The subcompact SUV segment has to be the toughest with the most number of players. The Japanese manufacturers dominate the segment but the Buick Encore has been the highest-selling model for this American brand. The 2019 Buick Encore is a much better car in terms of quality and build than its rivals leaving the car with just 2 recalls and a total of 24 registered complaints. Even though the Encore feels much premium for its segment, cars like the 2019 Honda HR-V, the 2019 Mazda CX-3, and the 2019 Chevrolet Trax manages to sell more due to their lower pricing and reasonable maintenance.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Stereo – Certain owners complained stating the stereo changed tracks on its own like someone was hacking into the system.
Mechanical Problems
- Engine – The shutoff function isn’t reliable and fails to restart the engine even after the driver lifts the foot off the brakes. In other instances, the engine shut itself off while on the move and turns back on after a few seconds.
- Powertrain – The owner put the car into park while the ignition was on but soon after, he felt a bump and the car started rolling forward and had to slam the brakes to stop the car.
- Suspension – The lower control arm was reported to bend after driving over a pothole.
Safety Problems
- Brakes – A complaint stated that the brakes locked up while driving over 50 MPH and the reason for it is unknown.
- Airbags – There were multiple instances where the Encore was involved in an accident and the airbags failed to deploy. This caused a head injury to the occupant.
Exterior Problems
- Wipers – The wipers were reported to stop working during rain and were stuck right in the center of the windshield. This obstructed the already slim visibility due to a dead set of wipers.
- Hood – The hood opened on its own when driving on the highway and this could have caused a serious crash if there were vehicles around.
Recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
29th October 2020 |
20V668000 |
Missing bolts on start/stop accumulator |
The accumulator endcap with a missing bolt can result in a transmission oil leak which can cause a sudden drop in power leading to a possible crash. |
The dealers would inspect the transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing. |
|
2 |
1st November 2018 |
18V774000 |
Airbags may not deploy due to incorrect setting |
Airbags that do not actuate during a crash would increase fatality. |
Dealers will program the SDM module to the right mode, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2019 Buick Encore?
The Buick Encore manages to have very limited complaints and recalls but so do its rivals. This car definitely isn’t the most affordable in its segment and stands pricier than its competition which are the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and the Chevrolet Trax. The 2019 Buick Encore feels like a better-built car with premium cabin insulation but this segment focuses on maintenance and reliability more than the quality of the car. If a subcompact SUV with an upscale feeling cabin is what you’re looking for, go for the Buick but the Honda and Mazda are much more reliable and powerful than the Encore.
