The 2013 Buick Encore shares the GM Gamma II platform with the Chevy Trax, powered exclusively by a 1.4L turbo paired with a 6-speed automatic. Early examples suffer from catastrophic turbo engine failures and transmission cooling issues that can sideline the vehicle unexpectedly.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Loud knocking or ticking from engine block, Metal shavings in oil, milky oil cap residue, Check engine light with misfire codes or low oil pressure warning, Sudden loss of power or catastrophic seizure
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Piston ring land failures and spun bearings are common failure modes on these Ecotec engines, often traced to PCV system issues causing carbon buildup and oil starvation. Short block replacement takes 18-24 labor hours; used engines from salvage yards are common but risky given fleet-wide issues.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks and Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle (red or brown fluid), Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh or delayed shifting, especially when cold, Transmission overheating warning on dash, Coolant contamination with ATF (strawberry milkshake in overflow tank)
Fix: The external cooler lines corrode and leak, but worse is when the internal radiator cooler fails, mixing coolant and ATF. Requires transmission oil cooler replacement, lines, flush, and often transmission rebuild if coolant contamination occurred. Line replacement alone is 2-3 hours; full contamination repair 8-12 hours with transmission R&R.
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, especially with AC on, Visible engine movement when revving in Park, Thud felt through floorboard during acceleration
Fix: The upper torque strut mount (dogbone mount) and side transmission mount wear prematurely. Rubber separates from metal, allowing excessive engine movement. Requires lifting engine slightly for access. 2-3 labor hours for both mounts.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay on cold start (first 30 seconds), Loss of boost pressure, sluggish acceleration, Check engine light with underboost codes (P0299), Whistling or whooshing sounds under acceleration, Blue smoke from exhaust (if seals fail)
Fix: Wastegate actuator rod wears and rattles; eventually wastegate sticks open causing underboost. Turbo replacement required in most cases, though some shops attempt actuator replacement. Turbo R&R requires removing exhaust manifold and various heat shields. 6-8 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
PCV System Carbon Buildup and Intake Valve Coking
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and misfires when cold, Reduced fuel economy (3-5 mpg drop), Hesitation or stumble during light acceleration, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Excessive oil consumption begins suddenly
Fix: Direct-injection engines with no port injection suffer intake valve carbon buildup. PCV valve and hoses fail, worsening oil consumption. Requires walnut blasting intake valves (head stays on, intake manifold removed) and PCV system overhaul. 5-7 labor hours for proper cleaning.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Coolant Outlet/Thermostat Housing Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant seepage around thermostat housing (front of engine), Low coolant warning light, Sweet smell from engine bay, Overheating in severe cases, Visible orange coolant residue on engine block
Fix: Plastic thermostat housing and coolant outlet crack or warp. Requires replacement with updated metal parts if available. Housing is buried under intake components. 3-4 labor hours including coolant system flush and bleed.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Fuel System (EVAP/Purge Valve) and Fuel Pump Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with EVAP large leak code (P0455), Difficulty filling fuel tank (pump clicks off repeatedly), Rough idle after refueling, Hard starting or long crank times, especially when hot, Fuel smell near rear of vehicle
Fix: Purge valve and vent valve fail commonly; fuel pump experiences reduced pressure over time. EVAP repairs take 1-2 hours; fuel pump requires dropping tank, 3-4 hours labor.
Check oil level every 500 miles religiously—turbo engines mask consumption until catastrophic failure
Use only Dexos1-approved full synthetic oil, change at 5,000 mi regardless of oil life monitor
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for corrosion, especially in salt states
Walnut blast intake valves every 60k mi to prevent misfires and oil consumption cascade
Budget $1,500/year for unexpected repairs after 70,000 miles—engine and trans issues cluster
Hard pass unless under $5,000 with documented engine replacement—too many catastrophic drivetrain failures for daily-driver reliability.
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.
Fitment notes: H6 group also compatible; battery located in engine compartment
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Every control module on the 2013-2017 Buick Encore — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Mileage programming required; VIN and option configuration needed
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, behind headlamp assemblies (driver or passenger side depending on function)
🔧 Scan tool configuration
⚠️ Auto-leveling calibration if equipped; basic function usually plug-and-play
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVC)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Integrated into rear liftgate handle assembly
⚠️ Plug-and-play replacement; calibration lines displayed by radio module
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. 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 and Rollaway Prevention."
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · 14V488000
2014-08-08
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to March 1, 2013, and model year 2013 Cadillac ATS vehicles manufactured April 23, 2012, to May 1, 2013. 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 began on November 20, 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 14171.
SEATS · 14V446000
2014-07-23
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. 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.
Consequence: A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14340.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · 14V417000
2014-07-02
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Consequence: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
AIR BAGS · 14V298000
2014-06-06
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured April 10, 2013, to May 8, 2013, and Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured December 30, 2012, to March 1, 2013. In the affected vehicles, an improper weld on the passenger side front air bag inflator may result in the air bag not deploying.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14211.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · 13V105000
2013-03-28
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2013 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured between December 9, 2012 and December 28, 2012, and equipped with a heated steering wheel. 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.
Consequence: If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13098.
Performance
Horsepower
138hp
Torque
148lb-ft
0–60 mph
9.5sec
Quarter mile
17.2sec
Top speed
115mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
25mpg
Highway
33mpg
Combined
28mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,000lb
Payload
900lb
Curb weight
3,340lb
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
First generation (2013-2022). Standard hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Buick Encore 1.4L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.