Buick Encore Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Buick Encore model year (2013–2023) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Buick Encore Years to Avoid
1 recall · 61 complaints
28 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 120
2 recalls · 65 complaints
7 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 100
3 recalls · 82 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 99
Best Buick Encore Years to Buy
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 10
0 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 10
2 recalls · 20 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 30
Found the right year? Verify that specific Encore with a free VIN report.
Buick Encore — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 8 | 1 | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 6 | 2 | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 2 | 20 | 2 | — | 30 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 65 | 7 | 3 | 100 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 0 | 58 | 3 | — | 64 | Caution |
| 2017 | 1 | 61 | 28 | — | 120 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 1 | 55 | 10 | — | 78 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 3 | 82 | 4 | — | 99 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 2 | 50 | 4 | — | 64 | Caution |
| 2013 | 4 | 32 | 1 | — | 46 | Caution |
All 11 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Buick Encore Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2023Recent Encore models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2023 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade Encore units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Encore should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2017 Buick Encore if possible. It has 1 recall, 61 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 120 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Encore to buy?+
The 2021 Buick Encore is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 10. It has only 0 recalls and 6 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Encore has the fewest problems?+
The 2021, 2022, 2020 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Buick Encore Research
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Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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