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2019 Buick Encore Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Buick Encore carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering air bags and automatic transmission. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Turbocharger failure excluded from 2017-2018 recall.” 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.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS

Campaign #18V774000 · Jan 11, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. 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 18365.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #20V668000 · Oct 29, 2020

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Buick Encore.

Reported to NHTSA

Turbocharger failure excluded from 2017-2018 recall

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2026-08

“turbo charger and catalytic convertor both failed at 50k miles. the 2017 and 2018 buick encores have a safety recall for turbochargers but the 2019 was not included in that recall despite it having the exact same engine and turbocharger”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711884
“Car sputtered and slowed on expressway, turbo failed. Recalls issued 2016 and 2017, then reissued 2020 to 2023, same turbo, 2019 was exempted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729050
“Driving down the road and car became sluggish to respond/accelerate and could barely operate at slow speeds or not be able to go”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718958

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine coolant loss and overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2026-07

“SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727136
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and jerking abnormally”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675136
“FRONT RADIATOR COLLANT OVERFLOW EXPANION TANK W/CAP & SENSOR FLUID LEVEL GETS EXTREMELY LOW AND SETS OFF A DASHBOARD MESSAGE STATING ENGINE OVERHEATING - ONCE I FILL UP THE COLLANT THE LIGHT GOES OFF THIS CONTINUALLY OCCURS EVERY FEW WEEKS/MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749910

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal and caliper malfunction

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was extremely hard to depress”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526237
“Right Rear Wheel locked up (froze) while operating vehicle in cold conditions (mid 20's) - brake caliper froze - ruined rear tire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506412
“BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING NO HWY. AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH. DEALERSHIP CHECKED CODES FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THIS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES IN 8000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291735

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire sidewall failure from dry rot

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2024-05

“On highway pressure warning come on and within seconds tire ran flat. AAA service said sidewall was split due to dry rot. Vehicle has 40k miles. Tires are OEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554912
“Tire pressure warning came on on highway and FL tire went flat in seconds, pulled over to the shoulder. Tire had ruptured sidewall and apparent dry-rot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555782

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm failure

SUSPENSION

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-09

“Catastrophic control arm failure. The part is available for inspection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11546499
“THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS POORLY DESIGNED. WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS A POTHOLE IT WILL CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARE TO BEND NEAR THE BALL JOINT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207294

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag deployment and sensor malfunction

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2025-12

“The airbags never deployed. I sustained a brain injury in the accident along with whiplash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685017
“For no apparent reason my air bag sensor light comes on intermittently while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500092
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONTAL PASSENGER'S SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR WAS INOPERABLE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED TO RECOGNIZE AN OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337158

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration during parking maneuvers

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2023-08

“At approximately 1130am, pulling into parking space in a parking lot at very low speed, 50% of vehicle was in the parking space, when suddenly the car accelerated forward”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486786
“I WAS STOPPED IN A DRIVE THRU TACO BELL AND THE CLERK DROPPED MY CHANGE DOLLARS FROM MY PURCHASE SO I REACTED BY OPENING THE DOOR TO PICK UP THE MONEY BY TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE WITHOUT PUTTING IT IN PARK BECAUSE IT WAS A REACTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268006
“This auto has 34,000 on it. The problem is sudden acceleration. This would be the third time this happen for this auto”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11464267

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of electrical power and vehicle shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2025-10

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE TURNS ITSELF OFF. HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND THERE IS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398316
“My suv dies while im driving it. The engine stalls the lights go off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691122
“The engine shut off and would not restart when she released the brake pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11417542

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)

53 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.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2019 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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