2021 BUICK ENCORE

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Low oil warning light comes on between oil changes, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Severe knocking or ticking from engine bay, Check engine light with misfire codes, Complete engine seizure in worst cases

Fix: Root cause is piston ring land collapse and cylinder wall scoring. Once oil consumption starts (>1 qt per 1,000 mi), it accelerates quickly. If caught early, some owners limp along adding oil; once knocking starts, you're looking at short block replacement or full rebuild. Figure 16-22 labor hours for short block swap at an indie shop.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Red ATF puddle under front of vehicle, Transmission running hot or slipping, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Low fluid warning if equipped

Fix: The cooler lines that run to the radiator corrode or crack at the crimped fittings. Not a difficult job—drop the splash shield, replace lines and top off fluid—but if you run it low, you can cook the transmission. About 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine movement visible from under hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle in Drive, Transmission side mount separates or tears

Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount on the passenger side is a known weak point. The rubber separates from the metal bracket or the hydraulic fluid leaks out. Replacement is straightforward—support the trans, unbolt old mount, bolt in new one. 1.5-2 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay on cold start that disappears when warm, Check engine light with underboost or overboost codes (P0299, P0234), Loss of power under acceleration, Turbo whistle or excessive whooshing sounds

Fix: The wastegate actuator arm wears or the wastegate flapper itself gets carbon-clogged and sticks. Sometimes you can clean it, but usually the turbo needs replacement. With the manifold integrated into the turbo assembly, it's a 5-7 hour job including coolant and oil system work.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil seeping from valve cover gasket or PCV valve area, Rough idle or check engine light with lean codes, Oil pooling on top of engine or dripping onto exhaust manifold, Whistling or hissing from engine bay

Fix: The PCV valve integrates into the valve cover on these engines and clogs with sludge, causing crankcase pressure that blows out gaskets. Replace the entire valve cover assembly (includes integrated PCV). About 2-3 hours labor, and while you're in there, check the turbo oil feed line for coking.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant puddle under front of engine, Low coolant warning light, Overheating or engine running cooler than normal, Visible green coolant weeping from plastic thermostat housing

Fix: The plastic thermostat housing cracks at the seams or the gasket fails. It's tucked behind the alternator, so access is tight. You'll need to drain coolant, remove the alternator or work around it, replace housing and thermostat, refill and bleed. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $350-600