2017 Buick Encore Safety Report

The 2017 Buick Encore presents a mixed safety profile. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, its complaint data reveals significant concerns, particularly with the engine and airbag systems. With 83 total complaints, including 12 crashes, 4 fires, and 28 injuries, there's a notable pattern of issues that could compromise safety despite strong crash test scores. A primary area of concern is the engine, which accounts for 18 complaints, making it the most frequently cited component. These complaints often describe sudden loss of power, 'limp mode' activation, engine overheating, smoke from under the hood, and turbocharger failures. Several complaints mention the need for turbocharger replacement, and even full engine replacement, sometimes at relatively low mileages. This suggests a potential systemic reliability issue that could lead to dangerous situations on the road, such as loss of motive power at speed. Airbag systems are another critical area, with 6 complaints specifically for 'AIR BAGS' and 3 for 'AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS'. This aligns with the two recalls issued for this vehicle, both related to 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL'. These recalls address a critical safety defect where front airbags or seat belt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury. Despite the recalls, ongoing complaints about airbag warning lights and non-deployment issues indicate that this remains a concern for some owners. Other notable complaints include issues with visibility/wipers (5 complaints) and service brakes (4 complaints), though less frequent than engine or airbag issues. The high number of engine-related complaints, coupled with the critical airbag recalls, suggests that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, its real-world reliability and the effectiveness of its safety systems in all scenarios may be compromised.

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but notable engine reliability issues and critical airbag recalls, prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the engine and turbocharger, and verify all recall repairs have been completed.