Buick Encore recalls

13 official safety recalls for the Buick Encore from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Transmission accumulator endcap may be missing bolts

    Reported October 29, 2020Model years 2019–2020NHTSA campaign 20V668000194,105 vehicles affected

    Missing endcap bolts may cause a transmission fluid leak and loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk; leaking fluid may also increase fire risk. Dealers will inspect the accumulator and replace it if bolts are missing, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
    Consequence
    Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  2. Front seat rear attachment bolts may be missing

    Reported September 3, 2020Model years 2020NHTSA campaign 20V537000105 vehicles affected

    Rear attachment bolts may be missing from one or both front seats. An occupied seat could move in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect both front seat attachments and install bolts as needed, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
    Consequence
    If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  3. Air bags may not deploy in a crash

    Reported November 1, 2018Model years 2019NHTSA campaign 18V77400012 vehicles affected

    The sensing diagnostic module may remain in manufacturing mode and prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers will reprogram the module to the correct mode free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
    Consequence
    If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  4. Airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy

    Reported July 10, 2017Model years 2014–2017NHTSA campaign 17V43700040,683 vehicles affected

    Some vehicles may not have received the complete software update. During certain driving conditions, a diagnostic test may prevent the front airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will update the software or replace the module if there has been a previous airbag deployment, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
    Consequence
    A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  5. Air bags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy

    Reported September 8, 2016Model years 2014–2017NHTSA campaign 16V6510003,640,162 vehicles affected

    Under certain driving conditions, a software diagnostic test may prevent the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. Dealers will update the software free of charge; vehicles with a previous air bag deployment will have the module replaced.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
    Consequence
    A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  6. Ignition key may come out outside Park

    Reported July 5, 2016Model years 2013NHTSA campaign 16V5020008,367 vehicles affected

    The ignition key may be removed when the transmission is not in Park, allowing the vehicle to roll as occupants exit and increasing injury risk. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
    Consequence
    If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  7. Tire label omits front and rear rim sizes

    Reported March 20, 2015Model years 2015NHTSA campaign 15V16200019,831 vehicles affected

    The tire label lacks front and rear rim size information. This could lead to fitting incorrectly sized rims and increase crash risk. Owners will receive a corrected label free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to February 9, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured October 13, 2014, to February 3, 2015. The affected vehicles have tire placards that do not provide the rim size information for the front or rear wheels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
    Consequence
    If the label is missing front and rear rim size information, the owner may replace the rims with ones that are an incorrect size, increasing the risk of crash.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and will send owners a corrected label, free of charge. The recall April 29, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15166.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  8. Steering circuit board may wear and cut assist

    Reported March 13, 2015Model years 2015NHTSA campaign 15V1460002,295 vehicles affected

    The steering column housing may contact and wear the power steering circuit board, causing a sudden loss of steering assist and increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly as needed, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
    Defect
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.
    Consequence
    The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15168.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  9. Front seat belt pretensioners may not lock

    Reported August 8, 2014Model years 2013NHTSA campaign 14V48800048,114 vehicles affected

    The front lap belt pretensioner cables may not lock when retracted, allowing the belts to extend under load and potentially leaving occupants inadequately restrained in a crash. Dealers will replace both front pretensioners free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEAT BELTS:FRONT
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    If the seat belts do not remain locked in the retracted position when under load, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front the driver's and the passenger's lap belt pretensioners, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. GM sent interim notifications on October 7, 2014 and will send a second notification when remedy parts are available. The recall began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  10. Front seat weld may fail

    Reported July 23, 2014Model years 2013–2014NHTSA campaign 14V446000124,007 vehicles affected

    An incomplete weld in the seat hook bracket may allow a front seat to come loose under a high load, such as in a crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers will inspect the weld and replace the lower seat track if needed free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SEATS
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  11. Engine heater cord insulation may become damaged

    Reported July 2, 2014Model years 2013–2014NHTSA campaign 14V4170002,990 vehicles affected

    In cold temperatures, the engine heater cord insulation may become damaged and expose wires, creating a shock risk if the plugged-in cord is handled. Dealers will replace the cord with one rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  12. Passenger air bag may not deploy

    Reported June 6, 2014Model years 2013NHTSA campaign 14V29800061 vehicles affected

    An improper weld in the passenger front air bag inflator may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash, increasing the risk of passenger injury. Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    If the air bag does not to deploy in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front passenger.
    Remedy
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  13. Steering wheel may come loose

    Reported March 28, 2013Model years 2013NHTSA campaign 13V105000144 vehicles affected

    An improperly installed steering wheel fastener may let the wheel come loose or separate from the steering column, causing loss of steering control and increasing crash risk. Dealers will inspect the wheel and make any necessary repairs at no charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
    Defect
    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.
    Consequence
    If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the steering wheel. These services will be provided at no charge to the customer. The safety recall began on May 21, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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