Buick Encore Years to Avoid Canada: A Complete Used-Buyer Guide

The Buick Encore has become a familiar sight on Canadian roads. It is small enough to squeeze into crowded downtown parking spaces, tall enough to provide the crossover driving position many people enjoy, and refined enough to feel more upscale than a basic economy vehicle.

On paper, that combination sounds ideal. However, shopping for a used Encore is not as simple as finding the lowest price and signing the paperwork. Some model years have stronger reliability records than others, and maintenance history can dramatically change whether an Encore becomes a comfortable everyday companion or a stubborn source of repair bills.

So, which Buick Encore years should we avoid in Canada?

The earliest models—particularly 2013, 2014, and 2015—deserve the most caution. They are not universally bad, but they carry a greater risk of turbocharger, cooling-system, electrical, battery, and engine-related problems. Certain 2016 models also require careful inspection, while later examples generally benefit from incremental improvements.

The original Encore was sold through the 2022 model year before leaving production. Buick Canada now classifies it as a discontinued vehicle, although used and Certified Pre-Owned examples remain available. It should not be confused with the newer Encore GX, which is a different vehicle.

Let us sort through the model years, common faults, Canadian ownership concerns, and inspection steps that matter most.

Quick Answer: Which Buick Encore Years Should You Avoid?

Canadian used-vehicle shoppers should approach the following Buick Encore years cautiously:

• 2013 Buick Encore: First-year weaknesses, numerous owner complaints, electrical faults, cooling problems, and possible turbo issues.
• 2014 Buick Encore: Battery drain, electronics, engine hesitation, coolant leaks, and turbocharger concerns.
• 2015 Buick Encore: Engine, cooling, exhaust, electrical-accessory, and climate-system trouble spots.
• 2016 Buick Encore: Improved in some respects, but still vulnerable to turbo, cooling, and PCV-related problems.
• Poorly maintained examples from any year: Missing oil changes can be more important than the badge on the trunk.

For buyers who want the simplest rule, 2013–2015 are the main Buick Encore years to avoid in Canada unless the vehicle has excellent records, passes a professional inspection, and is priced low enough to justify the additional risk.

Consumer Reports has described the 2013 model as less reliable than other vehicles from the same year, while its reliability information for the 2015 Encore identifies potential trouble areas involving the engine, cooling system, exhaust, drive system, electrical accessories, climate system, noises, and leaks.

Understanding the Buick Encore Sold in Canada

The original Buick Encore arrived for the 2013 model year. It shared much of its basic engineering with the Chevrolet Trax and the international Opel/Vauxhall Mokka.

Most Canadian Encores used a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations were available, depending on the year and trim.

That small turbocharged engine helped the Encore deliver reasonable fuel consumption while maintaining compact exterior dimensions. Unfortunately, turbocharging also added complexity. More heat, more hoses, more seals, more pressure, and more components mean more places where age and neglected maintenance can cause trouble.

The Encore received a styling and interior update for 2017. It remained on sale alongside the newer Encore GX for a period before the original model was discontinued after 2022.

The Encore and Encore GX Are Not the Same

This distinction matters when searching Canadian listings.

The Buick Encore discussed in this guide is the small crossover sold from the 2013 through 2022 model years. The Buick Encore GX, introduced later, is a separate and larger model with different engines, technology, dimensions, and potential reliability concerns.

A seller may casually advertise an Encore GX as an Encore, so confirm the exact model using the registration, VIN, photographs, and specification sheet.

Why Early Buick Encore Models Create More Concern

First-year vehicles often act like public test laboratories. Engineers may conduct thousands of development kilometres, but real owners expose vehicles to conditions that controlled testing cannot fully reproduce.

Canada makes that challenge even tougher. An Encore in Alberta may experience severe cold starts. One in Ontario may face road salt and stop-and-go traffic. A coastal vehicle may encounter moisture, while a rural vehicle may absorb rough roads and longer high-speed journeys.

Early Encores combined several risk factors:

• A relatively new platform
• A small turbocharged engine working hard
• Numerous electronic convenience features
• Complicated crankcase ventilation components
• Aging coolant hoses and plastic fittings
• All-wheel-drive hardware on equipped models
• Harsh Canadian weather

None of those factors guarantees failure. Together, however, they create a thinner margin for neglect.

2013 Buick Encore: The First Year to Approach Carefully

The 2013 Encore is usually the first year we recommend treating with caution. It may be attractively priced, but low purchase cost can disguise high ownership risk.

As the introductory model year, the 2013 Encore had less time for manufacturing refinements and real-world corrections. Reported trouble areas have included engine performance, loss of power, cooling-system faults, electrical problems, warning lights, and turbo-related symptoms.

Consumer Reports has characterized the 2013 Encore as less reliable than other vehicles from the same model year.

Common Concerns on the 2013 Encore

A used 2013 Encore may exhibit:

• Check-engine lights
• Rough idle
• Reduced engine power
• Oil leaks
• Coolant loss
• Turbocharger noise
• Weak acceleration
• Battery or charging problems
• Infotainment glitches
• Air-conditioning faults
• Suspension knocks
• AWD warning messages

The vehicle may drive normally during a short dealership test. That does not prove it is healthy. Turbo and cooling problems can hide when the engine is cold, while electrical problems may appear intermittently.

Should We Completely Reject a 2013 Encore?

Not automatically. A one-owner example with complete service records, recent cooling-system repairs, a healthy turbocharger, no stored diagnostic codes, and a clean inspection could still provide useful transportation.

However, the price must reflect the risk. Paying nearly the same amount as a later, better-documented model rarely makes sense.

2014 Buick Encore: Electrical and Battery Complaints Matter

The 2014 Encore is another year frequently included on avoidance lists. It may suffer from many of the same age-related engine and cooling issues as the 2013 model, while owner discussions have also highlighted battery drain and electrical behaviour.

A weak battery in a modern vehicle is not always a simple inconvenience. Low voltage can trigger warning messages, communication codes, sensor faults, and strange infotainment behaviour. The dashboard can light up like a Christmas tree even when one tired battery sits at the centre of the drama.

Potential 2014 Encore Trouble Areas

Watch for:

• A battery that repeatedly goes flat
• Slow cranking in cold weather
• Intermittent dashboard warnings
• Radio or display malfunctions
• Engine hesitation
• Turbocharger underboost codes
• Coolant leaks
• Rough idle
• PCV-system faults
• Oil consumption
• Air-conditioning problems

Some reliability summaries specifically identify rapid battery drain and miscellaneous electrical issues among complaints associated with early 2013–2015 Encores.

Cold Weather Can Expose a Weak 2014 Encore

Canadian winter is an unforgiving mechanic. Engine oil thickens, battery output falls, rubber seals contract, and marginal electrical connections become more obvious.

When inspecting a 2014 Encore, arrange a true cold start. A seller who warms the vehicle before every viewing may be hiding difficult starting, smoke, rattling, rough idle, or warning lights.

2015 Buick Encore: Better, but Still a Riskier Choice

By 2015, Buick had gained additional experience with the Encore. Nevertheless, this year still deserves caution because potential trouble areas remained spread across several major systems.

Consumer Reports’ reliability information for the 2015 model identifies trouble spots involving the climate system, engine cooling, exhaust, major and minor engine components, drive system, electrical accessories, noises, and leaks.

That does not mean every 2015 Encore will fail. It means we should not buy one casually.

What to Inspect on a 2015 Encore

Pay particular attention to:

1. Turbo boost and acceleration
2. Coolant level and leak evidence
3. Oil condition and service intervals
4. Rough idle or whistling noises
5. Check-engine history
6. Air-conditioning performance
7. Transmission shift quality
8. AWD engagement and warning lights
9. Battery age
10. Undercarriage corrosion

A clean exterior and detailed interior can create an excellent first impression. Yet reliability lives beneath the surface. A polished dashboard cannot repair a neglected turbo oil feed line.

2016 Buick Encore: A Borderline Year

The 2016 model is more difficult to categorize. It is not necessarily one of the worst Buick Encore years, but it remains close enough to the early production period that we would not buy one without a detailed inspection.

Certain 2016 trims introduced a more powerful version of the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine. Equipment and engine availability may vary, so buyers should verify the exact powertrain fitted to the vehicle rather than relying only on the advertisement.

Why a 2016 Encore May Still Be Worth Considering

A well-maintained 2016 can offer:

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• A lower price than refreshed 2017 models
• Familiar mechanical components
• Comfortable seating
• Useful urban dimensions
• Available all-wheel drive
• A quieter cabin than many economy crossovers

The key phrase is well maintained.

By 2026, a 2016 vehicle is roughly a decade old. At that age, maintenance history, mileage, climate exposure, accident repairs, and previous ownership matter at least as much as the original reliability ranking.

Why 2017 Is Often Seen as a Turning Point

The Encore received a meaningful refresh for 2017, including revised exterior styling, an updated dashboard, a new gauge display, and a redesigned infotainment arrangement.

A facelift does not magically redesign every mechanical component. Still, refreshed vehicles often benefit from years of production experience, revised parts, supplier changes, updated software, and improved assembly procedures.

For this reason, many used shoppers begin their search with the 2017 model year or newer.

Are 2017–2022 Encores Perfect?

No used vehicle is perfect, especially one with a small turbocharged engine. Later Encores may still experience:

• Turbocharger wear
• PCV-system problems
• Coolant leaks
• Ignition-coil or spark-plug faults
• Sensor failures
• Automatic-transmission hesitation
• Infotainment glitches
• Wheel-bearing noise
• Suspension wear
• AWD-system maintenance needs

The difference is one of probability, not invincibility. Later models are generally the safer hunting ground, but every individual vehicle must prove itself.

Best Buick Encore Years to Consider in Canada

When condition, price, mileage, and maintenance records are comparable, we would generally prioritize:

2017–2019 Buick Encore

These years combine the refreshed design with relatively broad availability on the Canadian used market. They are old enough to be affordable but new enough to avoid some of the earliest production concerns.

A 2017–2019 model can be a reasonable choice when:

• Oil changes were completed consistently
• The coolant level remains stable
• The engine produces smooth boost
• There are no active or pending codes
• The transmission shifts cleanly
• Recall work is complete
• Rust is limited
• The AWD system has been serviced properly

2020–2022 Buick Encore

Later examples may have lower mileage and a more recent service history, although the original Encore’s trim range became more limited as Buick shifted attention toward the Encore GX.

These years can be attractive for drivers who want the mature version of the platform. However, their asking prices sometimes overlap with newer competitors or used Encore GX models. We should compare total value rather than assuming the newest original Encore is automatically the best purchase.

The Most Common Buick Encore Problems

Understanding recurring failure patterns is more useful than memorizing a list of model years. A properly repaired early Encore may be safer than a neglected later one.

Turbocharger Wear or Failure

The turbocharger is one of the most important components to inspect.

Possible warning signs include:

• Sluggish acceleration
• Whining or siren-like noises
• Blue or grey exhaust smoke
• Reduced-power mode
• Check-engine light
• Underboost codes
• Excessive oil consumption
• Oil around turbo plumbing

Turbochargers depend on clean oil, proper lubrication, and controlled heat. Long oil-change intervals, low oil levels, incorrect oil, or repeated hard driving before the engine warms can shorten turbo life.

A replacement can be expensive once parts, labour, seals, oil lines, and related repairs are included.

PCV and Valve-Cover Problems

The positive crankcase ventilation system manages pressure and vapours inside the engine. On small turbocharged engines, a PCV fault may create a rough idle, whistling noise, oil leaks, abnormal fuel trims, or a check-engine light.

Sometimes the repair involves more than replacing a tiny valve. Depending on the failure and engine configuration, additional intake or valve-cover components may require attention.

A loud whistle from the engine bay should not be dismissed as a charming turbo sound.

Cooling-System Leaks

Coolant leaks deserve immediate attention because overheating can transform a manageable hose repair into major engine damage.

Inspect:

• The coolant reservoir
• Hose connections
• Thermostat housing
• Water-pump area
• Radiator edges
• Ground beneath the vehicle
• Dried orange or white residue
• Sweet smells after driving

Never assume a low coolant reservoir simply needs topping up. Coolant does not disappear without a reason.

Electrical and Battery Issues

Early Encores have been associated with battery drain, weak starting, warning lights, and electrical-accessory trouble.

In Canada, ask:

• How old is the battery?
• Has the alternator been tested?
• Does remote start function?
• Do heated seats work?
• Does the infotainment system restart?
• Are warning lights stored in history?
• Does the vehicle start after sitting overnight?
• Has aftermarket wiring been installed?

Poorly fitted remote starters, dash cameras, stereos, or alarm systems can create additional parasitic drain.

Engine Hesitation and Loss of Power

Loss of power can result from several causes, including turbo faults, ignition problems, boost leaks, sensors, fuel-delivery issues, or PCV-system failures.

During the test drive, accelerate up a hill and merge onto a faster road where safe. The engine should build power smoothly. Hesitation, shuddering, surging, or reduced-power messages are strong reasons to stop the purchase process until the vehicle is diagnosed.

Automatic-Transmission Behaviour

The six-speed automatic should not slam into gear, flare between shifts, or hesitate excessively when selecting Drive or Reverse.

Some hesitation may be difficult to distinguish from turbo lag, which is why a professional road test matters.

Check the transmission when:

• Cold
• Fully warmed
• Driving slowly
• Accelerating firmly
• Reversing
• Climbing a hill
• Coming to a complete stop

A ten-minute spin around a dealership block is not enough.

AWD-System Concerns

All-wheel drive can be helpful in snow, but it adds weight, cost, and mechanical complexity.

Inspect AWD models for:

• Rear differential noise
• Vibration
• Warning messages
• Leaks
• Mismatched tires
• Uneven tire wear
• Binding during tight turns

All four tires should be the same size and preferably the same model with similar tread depth. Large differences in rolling circumference can place unnecessary stress on an AWD system.

Canadian Conditions That Affect Encore Reliability

A Buick Encore in Canada lives a different life from one driven year-round in a mild, dry climate.

Road Salt and Corrosion

Inspect the subframe, brake lines, suspension mounts, exhaust system, fasteners, rocker areas, and lower body seams.

Surface rust is common. Heavy scaling, perforation, swelling seams, weakened mounting points, or badly corroded brake components are more serious.

An Ontario or Quebec vehicle may require a more careful rust inspection than a comparable vehicle from a milder, less salt-intensive region.

Cold Starts and Short Trips

Repeated short trips can be hard on a turbocharged engine. The oil may not reach full operating temperature, moisture can accumulate, and the battery may not recover the energy used during starting.

An urban Encore driven five kilometres at a time may have lower mileage than a highway vehicle yet experience more demanding operating cycles.

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Winter Tires and AWD Misconceptions

AWD helps the vehicle accelerate, but it does not shorten braking distances on ice. Proper winter tires remain one of the most important Canadian safety upgrades.

Do not pay a large premium for AWD while accepting worn all-season tires. Good winter rubber on a front-wheel-drive Encore may provide a more reassuring winter experience than poor tires on an AWD version.

How to Inspect a Used Buick Encore Before Buying

A disciplined inspection can save thousands of dollars.

Step 1: Check the VIN and Recall Status

Transport Canada recommends that consumers remain informed about recalls and verify whether a used vehicle is affected before buying it. Recall applicability is VIN-specific, so a general model-year list is not enough.

Ask for proof that outstanding recall work has been completed. A dealership should be able to confirm campaigns using the VIN.

Step 2: Request Maintenance Records

Look for evidence of:

• Regular oil and filter changes
• Correct oil specification
• Cooling-system repairs
• Spark-plug replacement
• Brake servicing
• Battery replacement
• Transmission service where applicable
• AWD-fluid service
• Turbo or PCV repairs
• Recall completion

Handwritten notes are better than nothing, but detailed invoices are far more useful.

Step 3: Demand a Cold Start

Tell the seller not to start the vehicle before your arrival.

On startup, watch for:

• Blue smoke
• White smoke after warm-up
• Rattling
• Loud ticking
• Whistling
• Rough idle
• Delayed cranking
• Warning lights that remain illuminated

Confirm that the check-engine light illuminates briefly when the ignition is switched on and then goes out. A warning light that never appears may have been disabled.

Step 4: Scan for Diagnostic Codes

A code scanner can reveal active, pending, and sometimes historical faults. Pending codes matter because a seller may have recently cleared the check-engine light.

Readiness monitors that show “not ready” may indicate that the battery was disconnected or codes were cleared shortly before the viewing.

Step 5: Arrange an Independent Inspection

Use a mechanic who does not work for the seller.

Request inspection of:

• Turbocharger operation
• Boost leaks
• PCV function
• Cooling-system pressure
• Oil leaks
• Transmission behaviour
• Suspension
• Wheel bearings
• Brakes
• AWD components
• Rust
• Accident repairs
• Electronic modules

The inspection cost is small compared with a major engine or turbo repair.

Red Flags That Should End the Deal

Walk away when the seller:

• Refuses an independent inspection
• Will not provide the VIN
• Has no maintenance history
• Says warning lights are “just sensors”
• Recently cleared diagnostic codes
• Uses thick oil or additives to hide noise
• Claims coolant loss is normal
• Cannot explain repeated battery replacements
• Has mismatched tires on an AWD model
• Pressures you to buy immediately
• Offers a price that seems impossibly low

A bargain that requires blind faith is not a bargain. It is a lottery ticket with heated seats.

Is a High-Mileage Buick Encore Worth Buying?

A high-mileage Encore can make sense when highway use, maintenance documentation, and condition are excellent.

We would rather buy a 170,000-kilometre Encore with complete oil-change records, stable coolant, recent preventive work, and one careful owner than a 90,000-kilometre vehicle with missing history and signs of neglect.

Still, the purchase price should leave room for age-related repairs. Components such as wheel bearings, suspension parts, hoses, batteries, seals, sensors, and turbo hardware do not last forever.

How Much Should Maintenance History Influence the Decision?

Enormously.

Model-year advice is a filter, not a verdict. Two identical 2015 Encores can have completely different futures.

Vehicle A received timely synthetic-oil changes, annual inspections, rust protection, and immediate repairs.

Vehicle B missed services, ran low on coolant, used cheap mismatched tires, and spent years making short trips.

They share a model year, but they do not share the same risk.

Should We Buy an Early Encore With a Replaced Turbo?

A replaced turbo can be positive, but only when the repair was performed correctly and the underlying cause was addressed.

Ask:

• Who completed the repair?
• Was a new or remanufactured turbo installed?
• Were oil-feed and return lines inspected?
• Was contaminated oil removed?
• Were related seals replaced?
• Why did the original turbo fail?
• Is there a written warranty?
• Are invoices available?

A new turbo bolted onto a neglected engine may be a temporary bandage.

Buick Encore Versus Other Used Canadian Crossovers

The Encore’s appeal lies in comfort, compact dimensions, easy entry, and a relatively quiet cabin. However, shoppers should compare it with alternatives such as the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Trax, and Mitsubishi RVR.

The Buick may feel more polished than some competitors, but reliability, cargo space, fuel economy, winter performance, and repair costs vary.

Do not buy the Encore merely because it carries a luxury-adjacent badge. Buy it because the individual vehicle passes inspection and fits your needs.

Our Final Verdict on Buick Encore Years to Avoid in Canada

The 2013, 2014, and 2015 Buick Encore are the main years to avoid in Canada, particularly when service records are missing or the vehicle displays signs of turbocharger, cooling-system, electrical, or engine trouble.

The 2016 model is a cautious middle ground. It may be worth considering, but only after a thorough inspection.

The refreshed 2017–2019 models generally provide a better balance of price and maturity, while 2020–2022 examples may appeal to shoppers seeking lower mileage and the newest version of the original Encore.

Yet the model year is only the opening chapter. Maintenance history writes the rest of the story.

Before buying, verify the VIN, check recall completion, scan the computer, insist on a cold start, examine the cooling system, test the turbo under load, inspect for rust, and pay for an independent pre-purchase inspection.

The Encore can be a comfortable and practical Canadian city crossover. We simply need to choose one with open eyes rather than rose-coloured glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the worst Buick Encore years in Canada?

The 2013, 2014, and 2015 models deserve the most caution. These early years have been associated with engine, turbocharger, cooling, electrical, battery, and accessory problems. Individual condition remains important, so a professionally inspected example with excellent records may still be usable.

2. Is the 2016 Buick Encore a bad year?

The 2016 Encore is not necessarily a bad vehicle, but it remains a borderline year. It can still experience turbo, PCV, cooling-system, and electrical issues. Buy one only when its maintenance history is complete and an independent mechanic finds no significant problems.

3. What is the best used Buick Encore year to buy?

The 2017–2019 model years often offer a strong balance of price, availability, updated styling, and production maturity. The 2020–2022 models are newer, but their prices should be compared with newer competitors and the Encore GX.

4. How long can a Buick Encore last in Canada?

A properly maintained Encore may exceed 200,000 kilometres, but longevity depends heavily on oil changes, cooling-system care, turbocharger health, driving habits, corrosion exposure, and timely repairs. There is no guaranteed lifespan.

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5. Is an AWD Buick Encore better for Canadian winters?

AWD can improve acceleration on slippery surfaces, but winter tires are more important for braking and cornering. AWD also adds mechanical complexity. A front-wheel-drive Encore with high-quality winter tires may be preferable to an AWD model with worn all-season tires.