2025-06

“The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine revved loudly, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536244
“SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT (PO420 CODE) CAME ON AND VEHICLE BEGIN TO VIBRATE AT START UP ESPECIALLY. TEMP GAUGE SHOWED OVERHEATING WITH NO SIGNS OF OVERHEATING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361178
“EXPERIENCING OIL BLOW BY IN CYLINDER BLOCK AND CATYLIC CONVERTER FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141498

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery drain and no-start condition

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2024-12

“My 2014 Buick encore at random times when I turn the key to start the vehicle it just clicks once then complete power out even though the battery is fully charged”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630912
“AFTER OWNING MY 2014 BUICK ENCORE FOR ONLY 64 DAYS I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10715554
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NOT BE ABLE TO START”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10588643

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake noise and pedal feel issues

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2016-08

“MOSTLY IN MORNINGS, BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE AND SLOW DOWN THE CAR. HAPPENS MOST COOLER DAYS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10893593
“MY GIRLFRIENDS 2014 BUICK ENCORE WITH ABOUT 15,000 SUDDENLY HAD THE BRAKE PEDAL GO "SPONGY". TWICE AT INTERSECTIONS WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN IT WOULD SUDDENLY DROP ABOUT 1/2" LOWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851798
“THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN NOVEMBER 2013. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP 6 TIMES SINCE THE BEGINNING OF MARCH FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10615607

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of motive power and stalling while driving

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2014 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. In addition, the low air pressure warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667527
“The contact stated that twice while her son was driving the vehicle at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456939
“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN THE DRIVE GEAR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND SURGED FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991792

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power steering assist

STEERING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2024-06

“On two occasions, there was a loss of steering assist while making a 90 degree right turn at an intersection. After forcing the steering wheel back straight, steering assist resumed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595246
“Arked my car started back up power steering malfunctioned. Took to dealer they said gears striped on electronic assist”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450944

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment and warning light malfunction

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2022-03

“The contact stated that while in idle traffic going onto the express way when they were suddenly hit in the rear of the vehicle when the seat belts failed to restrain the contact from going forward. The contact stated there was no air bag deployment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456286
“ON, 6/15/17, I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT TRAVELING AT ROUGHLY 50 MPH AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A FORD F-150 TURNED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITHOUT LOOKING CAUSING THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE OF HER TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995504
“A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY PREVENTS THE AIR BAG SYSTEM FROM FUNCTIONING PROPERLY WHICH POSES A MAJOR SAFETY RISK. AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11181938

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

41 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Buick Encore reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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