2017 Buick Encore: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Buick Encore? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 83 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Buick Encore Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2017 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.
2017 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 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 2017 Buick Encore has 83 owner complaints, 12 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
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 83
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- 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 2017 Buick Encore Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Buick Encore?
The 2017 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 2017 Buick Encore
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues, such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and engine-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues, such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and engine-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 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 83 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Buick Encore, the data suggests that engine problems are the most frequently reported issue, followed by airbag malfunctions. There are also notable reports in visibility/wiper, seat belt, transmission/drivetrain, brake, and fuel/propulsion system categories. However, with low confidence and only one model year analyzed, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (39 out of 83).
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most reported component (13 complaints).
- Crash-related complaints total 12, indicating some safety concerns.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Visibility/Wiper Issues
All 2017 Buick Encore Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Buick Encore. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 39 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 13 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 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 2017 Buick Encore. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and went into "LIMP Mode". Additionally, there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the issue b…
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the engine was running rough, and the vehicle experienced reduced power. The stabili-trak and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a diagn…
Rear passenger doors fail to engage internal lock when Child-Lock feature is on, door can still be opened from interior. Rear door locks fail to properly engage when locking and unlocking vehicle
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact smelled smoke and became aware that the smoke was coming from under the hood. The failure reoccurred while driving the following day. The vehicle was driven to an indepen…
Wipers will not shut off.
4/2025-Engine coolant water outlet needed to be replaced 5/2025- Turbo boost replaced (under recall) 6/2025- Engine fan needed to be replaced 12/2025- There was active leaking in the engine oil cooler and lines- needed to be replaced Engine ventilation , engine o…
I have went to the dealership for the past two years with this problem and they keep saying they are not getting any codes: when the air conditioner is on it’s pulling the power from the motor and makes it hard to go up hill. Hard To accelerate when going on to the freeway as wel…
The turbo charge is not providing adequate power. I was on the highway and the car began to chugging then accelerated on its own and all the lights on the dash came on then all went off like it was going to shut down. I put my hazards on and started to pull to the side of the hig…
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated, and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. There was no warning light i…
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt failed to work as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The front driver’s side seat belt also failed to work as intended. The contact had to push the front seat all the way…
While traveling at approximately 77 mph on the interstate, I was forced off the road by another vehicle, causing my car to collide with a cable barrier. The initial impact was to the front driver’s side corner, and the vehicle then scraped along the driver’s side against the barr…
Steering wheel locked up, had to replace rack and pinion, locking up when turning, therefore needing a wheel alignment.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and then suddenly …
First the car started to act odd, jumpy or you could tell there was issues with the turbo. On [XXX] car overheated??? Out of nowhere. Mileage 82049. No warnings, no lights. We had it towed to shop where we were told we need new turbo, new engine, power steering service, ac servic…
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; how…
This car is not mine but someone somehow fraudulently registered it in my name. I got the VIN # from truth finder when I did a search on myself. Please help.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the failure co…
Passenger airbag light on dash is lit. Has ben lit for about a month.
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost mot…
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Buick Encore.
2017 Buick Encore Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 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.
2017 Buick Encore Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Buick Encore reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 83 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 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 2017 Buick Encore?▾
#1: Engine Problems (39 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (13 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Buick Encore?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Buick Encore?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Buick Encore, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 83 total complaints. 28 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Buick Encore have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 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 2017 Buick Encore?▾
The 2017 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 2017 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.