2016 Buick Encore: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Buick Encore? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 77 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Buick Encore Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2016 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. 4 trims analysed.
2016 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Buick Encore SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% 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 2016 Buick Encore has 77 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Encore
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 77
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 31
- 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 2016 Buick Encore Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Fuel/Propulsion System
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System, 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 2016 Buick Encore?
The 2016 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 2016 Buick Encore
Inspection Focus
- Request service records specifically for engine repairs or check engine light incidents.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and transmission before purchase.
- Ask about any prior engine or transmission work during a test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records specifically for engine repairs or check engine light incidents.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and transmission before purchase.
- Ask about any prior engine or transmission work during a test drive.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 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 77 NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Buick Encore, issues appear concentrated in the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and transmission. There are 2 recalls and 6 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Engine problems account for 43 of the 77 total complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system issues are the second most reported, with 13 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 11, indicating a recurring theme.
- Engine Problems
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2016 Buick Encore Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Buick Encore. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 43 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 5 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 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 2016 Buick Encore. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
power steering failure while driving at highway speeds. In traffic had a warning come on power steering fault. Then wheel was hard to turn. Had to use strength to steer car home approx. 25 miles. Took to dealer they had car for 3 days before repair done. For $1800 repair bill. S…
Turbo exhibits exact same symptoms of 17-18 encore recall for the turbo. I frequently get the p0299 code the car becomes sluggish and hesitates to take off from a stop when this code comes on making this car dangerous to drive. This issue has almost caused multiple accidents bec…
On my way home in December 2025, my car started to sputter and make noises. All of a sudden the car started going about 10-15 miles. I almost go hit by several vehicles, because they had to put on brakes, I was trying to go up then down a hilly road. I finally was able to get to …
I was stopped at a traffic light and began moving forward to make a turn into traffic. As I activated my turn signal and started to proceed through the intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of power while the vehicle wa…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Steering Fault" was displayed, the steering icon was illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The following day, the contact discovered tha…
Vehicle unable to hold coolant. Local shop says the coolant lines hold pressure and leak appears to be with manifold and turbo. Car has less than 35k miles. There is a recall for this turbo issue with 2017 and up models but why not for 2016, or any other years with same issue?
I believe my turbocharge is malfunctioning. The check engine light is on with code P0299. My vehicle is struggling to accelerate properly putting us in a few close calls while driving. Yes it is available for inspection - I've seen one mechanic on 6/13/25 - scheduled a follow up …
Add my car to your recall. Past recalls on these vehicles for oil leaking, which can cause a fire.
The turbo has gone out on this and its not even 10 years old. I saw on other VIN's it got recalled and I believe all VIN's should be included
My wife is [XXX] and I am [XXX] old. We purchased the 2016 Buick Encore with 29,000 miles from Buick GMC of Beaverton, Oregon on [XXX], expecting that it would out last both of us, since we are retired and only drive to the store and doctor's appointments; my wife has miraculou…
This is an addendum to Complaint # 11644925 Before taking the car back to the dealership, Buick GMC of Beaverton, for repairs, I called the owner of Bassitt Auto Repair in Beaverton Oregon, 503-616-2007. He told me that they've had 3 other Buick Encores come to his repair shop i…
Please help me. Please add my Vin# [XXX] for repair on a Past recall 2016 Buick. Dealer will not Fix my car, I need Vin Number added to recall. I have attached a copy of the recall. 43210 Engine Oil Leakage at Oil Cooler Pipe Reference Number: A162043210 GWM Number: 2…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that if his wife had been driving the ve…
I purchased my 2016 Buick encore from the car dealer name [XXX] in Rochester Michigan. I purchased it in December 20 23 beginning in January when I would change gears the car sounded like the gears were clunking like they were gonna fall out or something. also, the engine hesita…
Acceleration was reduced immediately on the freeway after the check engine light came on the day before with a P0299 code for turbocharger repair. Now the vehicle will not start and the dealership service said an additional code of po366 is now showing. Are these related? The …
In 2021, My ex husband received a notice from Buick extending the warranty to 120,000 on the Turbo Charger fuel injector due to failure in many vehicles. It was not included as a recall. In the State of Texas, vehicles must have an annual inspection to remain legal to drive. …
2016 Buick Encore VIN [XXX] approximately 60,000 miles. The vehicles turbo had a catastrophic failure pushing oil into the engine, and the catalytic converter causing extensive damage to both. The description from the first mechanic shop, I took it to descripted it as the tur…
The turbo on my 2016 Buick Encore hasn't been working right for about a year. My engine light has been on consistently everyday for about 8 months. I've taken it to the dealer to get it repaired, and there is a bulletin - Reference Number A212338300 - but for some reason my VIN d…
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Encore. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she observed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the oil…
03/09/2024 overheated, replace thermostat and housing, refilled coolant 3/16/2024 overheated, refilled coolant 3/18/2024 towed to dealership. leaking oil, losing coolant $3280.00 repairs 4/1/2024 water pump 4/6/2024 Turbo coolant feedline Safety concern, I commute via I-95. Over…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Buick Encore.
2016 Buick Encore Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Buick Encore. 2 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.
2016 Buick Encore Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Buick Encore reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 77 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 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 2016 Buick Encore?▾
#1: Engine Problems (43 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (13 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Buick Encore?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Buick Encore?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Buick Encore, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 77 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Buick Encore have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Buick Encore. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. 2 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 2016 Buick Encore?▾
The 2016 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 2016 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.