EngineMedium
1.4L turbo coolant leaks, timing-chain wear and oil consumption.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for coolant loss, chain rattle and oil level.
2013–2022 Buick Encore · common problems & known faults
The Encore is a compact, comfortable crossover. It's dependable but the small turbo engine needs checking on used cars.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed July 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2013–2022 Buick Encore are High-pitched whistling noise from the engine bay, rough idle, and triggering of the EML. Caused by the PCV diaphragm rupturing within the plastic cam cover, Lack of power, sluggish acceleration, and underboost fault codes. Often caused by a cracked turbine housing around the wastegate port and 1.4L turbo coolant leaks, timing-chain wear and oil consumption. 2 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
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Build the inspection planReliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Buick Encore.
5.5/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 3
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Known faults to check
TransmissionLow
6-speed automatic occasional harsh shifts.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test-drive through the gears.
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Build the inspection planElectricalLow
Infotainment and sensor glitches.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test the touchscreen and parking sensors.
CoolingMedium
Water-pump and thermostat failures.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Confirm the engine reaches and holds normal temperature.
Engine PCV SystemHigh
High-pitched whistling noise from the engine bay, rough idle, and triggering of the EML. Caused by the PCV diaphragm rupturing within the plastic cam cover.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- With the engine idling, place a finger over the small breather port on the top right of the cam cover. If you feel strong suction or the whistling stops, the PCV valve has failed.
Forced InductionHigh
Lack of power, sluggish acceleration, and underboost fault codes. Often caused by a cracked turbine housing around the wastegate port.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Rev the engine abruptly while listening for excessive exhaust hissing near the bulkhead. Visually inspect the cast iron turbo housing beneath the heat shield for visible soot trails or hairline cracks.
SuspensionLow
Distinct clunking or rattling noises from the front end when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps due to worn anti-roll bar drop links.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Push down firmly on the front wings to bounce the suspension and listen for knocking. Alternatively, reach behind the front wheel and forcefully shake the anti-roll bar drop link to check for excessive play.
Fuel SystemMedium
Extended cranking or difficulty starting immediately after filling the petrol tank, often accompanied by a loud ticking noise from the EVAP purge valve.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-90,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine and listen for a loud, rhythmic ticking near the inlet manifold. Unplug the electrical connector to the EVAP purge valve; if the ticking persists or the engine stumbles heavily, it is sticking open.
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Build my inspection planFrequently asked questions
Is the Buick Encore reliable?
Reasonably — the main watch item is the 1.4L turbo's cooling and oil use.
Does the Encore have engine problems?
Coolant leaks, timing-chain wear and oil consumption are the known issues.
What should I check on a used Encore?
Cooling system, timing-chain noise, oil use and electronics.
Are replacement parts difficult to source for the Buick Encore in the UK?
Although Buick is not officially sold in the UK, the Encore is mechanically identical to the Vauxhall Mokka. This means nearly all service items, suspension components, and engine parts for the turbocharged Ecotec powertrain are readily available off the shelf at standard UK motor factors.
How often should the automatic gearbox fluid be changed?
While the manufacturer often claims the six-speed automatic transmission is sealed for life, UK specialists strongly recommend a fluid and filter change every 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Fresh fluid prevents the valve body solenoids from sticking, mitigating the harsh shifting commonly reported on higher-mileage examples.
Do all-wheel-drive Encore models require special maintenance?
Yes, the AWD variants feature a power transfer unit and a rear differential that require periodic fluid changes, ideally every 30,000 miles. Neglecting this can lead to premature bearing wear, which is typically identifiable by a whining noise from the rear at motorway speeds.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.
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