Is the Buick Encore Reliable?
2013–2023 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Buick Encore? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Buick Encore Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
| 2022 | 0 | 7 | 1 | — | 100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 8 | 2 | — | 100 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 1 | 24 | 2 | — | 100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 76 | 8 | 3 | 82 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 63 | 3 | — | 93 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 1 | 66 | 28 | — | 78 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 59 | 10 | — | 90 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 3 | 90 | 4 | — | 82 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 50 | 4 | — | 94 | Excellent |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Encore Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Encore scores 23 points above the average luxury — a strong result.
Known Buick Encore Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 443 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Buick Encore reliable?+
The Buick Encore scores 93/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 10 recall campaigns and 443 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Encore is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2022 Encore achieved the highest reliability score of 100/100 with 0 recalls and 7 complaints.
How many miles does a Encore last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Buick Encore owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Encore will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Buick Encore Research
Check a Specific Buick Encore VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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