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2015 Buick Encore Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Buick Encore carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal and labels. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Turbocharger failure with P0299 code.” 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #15V162000 · Mar 20, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire placards that do not provide the rim size information for the front or rear wheels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."

Risk: If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and will send owners a corrected label, free of charge. The recall April 29, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15166.

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.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #15V146000 · Mar 13, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.

Risk: The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. 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 15168.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Buick Encore.

Reported to NHTSA

Turbocharger failure with P0299 code

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2026-06

“The turbocharger on my car is failing and had a verified check engine light code PO299. The car is a 2015 with low miles, only 53k”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532768
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARBER GMC (5255 US-1, FORT PIERCE, FL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE TURBO CHARGER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11218483
“check engine light came onforP0299 code and heard that there's a lot of vehicles with turbos having this problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679703

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake noise and grabbing on application

SERVICE BRAKES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2020-06

“NEW BUICK 2015 ENCORE 1. APPYING BRAKES WHEN BACKING OUT OF GARAGE CREATES A SHRILL SQUEAL. 2. WHEN SLOWING FOR THE STOP SIGN AT THE END OF THE STREET, APPLYING BRAKES MAKES A MOANING SOUND AND SLIGHT VIBRATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10723516
“SQUEAKING AND SCRAPING AND REDUCED PERFORMANCE OF REAR BRAKES. DEALER TRIED A FIX WITH IDENTICAL PARTS TO THE ORIGINAL ONES BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10820894
“2015 BUICK ENCORE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKES MAKES GRINDING NOISES, DEALERSHIP MADE TEMPORARY REPAIRS AND REFUSES ADDITIONAL REPAIRS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924717

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle rollback on inclines at a stop

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2021-05

“2015 BUICK ENCORE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HILL START ASSIST ISSUE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INVOLUNTARILY ROLL BACKWARDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11024308
“WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE, EVEN A SMALL INCLINE, THE VEHICLE ROLLS BACKWARDS 6-12" WHEN MOVING FOOT FROM BRAKE TO ACCELERATOR (THE VEHICLE HAS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10781784
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED BACKWARDS AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415263

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument panel and infotainment display dimming

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2020-01

“INFOTAINMENT SCREEN DIMS AUTOMATICALLY WHILE UNDER A TREE OR DRIVING UNDER SOME CLOUDS CAUSING THE DRIVER TO MANUALLY TURN THE LIGHT DIAL TO THE LEFT TO REGAIN THE BRIGHTNESS ON THE SCREEN. THIS WILL AUTOMATICALLY TURN OFF THE DAYLIGHT DRIVING LIGHTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967624
“DURING THE DAY, DASH LIGHTS ARE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. AT NIGHT THE DASH LIGHTS UP, BUT DURING DAY TIME DRIVING THEY ARE HORRIBLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885561
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTENSE GLARE THAT IMPACTED VISIBILITY IN WHICH THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10809649

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss and steering wheel lockup

STEERING

28 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated and the steering wheel was locked. Additionally, a burning odor was detected, and the tachometer was inoperable while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443985
“The car stopped having power steering and went into limp mode while I was turning into a school and then stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475054
“While driving the dash signal came on stating that the power steering unit had gone off. The car was being driven without power steering. The message state to get serviced immediately”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623230

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and occupant detection fault

AIR BAGS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2026-05

“DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON .THIS IS THE 4TH TIME I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE IPURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON APRIL 2017. HAD IT SERVICED THE FIRST THREE TIMES BUT NOW THE WARRENTY IS OUT AND HERE I AM AGAIN WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11400189
“MY FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT TURN ON WITH AN AVERAGE SIZE PERSON WEIGHING 135LBS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IT SEEMS TO ONLY WORK WITH SOMEONE SITTING IN IT AT A WEIGHT OF OVER 200LBS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958688
“MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD TELLING ME THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN WITH SOMEONE SITTING IN THE SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11387410

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil and coolant leaks

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2026-07

“Leaking oil from oil coolant pipe under car and timing chain or belt gasket blowing oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639035
“Massive coolant leak. Been happening on and off since I bought the car in nov2019. Taken to several shops and have had replacement done and it goes right back to leaking”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571192
“THERE IS A CONSTANT COOLANT LEAK APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE TURBO AREA. COOLANT SMELL IS CONSTANT AS THE COOLANT IS BEING BURNED OFF BY EXHAUST MANIFOLD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140504

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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2015 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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