2019 Buick Encore: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Buick Encore? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 76 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Buick Encore Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2019 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.
2019 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 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 2019 Buick Encore has 76 owner complaints, 9 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
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 76
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 30
- 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 2019 Buick Encore Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Fuel/Propulsion System
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System, 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 2019 Buick Encore?
The 2019 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 2019 Buick Encore
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for reported issues, such as unusual noises or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel/propulsion system, airbags, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for reported issues, such as unusual noises or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel/propulsion system, airbags, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 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 76 consumer complaints for the 2019 Buick Encore, issues are concentrated in the engine, with 33 reports. Other notable areas include the fuel/propulsion system, airbags, and electrical faults, each with 10 complaints. There are 2 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints (33 out of 76).
- Fuel/propulsion system, airbag malfunctions, and electrical faults each have 10 complaints.
- There are 9 crash-related complaints and 2 recalls for the 2019 model year.
- Engine Problems
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2019 Buick Encore Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Buick Encore. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 33 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 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 2019 Buick Encore. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
3 leaks in oil cooler. When mech got in to do the repairs, they noticed the turbo was cracked. Replaced it with new turbo which also failed. After the second new turbo was installed the car ran fine for about a day and now the turbo continuously stalls while driving it.
Car sputtered and slowed on expressway, turbo failed. Recalls issued 2016 and 2017, then reissued 2020 to 2023, same turbo, 2019 was exempted
SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened. Had thermostat and water pump replaced. Not fixed. Coolant keeps running out if bottom of suv. It is at dealership and blown head gasket and probably much worse. Apparently these models have something wr…
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with the odor of burning oil inside the cabin of the vehicle, before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diag…
Driving down the road and car became sluggish to respond/accelerate and could barely operate at slow speeds or not be able to go. Thankfully at this time I was close to home and not on the highway but was leaving on a long trip with areas of no service and isolation and temps in…
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a blown turbo charger caused by low oil pressure. The contact stated that the turbo…
turbo charger and catalytic convertor both failed at 50k miles. the 2017 and 2018 buick encores have a safety recall for turbochargers but the 2019 was not included in that recall despite it having the exact same engine and turbocharger.
Turbocharger gasket failed resulting in leaking coolant and overheating of engine. Damages resulted turbocharge replacement and replacement of water outlet in $4463.43 repair bill.
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped, the gear shift lever was stuck in park(P). After several attempts, the contact was able to move the gear shifter lever. The contact stated that the drive back to the residence was rough. …
When I'm driving sometimes the car seems like it's about to cut off or something & the check engine light plus stabilizer track message bones on & I start losing power & it's happened more than 10 times ! I let the car sit for a few minutes & it works !
The contact owned a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a left turn, driving northbound, and crashed into the contact's vehicle on the front driver's side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact.…
85,000 miles bought new. Was having hesitation and power issues, experienced increased fatigue the longer I drove. Took it in for service at 85,000 miles and the turbo PVC valve was bad as well as the catalytic converter. I’ve never had a catalytic converter go bad on any vehicle…
My check engine light has been appearing off and on for a few months. I received a diagnostic code of P0325 TWICE by two different professional technicians. I ordered an OEM knock sensor, hired a technician to replace the knock sensor, drove about 10 miles and the check engine li…
My suv dies while im driving it. The engine stalls the lights go off. Its very dangerous I had a semi truck behind me last night and my encore basically became invisible. No lights no power, nothing. He almost hit me. Ive had this encore to several mechanics and none of them k…
I have been calling Autonations for months now since my car started driving funny. I was first told it was a head gasket that needed replacement however using my vin number the engine that’s currently inside the vehicle is not the one that matches with what pulls up using the vin…
The airbags never deployed. I sustained a brain injury in the accident along with whiplash. I told the deputy on scene, that they did not deploy. My insurance looked at it. They totaled the car out. It is now sitting in a junk yard somewhere.
•On January 25th 2025 I paid approximately $3,383 for a turbocharger repair on my 2019 Buick Encore. This included a turbocharger oil return tube, turbocharger oil supply and re, intercooler, int. man. & vAL. COV. Kit, R&R inter cooler, R&R turbocharger, R&R intake manifold, and …
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH and following the roadway to the left, all the side air bags deployed unexpectedly. The contact stated that his daughter was not aware of any warning lights being ill…
turbocharger failures, which can result in reduced acceleration, power loss causing problems while trying to merge onto traffic and also in hill climbing. My understanding this is a common problem with the Buick Encore and has not been recalled. My garage said they have repaired…
The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and jerking abnormally. The contact stated her daughter reported there were several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument clus…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Buick Encore.
2019 Buick Encore Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 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.
2019 Buick Encore Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Buick Encore reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 76 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 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 2019 Buick Encore?▾
#1: Engine Problems (33 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (10 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Buick Encore?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Buick Encore?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Buick Encore, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 76 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Buick Encore have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Buick Encore. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 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 2019 Buick Encore?▾
The 2019 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 2019 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.