Common Problems with the 2019 Buick Encore

Powertrain, Transmission Issues:

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated while the vehicle was in the park with the engine running, the contact felt a bump from the vehicle and the vehicle began to slowly move forward. The contact depressed on the brake pedal very hard for the vehicle to stop. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times afterward. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the cogwheel in the transmission had failed and the transmission failed to lock in place while parked. The dealer informed the contact that there was no fix for the failure. The contact was informed that the repair part was the same part that was already installed in the vehicle and could cause another failure in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.”

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after several attempts with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle driven and towed to several different dealers however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The engine was replaced however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60. Consumer stated vehicle was in an accident and could not engage the brakes at the time.”

Air Bags Problems:

“I bought a Buick for the safety features. I have never bought a vehicle this expensive. My father who is disabled traveled with me for a weekend. We were struck on the passenger side by someone making a u-turn. He didn’t see me he said. The airbags did not deploy. My car is totaled and no airbags deployed. My neck is in constant pain. Who do I contact?”

“Airbags did not deploy upon auto accident. Impact area was front corner fender on passenger side. Possible gas released into passenger side of cabin smelled 'electrical' and 'smoke' filled passenger footboard area. No loss of coolant from car to explain smoke. Airbag warning light remains on dashboard display. Car was traveling at normal highway speed 30-35mph, brakes applied, then crashed into a turning car in front - turning from passenger to driver direction.”

“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 while driving 55 mph, crashed into the corner panel of an unknown vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The driver frontal and floor air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to the legs and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the body damage was repaired. A police report was filed. There was no fire due to the crash. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who provided case number 9-5265716704 however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 6,000.”

“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.”

Engine Performance:

“On Wednesday June 28th, 2023, I was returning home to Columbus, NC from Charlotte, NC. I was travelling on Hwy. 74 and on the west side of Shelby my 2019 Buick Encore started sputtering and did not have any pick up. I stopped at Friendly Chevrolet in Forest City, NC, just off Hwy. 74 and they tested and said I had a mis-firing engine and should not drive due to safety issues. They could not fix as it is under Buick warranty and they are not a Buick dealer. I slowly drove the 20 miles home and feared it would stop at any time. Fred Anderson Chevrolet, where I purchased the car in 2020, is located in Greer, SC. I am still under full warranty so it was towed there and is still there. This was a very scary situation, as I was in the middle of nowhere. I am an 80 year old female and was very anxious as to what was going on and I still owe $10,000, on the car and fear it may have more major problems before the warranty expires in November 2023. Please advise and help me with this. Thank you, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

“Turbocharger failure at 14300 miles, code P0299. Entering interstate, attempting to reach speeds of 60mph, power was significantly reduced making it difficult to achieve posted interstate speed while merging with faster traffic.”

Brakes Problems:

“10/26/2022 Dealer inspection of vehicle brake system. Owner concerned with pulsing sensation at higher speeds when braking. Dealer discovered 'uneven pad wear on front axle and rear rotors worn and have excessive thickness variation.' Dealer 'recommends front and rear brake job.' Vehicle has 23,600 miles. Brakes are wearing excessively for low mileage. Dealer verbally recommended future inspection of brake system at intervals of 15,000 miles. Vehicle has been owned for 40 months. Outside of warranty by 3 months. Average of 7900 miles driving per year.”

“Brakes locked up while driving no hwy. At speeds over 50 mph. Dealership checked codes found nothing wrong. This happened four times in 8000 miles.”

“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Encore. When the contact depressed the brake pedal, the pedal traveled to the floorboard. The contact had to pump the brake pedal a few times for it to function properly. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to stillwater motors (5900 stillwater blvd N, stillwater, mn 55082, (651) 400-2908) on April 3, 2019 where it was diagnosed that a new vacuum pump needed to be installed; however, the same codes did not appear the following day. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 3,000.”

Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com

California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist

The California Lemon Law offers vital protection for consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles marred by defects, including the 2019 Buick Encore. If you're grappling with persistent issues that haven't been adequately resolved despite reasonable repair attempts, or if your vehicle has been out of service for an extended period due to repairs, you might have a strong case under the Lemon Law.

Valero Law, a respected Lemon Law attorney firm, specializes in assisting individuals navigating challenges like those faced with the 2019 Buick Encore. Equipped with a deep understanding of the intricacies within Lemon Law cases, we can expertly guide you through the legal process. Whether it involves negotiating with the manufacturer for a buyback or replacement, or pursuing a legal claim to protect your rights, Valero Law is committed to advocating for your interests. If the ongoing problems with your Buick Encore are affecting your driving experience, it's wise to consider seeking the expertise of Valero Law to explore your options and pursue resolution through the California Lemon Law.