2019 Buick Encore Safety Report
2019 Buick Encore Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Buick Encore
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Buick Encore. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (74) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Buick Encore with 8 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Buick Encore before buying across this generation. |
Buick Encore Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Buick Encore years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Buick Encore | 17 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Buick Encore | 69 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Buick Encore | 8 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Buick Encore | 83 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Buick Encore | 8 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Buick Encore | 77 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2019 Buick Encore Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Buick Encore, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Buick onlyAir Bags
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Buick onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Buick onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Buick onlyPower Train
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Buick onlyService Brakes
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Buick onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Buick Encore
Reliability Score
The 2019 Buick Encore receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2019 Buick Encore
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2019 Buick Encore
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Buick Encore:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Fuel/Propulsion System Multiple reports of engine overheating and power loss, with turbocharger and catalytic converter failures at around 50,000 miles. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbags Airbags failed to deploy during a collision, leading to severe injuries. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Buick Encore:
Issues with overheating and power loss have been reported.
Airbags failed to deploy in a collision.
Recall Details for the 2019 Buick Encore
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Buick Encore by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this r...
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Buick Encore
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Buick Encore with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5 complaints involved crashes. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened. Had thermostat and water pump replaced. Not fixed. Coolant keeps running out if bottom of suv. It is at dealership and blown head gasket and probably much worse. Apparently these models have something wrong with cooling system. The engine cost will be about what I owe on it. Buick needs to pay for another engine for my S...
Driving down the road and car became sluggish to respond/accelerate and could barely operate at slow speeds or not be able to go. Thankfully at this time I was close to home and not on the highway but was leaving on a long trip with areas of no service and isolation and temps in the -20F could be a very dangerous situation. There were no warning lights on at all. But I own a code reader and hook...
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the odor of burning oil inside the cabin of the vehicle, before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve cover, intake manifold, and oxygen sensors were faulty and needed to be ...
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a blown turbo charger caused by low oil pressure. The contact stated that the turbo charger was previously replaced due to the same failure. The contact stated there was a recall for the for 2017-2018 Bu...
turbo charger and catalytic convertor both failed at 50k miles. the 2017 and 2018 buick encores have a safety recall for turbochargers but the 2019 was not included in that recall despite it having the exact same engine and turbocharger.
Turbocharger gasket failed resulting in leaking coolant and overheating of engine. Damages resulted turbocharge replacement and replacement of water outlet in $4463.43 repair bill.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped, the gear shift lever was stuck in park(P). After several attempts, the contact was able to move the gear shifter lever. The contact stated that the drive back to the residence was rough. Two or three days later, the gear shift lever failed to function as intended. The service warning light was illuminated....
When I'm driving sometimes the car seems like it's about to cut off or something & the check engine light plus stabilizer track message bones on & I start losing power & it's happened more than 10 times ! I let the car sit for a few minutes & it works !
The contact owned a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a left turn, driving northbound, and crashed into the contact's vehicle on the front driver's side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's daughter and granddaughter were both injured and were later treated at the local hospital for soreness in...
85,000 miles bought new. Was having hesitation and power issues, experienced increased fatigue the longer I drove. Took it in for service at 85,000 miles and the turbo PVC valve was bad as well as the catalytic converter. I’ve never had a catalytic converter go bad on any vehicle in my 42 years of driving. Cost = $2,000 for just the catalytic converter and extended warranty covered. Advised at tim...
My check engine light has been appearing off and on for a few months. I received a diagnostic code of P0325 TWICE by two different professional technicians. I ordered an OEM knock sensor, hired a technician to replace the knock sensor, drove about 10 miles and the check engine light came back on. Then, I received a diagnostic code of P-1101, and the recommended solution is to replace the intake ma...
My suv dies while im driving it. The engine stalls the lights go off. Its very dangerous I had a semi truck behind me last night and my encore basically became invisible. No lights no power, nothing. He almost hit me. Ive had this encore to several mechanics and none of them knows what the problem is. There are no warning lights on and it does not show any codes when hooked up to a diagnostic ...
I have been calling Autonations for months now since my car started driving funny. I was first told it was a head gasket that needed replacement however using my vin number the engine that’s currently inside the vehicle is not the one that matches with what pulls up using the vin number. Than the antifreeze leaks out, the oil leaks out and one day the car started smoking on the freeway with my ch...
The airbags never deployed. I sustained a brain injury in the accident along with whiplash. I told the deputy on scene, that they did not deploy. My insurance looked at it. They totaled the car out. It is now sitting in a junk yard somewhere.
•On January 25th 2025 I paid approximately $3,383 for a turbocharger repair on my 2019 Buick Encore. This included a turbocharger oil return tube, turbocharger oil supply and re, intercooler, int. man. & vAL. COV. Kit, R&R inter cooler, R&R turbocharger, R&R intake manifold, and turbocharger assembly. Since that time, the same problem has recurred and I have returned the vehicle to the same locati...
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH and following the roadway to the left, all the side air bags deployed unexpectedly. The contact stated that his daughter was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated during the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagn...
turbocharger failures, which can result in reduced acceleration, power loss causing problems while trying to merge onto traffic and also in hill climbing. My understanding this is a common problem with the Buick Encore and has not been recalled. My garage said they have repaired a "ton" of these turbo in Buick Encores. Why no recall???
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and jerking abnormally. The contact stated her daughter reported there were several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The driver exited the highway and pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a de...
My daughter owns a 2019 Buick Encore and the check engine light keeps going on. She took her car to the dealer and was told that it needed a Turbo Bypass Valve and Solenoid valve. The car is just a few months within the 10 year powertrain warranty and the dealer refused to cover as defect. She drives on the freeway 45 minutes to/from work and this is a serious issue that causes the engine to rev h...
They sold me a car and 2 days later the check engine light came on I fixed it then a second time it came on I fixed again then a third time it came on I fixed it again now this is the 4th time that this light has come on and I called up there they tell me well we can see about putting you in another car. I go up there today and they tell me well the loan place you chose won’t do it because what’s ...
Showing 20 of 74 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Buick Encore
Has the 2019 BUICK ENCORE been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 BUICK ENCORE has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 BUICK ENCORE have?
The 2019 BUICK ENCORE has 74 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 9 involved crashes. 9 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
The 2019 BUICK ENCORE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 BUICK ENCORE involve engine (9 complaints), air bags (7 complaints), engine,fuel/propulsion system (6 complaints). Other affected components include engine and engine cooling, power train, service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2019 BUICK ENCORE have?
There are 9 crash reports associated with the 2019 BUICK ENCORE out of 74 total complaints (12.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 BUICK ENCORE have?
There are no fire reports for the 2019 BUICK ENCORE in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 BUICK ENCORE. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
9 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 BUICK ENCORE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 BUICK ENCORE is acceptable with caveats. It has 74 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 BUICK ENCORE are: 1. ENGINE (9 complaints), 2. AIR BAGS (7 complaints), 3. ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints), 4. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (5 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 9 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
Be cautious of engine and fuel/propulsion system issues, and ensure proper airbag functionality. The 2019 BUICK ENCORE has 74 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
The 2019 BUICK ENCORE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 74 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and fuel/propulsion system and Airbags.
What are the known issues with the 2019 BUICK ENCORE?
Known issues with the 2019 BUICK ENCORE include: Engine and fuel/propulsion system, Airbags. These are based on patterns found across 74 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2019 Buick Encore?
Common issues include engine overheating, power loss, and airbag failure.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Buick Encore?
Yes, there are recalls for the power train and airbags.
What should I do if my check engine light is on?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and fuel/propulsion system issues, and ensure proper airbag functionality.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Buick Encore
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Buick Encore. The data includes 74 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 9 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Buick Encore an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13