2013 Buick Encore: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Buick Encore: 6 recalls, 52 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #13V105000 · 2013 · 144 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V298000 · 2014 · 61 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator May result in the air bag not deploying.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014.
Equipment Vehicle recall #14V417000 · 2014 · 2,990 vehicles
What's wrong: In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Why it matters: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
The fix: 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #14V446000 · 2014 · 124,007 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #14V488000 · 2014 · 48,114 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #16V502000 · 2016 · 8,367 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the key is removed without the transmission in park, the vehicle May rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (21): the most common themes are warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (5).
- Electrical (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (7): the most common themes are warning light on (2), hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Speed control / throttle (6): the most common themes are warning light on (4).
The 2013 Buick Encore has 52 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 10 Encore model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 60). Complaints peaked in 2014 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 21,693 miles. Neighboring years: 2014 (60 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Buick Encore.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Buick Encore have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Buick Encore. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Buick Encore problems?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (21), electrical (8), transmission & drivetrain (7).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Buick Encore get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Buick Encore repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.