Common Problems with the 2018 Buick Encore
Fuel/Propulsion System Issues:
“Pittering noise started from under the hood a few days later the information pages glitches and gave 20+ options with the main menus in what looked like Arabic then a few days later the check engine light came on hooked up a code reader and the codes indicated fuel system issue but was able to clear code light remanded off and remote start quite working with remote and threw the app ran fine for about a month with no issue then light came back on on 01/31 and cleared itself in 7 days and remote start began working again began running rough and had issues idling on the 2/22 and after getting gas on 2/23 would start but struggled for a few seconds and turned off 4 times like it couldn't get fuel to maintain the start but was able to finally get it to start and was able to make it to work and seems to be running ok but still has the persistent Pittering sound”
“Every time it rains I am unable to get any gas due to water setting on the port in which I place gas nozzle in to fill tank. Very nervous about the situation due to how costly it could be to fix due to such a poor design”
Electrical Problems:
“Since I bought this car in 04/2018 I had many problems problems as the engine sensor had to be replaced, headlights going out when I was driving, they could not reproduce the problem at the dealership, now the back wheel driver module is bad, it will need to be replaced, and finally I almost could not drive in the highway on 04/25/2020, I was very afraid that I was going to be in an accident when the power steering wheel locked, ABS, brake lights and traction light were all on in the panel and so a warning signal.the vehicle was in motion.I was in rt 206 in NJ, after chester.025/2020. I had to stop by a market.the car was taken to a shop in newton and it will be towed to mcguire dealership in newton for repair. I am very scared of driving this car and I need a safe car to go to work everyday!!!”
“Twice I was driving my car going about 35-45 mikes an hour. My car started to shake along with a loud humming sound. I lost my power steering and brakes. The over drive light was flashing both on the right under radio and on the dash. The RPMs started racing as well one time for sure. I was able to get to the side of the road and hit the emergency brake at the same time put it into park. I was so scared. I waited a few minutes turned it back on and drove around a parking lot before I ventured home.The second time I was close to home and drove it home 10 miles an hour. Since then I am extremely scared to drive my car. Being a nurse I NEED MY CAR. I took it to Sterling Buick in Venice. They ran a diagnostic test and it showed nothing. They drove it and of course it did not do it. There suggestion was for me to trade it in. They charged me and sent me on my way. They fixed something with my AC. When I droved the car days later my fiance called to tell me that there was something now leaking from the bottom of my car and took pictures of the brown pink color fluid dripping from underneath the car. I called Buick. They suggested they would give me On Star for 6 months!!! REALLY!!! I they want to beable to find me in a ditch. I can not in good conscious trade that car in knowing what has happened. If someone does not have the hindsight to beable to stop it they can be killed or kill someone else! The first time it happened I had my kids in the car and they were screaming. The second time I had 2 friends with me.”
“Currently my vehicle has issue with dash board and instrument panel getting hot to the touch after driving for approximately an hour also causing an odor. The heater/ac stays on continuously never turns off and the heating up issue exists with either temperature.”
Seat Belts / Air Bags Problems:
“My airbag light is on and malfunctioning. It will cost $200 for the diagnostic and no repair. To repair it will cost $873.19. I see there are more complaints in regarding this issue. To me this is a safety issue and concerns me as I drive my grandchildren in this car. I am told it is an actual sensor in the cushion of the seat. My vehicle is under 5 years old. Something has to be done.”
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she depressed the brake pedal but it failed to stop the vehicle, causing her to rear-end a truck. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a collision center and had the front bumper repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.”
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side seat belt was not retracting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle warranty had expired. There was no further assistance provided. The failure mileage was 17,846.”
“Stabilitrak warning comes on and car stalls out. Passenger seat belt doesn't clip person in correctly.”
Brakes Problems:
“Since I purchased this car I have been afraid of the brakes failing. From the beginning I felt that the brakes didn’t engage right. When I take it in for an oil change, I always get the courtesy multi point vehicle inspection and recently I had them adjust the brakes because they are too soft for me. The folks at John Mills Chevy Buick GMC in Conyers adjusted the brakes at no charge. In the meantime, I will be bringing it back to replace the brakes all the way around. Before taking it to John Mills, I too was afraid of getting into an accident because the brakes didn’t engage properly. I’m still aware of possibility of brake failure but I limit the usage of this car. In fact I stopped riding with my grandkids in the vehicle.”
“The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she depressed the brake pedal but it failed to stop the vehicle, causing her to rear-end a truck. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a collision center and had the front bumper repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.”
“This took place on private property in the parking lot of a commercial building. The vehicle was in motion going forward. It was decelerating head-in into a parking spot. The braking action was engaged. The vehicle had slowed to about 5 mph. My right foot was on the brake pedal and the braking was engaged. I then heard the sound of the engine revving at a very high rate. There was a high whining sound. I lost braking as my right foot depressed the pedal all the way to the floor. The car suddenly accelerated forward at an increased speed. It jumped the sidewalk curb, crossed the concrete sidewalk, and slammed into a cinder block wall column on the side of a building. The vehicle felt like it experienced sudden unintended acceleration.”
“When it rains most if the time the vehicle onstar sets off alerts for my antilock brakes and stability to be checked. Dealer said it is normal and not concerning but checked at the 1 year inspection for me. Npf. A month later a rainy day, alerts, and the vehicle wouldn't start. All the lights came on, 'press brake to start' appeared but pressing break did not start it. After an hour of trying various 'tricks' it started with the remote starter. A week later same thing. Rain, alerts, and no start. This time 2 hours of trying various tricks- (emergency break on off/ park pushed all the way up, wheels forward, remote start attempts, onstar diagnostics etc) I had to have it towed. The mechanic from aaa tried and nothing, we towed an hour back to dealership and he tried once more, nothing. Next morning the dealership reported npf. I am picking it up tomorrow but expect to report this happening again soon.”
Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com
California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist
The California Lemon Law serves as a crucial protection for consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles afflicted by defects, including the 2018 Buick Encore. If you're grappling with ongoing issues that haven't been effectively addressed despite reasonable repair attempts, or if your vehicle has been inoperative for an extended period due to repairs, you might have strong grounds for a Lemon Law case.
Valero Law, a trusted Lemon Law attorney firm in Los Angeles, specializes in supporting individuals facing challenges like those encountered with the 2018 Buick Encore. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies within Lemon Law cases, we can guide you through the legal process. Whether it entails negotiating with the manufacturer for a buyback or replacement, or pursuing a legal claim to uphold your rights, Valero Law is committed to fighting for your interests. If the ongoing problems with your Buick Encore are affecting your driving experience, it's advisable to consider seeking the expertise of Valero Law to explore your options and pursue resolution through the California Lemon Law.