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2018 Buick Encore Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the GM Oil Life System and open recall alerts for your 2018 Buick Encore.

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RecallsFull scheduleKnown issues8

How Buick schedules service: GM Oil Life System

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.

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.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Buick Encore.

Reported to NHTSA

Turbocharger and turbo hose failure

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2026-06

“THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE TURBO HOSE ON A MAJORITY OF 2018 BUICK ENCORE'S THAT REQUIRE A NEW HOSE. THERE IS A NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER ON THESE PARTS DUE TO ALL OF THE REPAIRS. WHEN THIS ITEM BROKE I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THERE WAS A LOUD POP…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11133103
“Turbo has gone out four times in less than a year. Car is unable to accelerate and goes way below speed limit on highway which puts me and my passengers in an unsafe position traveling on a high limit road. No. Only inspected by the auto repair places I have been…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566389
“Turbo charger has A leak, dealer stated they knew it had a leak but they couldn't find it. All they did was clear the code. My car has A check engine light, and a trouble code of PO299, does not maintain proper speed, has issues with acceleration.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606926

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of motive power while driving

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2026-01

“During normal driving the car would lose power. RPM's would drop and with engine sputtering. No trouble codes show up.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642953
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that soon after the warning light appeared, the engine struggled to remain running. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal while in park…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577992

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain failure with power loss

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-11 → 2026-01

“COMPONENT FAILURE: THE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN. YES, IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. SAFETY RISK: VEHICLE HESITATED AND LOST POWER IN TRAFFIC, CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO AUTOMATICALLY SLOW DOWN WHERE I WAS NO LONGER DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT. MY SAFETY AND OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698683
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698656

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power steering and braking while driving

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2026-04

“While driving, my car began to glitch out. The screens started turning on and off, the doors began locking and unlocking, and I lost my ability to steer, brake, and accelerate. It caused me to run a red light and I almost got into a severe accident…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661607
“Twice I was driving my car going about 35-45 mikes an hour. My car started to shake along with a loud humming sound. I lost my power steering and brakes. The over drive light was flashing both on the right under radio and on the dash…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430872

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags not deploying in a crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-08

“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN VEICHLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. 2 PEOPLE WHERE INJURED.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11190048
“When crossing through an intersection at approximately 45mph, I was struck by another vehicle, speed unknown, who failed to stop at a stop sign. My vehicle was struck on the front passenger corner. My vehicle continued in a forward motion for several hundred feet…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682540

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger air bag sensor and warning light

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-02

“The front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. The manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719342
“I HAVE BROUGHT MY NEW 2018 BUICK ENCORE VEHICLE INTO DELRAY BUICK DEALERSHIP, DELRAY BEACH, FL FOR NUMEROUS SERVICING TO ADDRESS CORRECTING/REPAIR/REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SWITCH AND OR ANY COMPONENTS IN THE SYSTEM EFFECTING THE DASH INDICATOR LIGHT WHICH SHOWS 100%…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340643

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal response loss while slowing

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2024-04

“Have been experiencing brake malfunction on my 2018 Buick Encore with the brakes getting locked while driving. There were instances where the brakes would lock randomly and the vehicle would start slowing down during driving even with a foot on the gas pedal and I had to turn…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585910
“I HAVE COMPLIN TO MY DEALER ABOUT MY CAR EXCELERATING WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES . THEY SAID THEY CAN FIND A PROBLEM , WELL IT HAPPEN AGAIN ON AUGUST 29 2019 AN IT CAUSE A ACCIDENT I WAS DRIVING ON A 6 LANE ROADWAY AROUND 330 IN THE AFTERNOON I WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL AT 45 MPH…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11255370

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stabilitrak warning with power loss

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2025-11

“Stabilitrak warning comes on and car stalls out. Passenger seat belt doesn't clip person in correctly.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470352
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The Stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure however, where the failure was not duplicated…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699795

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2015 Buick Encore →
  • 2016 Buick Encore →
  • 2017 Buick Encore →
  • 2019 Buick Encore →
  • 2020 Buick Encore →
  • 2021 Buick Encore →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 29, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 29, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific 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 2018 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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