The 2017 Buick Encore shares GM's small-SUV platform with the Chevy Trax, powered exclusively by a 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine mated to a 6-speed automatic. While reasonably reliable in the short term, this drivetrain has documented longevity issues—particularly catastrophic engine failures and transmission cooling problems that plague these units when mileage climbs.
Catastrophic 1.4L Turbo Engine Failure (Piston/Ring/Bearing)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1000 mi) before failure, Metallic knocking or ticking from lower engine, White/blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration, Check engine light with misfire codes or low oil pressure warning, Sudden loss of power and catastrophic noise—spun bearing or cracked piston
Fix: This is a known defect in GM's 1.4T Ecotec family. Oil consumption typically precedes failure by 10,000-30,000 miles. Once knocking begins, you're looking at complete engine replacement or rebuild—pistons, rings, bearings, often crankshaft machining. Rebuild takes 18-24 labor hours; most shops recommend a reman long-block swap at 16-20 hours labor. No affordable bandaid exists.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks and Cooler Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle (bright red fluid), Delayed or harsh shifting when cold, Transmission overheat warning on dash, Burnt smell from undercarriage after highway driving
Fix: The external transmission oil cooler and its rubber lines corrode or crack, leaking ATF and risking transmission overheat damage. Replacement involves dropping the cooler assembly, flushing lines, and refilling with Dexron VI. If caught early (just lines), 2-3 hours labor. If the cooler itself is compromised or transmission is damaged from running hot, add transmission service or rebuild time.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine movement visible from driver seat during acceleration, Vibration through cabin at idle, especially with A/C on, Driveline lurch during hard braking
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount (also supports engine torque) deteriorates and leaks fluid, letting the drivetrain rock excessively. Replacement is straightforward—support the engine, unbolt old mount, install new OE or aftermarket unit. 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on access and whether you're doing engine mounts at the same time.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Boost Control Issues
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay on cold start or light throttle (sounds like marbles), Check engine light with P0299 (underboost) or P0234 (overboost), Loss of power on acceleration—feels flat or hesitant, Turbo whine louder than normal or grinding noise under boost
Fix: The wastegate actuator arm wears or the internal wastegate flapper rattles loose, causing poor boost control and eventually turbo damage. If caught early, sometimes the actuator can be replaced separately (4-5 hours labor), but typically the entire turbo needs replacement due to shaft play or bearing wear. Turbo R&R on this engine requires removing the exhaust manifold and coolant lines—plan on 6-8 hours labor plus the turbo core.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
PCV System and Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle or intermittent misfire codes (P0300-P0304), Hesitation or stumble on light acceleration from stop, Oil consumption increase (though not as severe as piston/ring failure), Check engine light with lean or rich mixture codes
Fix: Direct-injection engines like this 1.4T don't wash intake valves with fuel, so carbon accumulates over time. The PCV valve and hoses also clog, increasing crankcase pressure and oil consumption. Proper fix is walnut-blast intake valve cleaning (requires intake manifold removal, 4-5 hours labor) plus PCV valve/hose replacement (add 1 hour). Some shops try intake cleaner sprays first, but results are temporary.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Timing Belt Solenoid and VVT Issues
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021 (VVT solenoid/actuator codes), Rough idle and poor fuel economy, Rattling noise from timing cover area on startup (cam phaser rattle), Reduced power and sluggish throttle response
Fix: The variable valve timing solenoids (intake and exhaust cam phasers) fail or the cam actuators wear internally. Solenoid replacement is relatively easy (2-3 hours labor), but if the phaser itself is damaged, you're looking at timing cover removal and potentially chain replacement while you're in there (8-10 hours labor total). Always change engine oil and use correct 5W-30 Dexos spec—dirty oil accelerates this failure.
Estimated cost: $600-1,800
I'd pass unless it's very low mileage with immaculate service records—the 1.4T engine's failure rate and the transmission cooling issues make this a gamble after 80,000 miles, and repair costs often exceed the vehicle's value.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.