2016 Buick Encore Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2016 Buick Encore has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 1 fire, 14 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (41 reports).

2Recalls
80Owner complaints
6Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Encore?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2016 Buick Encore recalls

Front Air Bags and Seatbelt Pretensioners May Not Deploy in a Crash

Recall 17V437Jul 10, 201740,683 vehicles affected

Some vehicles may not have received the complete software update from an earlier air bag recall.

Front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash

Recall 16V651Sep 8, 20163,640,162 vehicles affected

Certain 2014 Buick, Chevrolet vehicles have a software issue in the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.

Most common 2016 Buick Encore problems

Problem areas named in the 80 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine41
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Power Train12
Electrical System9
Unknown Or Other8
Air Bags7
Steering5
Structure4
Seat Belts4
Wheels3

What owners report

2026-10-01, Engine
Sequential powertrain and turbocharger failure on 1.4L Ecotec engine following $5,700 in prior engine repairs. Vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power. Component is covered under GM Special Coverage/warranty. Authorized GM dealer (Mike Haggerty Buick GMC) and General Motors have engaged in warranty evasion, refusing repair authorization and unlawfully retaining the disabled vehicle on the dealership lot for over 70 days. Furthermore, the dealership transmitted a false completed repair record to national vehicle history databases (CARFAX) on August 28, 2026, while the vehicle remained disabled and unrepaired on the lot.
2026-07-31, Structure
We noticed the paint bubbling on one of her doors on the car and took it to the dealership who took no accountability. Now the car is peeling in the back and we’ve also noticed the same car, same model and make on the road with the same paint peeling issues that there’s no formal recall as of yet and we are not getting any resolution with GM.
2026-07-13, Electrical System
Ignition switch getting very hot
2026-02-21, Engine
power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. Said it was a circuit card in the steering system that was the problem. 2015 years had a recall but not 2016 . But the failure from the 2015 is the same with the 2016 year. GM contacted and they deny claim to get repair cost refunded.
2026-02-02, Fuel/Propulsion System
Turbo exhibits exact same symptoms of 17-18 encore recall for the turbo. I frequently get the p0299 code the car becomes sluggish and hesitates to take off from a stop when this code comes on making this car dangerous to drive. This issue has almost caused multiple accidents because the car is so under powered that its hard to get the car across traffic without being hit. I have been having this issue for several years and no one has been able to tell me why the car does this.

2016 Buick Encore questions

Does the 2016 Buick Encore have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 Buick Encore: Front Air Bags and Seatbelt Pretensioners May Not Deploy in a Crash; Front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Buick Encore?

Based on 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (41), Fuel/Propulsion System (13), Power Train (12).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Buick Encore has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Buick Encore years

Other 2016 Buick models