2016 Buick Encore Safety Report

The 2016 Buick Encore presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint data reveals significant underlying mechanical issues. With 77 total complaints, including 6 crashes and 14 injuries, there are patterns of critical component failures. The most frequently reported component is the ENGINE, accounting for 20 complaints (26% of total), often related to turbocharger failures, oil leaks, and sudden power loss or stalling. This is a serious concern, as several complaints describe the vehicle losing power at highway speeds or stalling in traffic, directly contributing to near-accidents. The recall history for the 2016 Encore includes two recalls, both related to AIR BAGS:FRONTAL systems. These recalls address a critical safety defect where front air bags or seat belt pretensioners might fail to deploy in a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury. While these recalls are important, they do not address the prevalent engine and power train issues highlighted in the complaint data. Many complaints specifically mention turbocharger failures, with some owners noting that their 2016 model exhibits the same symptoms as later models that were subject to turbo-related recalls or extended warranties, but their VINs were not included. Common complaint patterns extend beyond the engine to include power steering failures, with multiple reports of sudden loss of power steering making the vehicle difficult to control, especially at speed. Fuel/propulsion system issues are also noted. The discrepancy between high crash test scores and the volume of complaints regarding critical mechanical failures suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its operational reliability and propensity for sudden component failure pose a different kind of safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these documented mechanical vulnerabilities despite the strong crash test performance.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers of a 2016 Buick Encore should be aware of documented engine (especially turbocharger) and power steering reliability issues; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components and verification of recall completion is highly recommended.