The Most Common 2016 Buick Encore Problems

Engine issues and two recalls involving the airbags are the most concerning problems with the 2016 Buick Encore. Read more here!
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Engine problems were the most commonly reported issue with the 2016 Buick Encore. The compact SUV had two recalls involving airbags that failed to deploy. 
The Buick Encore is a popular choice among compact SUVs and provides a nice balance of luxury features and economical pricing. But sometimes reliability can vary widely across model years for the same vehicle, and it’s vital to know what you’re getting into when you purchase a used car. Knowledge is power—and there are a lot of choices out there!
That’s why
Jerry
, the comparison app that helps you find the best
car insurance
, has put together this quick guide to some common problems with the 2016 Buick Encore. We’ll tell you what’s most likely to go wrong, and also how to check and see if your car has been affected by any recalls. And just to keep you extra secure, we’ll also show you how to get a great deal on your
Buick Encore car insurance costs
!
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The most common 2016 Buick Encore problems

Whenever you’re considering a new model of car, it’s important to know the good things about it—but you also need to be aware of the downsides as well.
In the case of the 2016 Buick Encore, there are definitely a few issues that you should know. The 2016 Buick Encore currently has 48 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a good portion of them (19) had to do with engine problems
There were several reports of the turbo mode ceasing to operate, sometimes causing a loss of acceleration on the freeway. Other complaints involved multiple service lights coming on at high speeds, which then led to the car intermittently jerking forward on acceleration and deceleration. 
While these are not definitely not good, arguably the most serious issues with the 2016 Buick Encore were the subject of its two recalls: failure of the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to work properly in the event of an accident. One recall was issued in 2016 and one in 2017, and while there were no injuries associated with them, it’s certainly concerning. If you have a 2016 Buick Encore and are wondering if it was affected, you can
check for recalls with your VIN
through the NHTSA’s website.
Other more mundane complaints with the 2016 Buick Encore included: 
  • Poor rear visibility
  • Poor trunk/cargo space
  • Difficulty folding and adjusting the rear seats
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Is the 2016 Buick Encore reliable?

In spite of these issues, the 2016 Buick Encore has an above-average rating for reliability. 
J.D. Power ranked the Buick Encore #2 in small SUVs in 2016, tied with the
Subaru Crosstrek
. The Encore earned an 84/100 for Quality and Reliability, which places it into the “Great” category. 
RepairPal gave the 2016 Buick Encore a thumbs up as well, with an above-average score of 4/5. It did fall towards the bottom of the heap among small SUVs as a whole, though, placing fifth out of seven in its class. 
As far as annual repair costs go, they’re estimated to be around $445 annually. This is average for a small SUV, and below average for all vehicles as a whole. 

How to simplify shopping for car insurance

One thing you won’t have to worry about no matter what car you have? How to get a fantastic deal on your
car insurance
with no hassle! 
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Jerry
, you’ll get all the benefits of a thorough comparison shop with none of the leg work. Within minutes of downloading the app, you’ll have access to a selection of competitive quotes chosen just for you. All you need to do is make your choice, and Jerry will handle the rest. 
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