2019 Buick Encore

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2019 Buick Encore, formatted for your website.

The 2019 Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV known for its maneuverability, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology. It comes standard with a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, became available mid-year. Some owners appreciate its compact size for city driving and ease of parking. Common dislikes include its relatively small cargo space and somewhat uninspired acceleration, particularly with the base engine.

Engine

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

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, whistling noise from the engine, oil leaks, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV Valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

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

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• PCV Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, whistling noise from the engine, oil leaks, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the PCV Valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable and abrupt shifts between gears, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and software update can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush and software update) - $3000+ (transmission rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut/Shock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll when cornering, leaking fluid from the strut/shock.
  • Solution: Replace the affected struts or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly.
  • 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) - $500 - $1500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use, leading to difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Diagnose the parasitic drain and replace the faulty component. Common culprits include the infotainment system, OnStar module, or other electrical accessories.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or both DRLs stop working.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty DRL bulb or the entire headlight assembly if the DRL is integrated.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the type of DRL.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater fails to turn on, gets excessively hot, or only heats intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof does not open/close properly, makes excessive noise, or leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Buick Encore presents a mix of issues, ranging from relatively minor electrical glitches to more significant engine and transmission concerns. The most concerning issues revolve around potential turbocharger failure and transmission problems, which can be expensive to repair. While some electrical and interior issues exist, they are generally less severe. Overall, a thorough inspection, especially focusing on the engine, turbo, and transmission, is highly recommended before purchasing a used 2019 Buick Encore.