2018 Buick Encore: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Buick Encore? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 69 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Buick Encore Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2018 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.
2018 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 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 2018 Buick Encore has 69 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Encore
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 69
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- 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 2018 Buick Encore Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Buick Encore?
The 2018 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 2018 Buick Encore
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine thoroughly, as engine problems are the most common complaint.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls (none for 2018 Encore as of data).
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine thoroughly, as engine problems are the most common complaint.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls (none for 2018 Encore as of data).
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 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 69 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Buick Encore, issues appear concentrated in the engine, with 29 complaints. Transmission, airbag, brake, and uncategorized problems each account for 10 complaints. Crash-related complaints total 10, but confidence is low due to limited data.
- Engine problems dominate with 29 complaints out of 69 total.
- Transmission/drivetrain, airbag malfunctions, brake system, and uncategorized issues each have 10 complaints.
- There are 10 crash-related complaints, though no recalls were issued for this model year.
- Engine Problems (29 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (10 complaints)
- Airbag Malfunctions (10 complaints)
All 2018 Buick Encore Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Encore. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 6 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 10 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 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 2018 Buick Encore. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owned a 2018 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning light remained illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however, the vehicle was not…
The front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. The manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to "see" you, it may turn off. I have a bad back, and I need my 2-inch seat cus…
Was driving and lost complete power but came right back on itself. Car also makes a loud noise periodically when reversing and pressing the brake. Was told this was engine timing chain. Cooling fan periodically stays on draining the battery after car is turned off. None of these …
After filling up fuel vehicle starts and stalls out. This occurs while driving at stop signs. And also while driving loss of power. There is something wrong in the engine, timing belt, fuel, etc.
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The Stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure however, where the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken …
Brought my car to get an oil change and was told they could not do it as my oil filter housing unit is cracked and leaking oil they said to check for recalls as this is an issue with other vehicle same problem. Upon checking i was informed that Buick is not making this a recall i…
COMPONENT FAILURE: THE ENGINE TIMING CHAIN. YES, IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. SAFETY RISK: VEHICLE HESITATED AND LOST POWER IN TRAFFIC, CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO AUTOMATICALLY SLOW DOWN WHERE I WAS NO LONGER DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT. MY SAFETY AND OTHER DRIVERS AROUND ME WAS COM…
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was …
When crossing through an intersection at approximately 45mph, I was struck by another vehicle, speed unknown, who failed to stop at a stop sign. My vehicle was struck on the front passenger corner. My vehicle continued in a forward motion for several hundred feet. Both driver and…
The car experienced issues with the fan turning off when car was turned off. It caused the battery to die. The car was serviced at the dealership and the tech found that the fuse block overheated and melted, causing poor electrical connections. They replaced the damaged parts and…
Engine stalls, intake hose, power issues, multiple oil leaks
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Encore. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned while in first gear, and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate from being stationary. Additionally, the message "Stabilizer" was displayed. The cause of the…
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with the check engine and stabili-trak warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the veh…
While driving, my car began to glitch out. The screens started turning on and off, the doors began locking and unlocking, and I lost my ability to steer, brake, and accelerate. It caused me to run a red light and I almost got into a severe accident. This issue has occurred severa…
A deer came out of nowhere and I hit it head on. It totaled the car. The airbag did not go off
During normal driving the car would lose power. RPM's would drop and with engine sputtering. No trouble codes show up.
2018 Buick Encore has large area of peeled paint on hood. There is also bubbling unde driver side door handle. I was told the hood issue was to to defective paint and primer. I was also told the repair would be well over one thousand dollars. The car has never been in an accident…
I have been alerted by General Motors, via a letter that I received in March, 2024, that, due to a defect, my car's (a 2018 model year Buick Encore) engine may have a "condition where the turbocharger could fail" and that "the engine may run rough or have reduced power." In the …
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed there was oil leaking onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact’s husband, who is a certified mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fai…
Overdrive recall and check engine lights is on. We were just informed about the recall from our mechanic
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Buick Encore.
2018 Buick Encore Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Buick Encore. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2018 Buick Encore Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Buick Encore reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 69 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 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 2018 Buick Encore?▾
#1: Engine Problems (29 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (10 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Buick Encore?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Buick Encore?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Buick Encore, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 69 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Buick Encore have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2018 Buick Encore in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2018 Buick Encore?▾
The 2018 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 2018 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.