6 recalls and 52 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Encore.
6
recalls
52
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2013 Buick Encore recalls
Electrical system: ignition · Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)
NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · reported July 5, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 8,367 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Seat belts: front
NHTSA campaign 14V488000 · reported August 8, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 48,114 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.
The risk
If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.
Seats
NHTSA campaign 14V446000 · reported July 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 124,007 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
The risk
A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
Equipment: electrical
NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · reported July 2, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 2,990 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
The risk
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 14V298000 · reported June 6, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 61 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
The risk
If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
NHTSA campaign 13V105000 · reported March 28, 2013 · General Motors LLC · 144 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.
The risk
If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will be provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall began on May 21, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Engine21
Electrical system8
Power train7
Vehicle speed control6
Air bags5
Fuel/propulsion system4
Seat belts3
Tires3
Engine and engine cooling2
Seats2
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Dec 21, 2023 · Engine
My car had problems with overheating. I check my oil and coolant levels. My car show check engine light so I took it to mechanics to get check. The invoice states possible blown head gaskets. I research online similar complaints with other Buick Encore 2013. I just this car March 2023 has about 89000. I am making…
Jul 17, 2023 · Engine
The check engine light came and took the car to O'Reillys and was informed it had low turbo boost code took car to the dealership and they indeed confirmed that was the issue and that it would be over $3000.00 to fix!!! I bought this car 4 months ago and this seems to be an issue with a few other owners as well Buick…
Aug 26, 2021 · Power train
The turbo charger is underboost and can explode the engine with oil flying everywhere
Sep 26, 2019 · Engine
TURBO WENT OUT TWICE WITHIN 3 MONTHS. ALSO I WAITED FOR 6 WEEKS ON A BACK ORDERED PART. SO MUCH SERVICE WORK... PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM THIS CAR IS A LEMON. THE PAINT LITERALLY FELL OFF THE MIRRORS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR.
Jul 16, 2019 · Engine
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WAS DETERMINED CADILLAC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ONLY HAS 89105 MILES ON IT
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Buick Encore, the most recent reported on July 5, 2016 (Electrical system: ignition, Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Encore?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (21 complaints), followed by electrical system (8).
How many 2013 Buick Encore complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 52 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 21, 2023.