The 2020 Buick Encore with the 1.4L turbo is a compact crossover sharing GM's global small-car platform. Main concerns center on the turbocharged engine's oiling issues and the 6-speed automatic transmission's cooling circuit—both can be expensive when they fail.
1.4L Turbo Engine Oil Consumption & Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning oil between changes—sometimes 1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse, Blue smoke on cold start or acceleration, Check engine light for misfires (P0300-P0304), Loss of power under boost
Fix: Requires engine teardown to replace piston rings, often pistons themselves, and honing cylinders. Some cases escalate to full short-block replacement if cylinder walls are scored. Expect 18-24 labor hours for rings/pistons, 12-16 for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks & Cooler Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid pooling under vehicle, often front-driver side, Delayed or harsh shifts after cold start, Transmission overheating warning (hot climate or towing), Pink fluid mixing with coolant if internal cooler fails
Fix: Replace cooler lines (quick-connect fittings crack) and/or the cooler itself if integrated into radiator. Flush transmission if contamination suspected. 3-5 hours labor depending on cooler location and line routing.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle & Actuator Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay at idle or light throttle, P0234 (overboost) or P0299 (underboost) codes, Limp mode activation under load, Hissing or whistling during acceleration
Fix: Wastegate actuator rod wears or sticks; sometimes the wastegate flapper itself fails. Turbo replacement is typical (remanufactured unit). 6-8 hours labor—cramped engine bay.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park, Vibration through cabin at idle, Torque steer or steering wheel kick on hard acceleration
Fuel Filter Clogging (If Equipped with External Filter)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Rough idle or stumbling under acceleration, P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low), Stalling in hot weather or after sitting
Fix: Some build dates have an external inline fuel filter that clogs prematurely, especially with ethanol blends. Replace filter; verify fuel pump pressure afterward. 0.5-1 hour labor.
Estimated cost: $150-300
PCV System & Valve Cover Leaks
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil weeping around valve cover perimeter, Oil consumption without visible external leaks (PCV valve stuck), Rough idle or P0171/P0174 lean codes if PCV hose cracks, Oil residue on intake manifold or throttle body
Fix: Replace valve cover gasket and PCV valve assembly integrated into cover. Clean intake tract of oil buildup. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 mi with synthetic (not 7,500 or manufacturer interval) to slow piston ring coking—critical on the 1.4L turbo.
Inspect transmission cooler lines at every service; replace any showing cracks or seepage before they strand you.
Use Top Tier fuel and keep tank above 1/4 to protect high-pressure fuel pump (in-tank) from premature wear.
Check for software updates at dealer—GM issued calibration fixes for transmission shift quality and turbo boost control.
Avoid high-mileage examples or budget hard for engine/trans repairs; if under 50k with service records proving frequent oil changes, it's a reasonable compact crossover gamble.
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: AGM battery recommended for start-stop system; located under hood
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Every control module on the 2018-2022 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; may require security authentication
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, behind headlamp assemblies
🔧 Scan tool configuration
⚠️ Auto-leveling calibration if equipped; LED headlamps on higher trims
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.6 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Under driver or passenger seat, mounted to seat frame
⚠️ Controls power seat and heated seat functions; typically plug-and-play
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Integrated into rear liftgate handle assembly
⚠️ Plug-and-play replacement; dynamic guidelines displayed by infotainment
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 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS · 20V537000
2020-09-03
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.
Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
Performance
Horsepower
155hp
Torque
177lb-ft
0–60 mph
9.1sec
Quarter mile
16.9sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
25mpg
Highway
30mpg
Combined
27mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,000lb
Payload
1,000lb
Curb weight
3,300lb
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
First generation Encore (2013-2022). Standard J-hook attachment on all positions.
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 2020 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.