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#BS-2013-BUIENC-197D2013 Buick Encore
Based on reports from 70 owners and 6 recalls for this exact model.
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 70 complaints, 7 crashes, 0 fires, and 6 recalls.
Top reported problems
inadequate power
7 complaints • Severity 8.6/10
bubbling paint
5 complaints • Severity 5.6/10
turbo charger went out
4 complaints • Severity 8/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
23 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 23K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (33 reports) • Median: 23K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (23 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2013 Buick Encore: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 33% of all reports filed for the 2013 Buick Encore, with 23 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 22,500 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 23K-mile mark.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2013 Buick Encore, with 7 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2013 Buick Encore, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Speed Control Issues
Speed Control complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2013 Buick Encore, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to speed control-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2013 Buick Encore. Recent trend: increasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (6 recalls)
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. The steering wheel fastener may not have been properly installed. This could cause the steering wheel to come loose or separate from the steering column.
AIR BAGS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and passenger lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock in a retracted position, allowing the seat belts to extend when pulled upon.
+ 1 more recall in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
The worst model year for the Buick Encore is the 2014 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2013 Buick Encore vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
70
Class avg
476
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 70 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 6 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Other Buick Encore Model Years
View all Buick Encore years →2013 Buick Encore: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Buick Encore?
Is the 2013 Buick Encore reliable?
How much does it cost to fix 2013 Buick Encore problems?
Does the 2013 Buick Encore have any recalls?
What mileage do Buick Encore problems start?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
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Get the Full 2013 Buick Encore Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 70 owner reports. Know before you buy.