2018 Buick Encore

The 2018 Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV known for its maneuverability, comfortable ride, and relatively upscale interior for its class. It generally receives positive marks for ease of parking and fuel efficiency. However, common criticisms include its smaller cargo space, somewhat underwhelming acceleration, and a dated infotainment system. The 2018 Encore is available with a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in two versions: a standard version producing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful version producing 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged I4 (138 hp / 148 lb-ft)

• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, rough idle, check engine light illumination. Often caused by a cracked or damaged PCV valve diaphragm.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV valve. In some cases, the entire valve cover needs replacement as the PCV valve is integrated.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.4L Turbocharged I4 (153 hp / 177 lb-ft)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or whistling noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Potential boost leak or internal damage to the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifting between gears, transmission slipping, and/or jerking during acceleration.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and filter change can resolve the issue. However, more severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) to $3000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle, particularly when driving over bumps. Bouncy or unstable ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly. This can affect navigation, radio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, the infotainment unit needs to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $500+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car battery drains quickly, especially if the vehicle sits unused for a few days. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve replacing a faulty module (e.g., Body Control Module, radio, etc.) or repairing wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater does not work, only works intermittently, or gets excessively hot.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or the seat heater control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof is noisy, difficult to open or close, or leaks.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks. In more severe cases, the sunroof motor or mechanism may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Buick Encore, while generally reliable, can experience issues ranging from minor inconveniences to more significant repairs. Common complaints include engine issues like PCV valve failure and turbocharger issues (particularly in the higher horsepower version), transmission problems with harsh shifting, and electrical glitches affecting the infotainment system and battery drain. Suspension and interior issues like shock absorber failure and seat heater malfunction are also noted. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost to fix can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for major component replacements. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.