2022 Buick Encore Safety Report
2022 Buick Encore: Strong crash test ratings, but early complaints highlight engine, fuel, and safety component concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Buick Encore
Reliability Score
The 2022 Buick Encore receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2022 Buick Encore
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Buick Encore:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudden Power Loss/Engine Lunging Multiple reports of the vehicle suddenly losing power and lunging forward while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light and EMC code. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Fuel System Odor/Emissions Issues Reports of strong gasoline odors inside and outside the vehicle, and check engine lights related to emissions failures (e.g., Evap Purge system). |
Medium | Occasional | 10000-15000 miles |
| Seat Belt Fraying/Unraveling A complaint noted seat belts fraying and unraveling on a year-old vehicle with 15,000 miles, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Rare | 15000 miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment In Crash One report of airbags failing to deploy in a crash that resulted in the vehicle being totaled. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Buick Encore:
Reports of check engine lights, EMC codes, sudden power loss, and excessive fuel consumption/oil burning.
Complaints related to the vehicle losing power and lunging, indicating potential powertrain issues.
Strong gasoline odors reported inside and outside the vehicle, and emissions system failures.
Fraying and unraveling of seat belts reported on a relatively new vehicle.
A report of airbags failing to deploy in a significant crash.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Buick Encore
Is the 2022 Buick Encore safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Buick Encore received excellent crash test ratings, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. However, early complaint data, though low in volume (8 total complaints), includes serious concerns such as sudden power loss, seat belt fraying, and a report of airbags failing to deploy in a crash. While structurally sound in tests, real-world reliability of certain safety components is questionable.
What are common problems with the 2022 Buick Encore?
The most reported issues for the 2022 Buick Encore, based on NHTSA complaints, include engine and powertrain problems (25% of complaints mentioning power train, 12.5% engine), specifically sudden power loss and check engine lights. Other concerns include fuel system issues (12.5%) like gasoline odors, and critical safety component failures such as seat belt fraying (12.5%) and airbag non-deployment (12.5%).
Are there any recalls for the 2022 Buick Encore?
As of the current data, there are no recalls issued by NHTSA for the 2022 Buick Encore. However, some complaints reference issues (like the Evap Purge system) that were subject to recalls in prior model years for similar vehicles, suggesting potential carryover issues.
How does the 2022 Buick Encore perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Buick Encore performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the engine issues in the 2022 Buick Encore?
Yes, the engine and powertrain issues, particularly reports of sudden power loss and the vehicle lunging forward, are significant safety concerns. While these are from a small number of complaints (2 out of 8 total), such failures can lead to dangerous situations on the road. It's advisable to investigate if these issues are widespread or isolated incidents.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2022 Buick Encore has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of early reports concerning critical engine/powertrain issues, fuel system odors, and concerning failures of safety components like seat belts and airbags. Consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection and inquire about any service bulletins related to these reported problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Buick Encore
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Buick Encore. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 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.