2013 Buick Encore: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Buick Encore? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 52 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Buick Encore Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Buick Encore trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2013 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Buick Encore SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Buick Encore has 52 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Encore
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 52
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Buick Encore Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Buick Encore?
The 2013 Buick Encore shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Buick Encore
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any known issues or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any known issues or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Buick Encore, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 52 consumer complaints for the 2013 Buick Encore, issues appear concentrated in the engine, electrical system, and transmission. A small number of crash-related complaints were reported, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to limited sample size.
- Engine Problems account for the largest share of complaints (23 out of 52).
- Electrical Faults and Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the next most reported categories.
- Unintended Acceleration and Airbag Malfunctions each have a notable number of complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2013 Buick Encore Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Encore. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Buick Encore. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 Ma…
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…
The turbo charger is underboost and can explode the engine with oil flying everywhere
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.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WAS DETERMINED CADILLAC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ONLY HAS 89105 MILES ON IT
I WANTED TO REGISTER A CONCERN ABOUT MY 2013 BUICK ENCORE. TWO DAYS AGO, WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED. THE GLASS SHARDS DIDN'T INJURE ME, BUT I FELT HELPLESS WHILE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THERE WAS NOTHING INDICATING CONCERNS OR ISSUES WITH THE SUN ROOF, I AM FO…
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN STARTED FLASHING WHILE IN MOTION. THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND OFF REPEATEDLY. THE ENGINE HAD REDUCED POWER AND AT TIMES WOULD ONLY GO 30-35MPH EVEN WITH PEDAL MASHED ALL THE WAY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO O'REILLY'S AND THEY CHECKED THE CODES WH…
THE ENGINE OIL COOLER IS LEAKING. THE FRONT DRIVER AXLE SHAFT SEAL IS LEAKING. THE CAR IS RUNNING TOO LEAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I REPLACED THE AIR FILTER AND CLEAN FUEL INJECTORS AND THE CAR IS SPUTTERING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THE CAR SPUTTERS WHEN STAT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL FAILURES. ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE HEATED THROUGH THE VENTS WHILE THE OTHER SIDE WAS NOT ABLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO JERKED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED.…
EARLY THIS YEAR WE START HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON THEN THE REDUCE POWER TO ENGINE COMING ON, SO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IF FROM. SO FIRST WE HAD TO HAVE THREE SENSORS CHANGED, WE DID THAT AND AFTER THAT WAS DONE IT STILL KEPT JUMPI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE BRAKES SQUEAKED AND MADE A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SID DILLON BUICK GMC - FREMONT DEALER (402-317-5718, 2420 E 2…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOKMAN OF WELLSVILLE CHEVROLET, BUICK, GMC, CADILLAC (81 S…
STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 2/9/2018 PAID OUT $545.00 TO HAVE PURGE SOLENOID AND EVAP FLOW CHANGED AND TO HAVE THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND ADJUSTED. WELL 4 1/2 HOURS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND IT STARTS WITH THI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF …
LATELY I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH THIS CAR, FIRST MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON AND NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN I CAN BE AT A LIGHT OR DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCE WARNING COMES ACROSS MY DISPLAY SCREEN, I CAN'T ACCELERATE SO I HAVE TO COAST IT TO THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOOSE POWER AND THE ACCELERATION DECREASED EVEN WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE HOUSE AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. THE CONTACT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
THE WARNING LIGHT CONNECTED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYS THE OFF SIGN EVEN WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE WARNING LIGHT READS OFF EVEN IF A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT.
PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR DETECTS PASSENGER ABOUT 60% OF TIME, AT RANDOM OCCASIONS SETTING IN DRIVEWAY OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE 40% AIRBAG IS OFF AND OUT OF SERVICE. WE HAVE DEALT WITH GMC BUICK AND THEY HAVE RUN TEST AT DEALERSHIP COULD NOT COME UP A SOLUTION TO THE PRO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 BUICK ENCORE. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 40-50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A DEER, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FLIP OVER AND EVENTUALLY LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Buick Encore.
2013 Buick Encore Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Buick Encore. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Buick Encore Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Buick Encore reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 52 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Buick Encore shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Buick Encore?▾
#1: Engine Problems (23 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (8 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (7 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Buick Encore?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Buick Encore?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Buick Encore, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 52 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Buick Encore have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Buick Encore. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Buick Encore?▾
The 2013 Buick Encore shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Encore reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Buick Encore based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.