2015 Buick Encore: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Highest-complaint Encore year: electric power-steering failures, incline brake-hold/rollaway reports and the recurring 1.4L turbo and cooling issues all cluster here. Pleasant to drive but the least trouble-free year, inspect steering, brakes and turbo. 6 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2015 Buick Encore ranged from $24,065 to $29,435 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Mixed track record

Sources (5)

carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/buick-encore-reliability-and-common-problems/
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/buick-encore-years-to-avoid/
pauletteauto.comhttps://www.pauletteauto.com/buick-encore-years-to-avoid/
samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/buick-encore.html
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/encore

Known issues

1.4L turbocharger failure and reduced engine power: the worst years for this defect, owners report sudden loss of power, underboost (P0299), check-engine lights and turbo replacement, often around 90,000 miles.

commonly reported · 80 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–100k miles · engine
Electric power-steering failure: a "Service Power Steering" warning with sudden loss of steering assist, sometimes intermittent or worse when cold; clusters heavily in 2015.

occasional · 27 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–90k miles · steering
Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; confirm the inflator was replaced under the GM recall.

occasional · 26 NHTSA complaints · other
Electrical/battery problems: parasitic battery drain and repeated dead-battery reports, most notable on the 2014 model year.

occasional · 51 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Engine cooling-system failures: plastic coolant lines and parts crack and leak, causing overheating; most common on these early model years.

commonly reported · 30 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–95k miles · engine
Brake and incline-rollaway reports: the vehicle can roll backward on an incline with the brake applied (transmission slipping out of gear), plus abnormal brake noise and reduced stopping feel; concentrated in 2015.

occasional · 21 NHTSA complaints · brake

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=buick&model=encore&…
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/buick-encore-reliability-and-common-problems/
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/buick-encore-years-to-avoid/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Quiet, near-luxury-feel cabin at a subcompact price
Compact, maneuverable and easy to park, with a high seating position
Comfortable ride and a premium badge for the money, with available all-wheel drive

Cons

Weak 1.4L turbo acceleration that feels slow when loaded or merging
Limited cargo space and only mediocre real-world fuel economy for a small SUV
Turbocharger, PCV and cooling-system reliability concerns that grow as the car ages
Dated, sometimes laggy early IntelliLink infotainment

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
Base	$24,065	discontinued	—	—
Convenience	$26,155	discontinued	—	—
Leather	$27,950	discontinued	—	—
Premium	$29,435	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2015-buick-encore-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $450–500/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/buick/encore
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/38950

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2015 Buick Encore have?

Documented issue patterns include: 1.4L turbocharger failure and reduced engine power: the worst years for this defect, owners report sudden loss of power, underboost (P0299), check-engine lights and turbo replacement, often around 90,000 miles; Electric power-steering failure: a "Service Power Steering" warning with sudden loss of steering assist, sometimes intermittent or worse when cold; clusters heavily in 2015; Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these years; confirm the inflator was replaced under the GM recall; Electrical/battery problems: parasitic battery drain and repeated dead-battery reports, most notable on the 2014 model year. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2015 Buick Encore reliable?

How much did the 2015 Buick Encore cost new?

Between $24,065 and $29,435 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Buick Encore expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.