2013 Buick Encore
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 168.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,047–3,254 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2013 small SUV (23 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints34 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 105 for similar models.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Buick Encore is a small SUV offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,254 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 22% better than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,254 lb | |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 168.1 in | 69.7 in | 65 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,047 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +22% | $2,400 | 320 |
| Encore AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +17% | $2,700 | 351 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Buick Encore.
Similar 2013 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Buick Encore (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Kia Sportage | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Subaru Crosstrek | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (6)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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 · Aug 8, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V488000 · 48,114 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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 · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V446000 · 124,007 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- 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 · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · 2,990 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
- Fix
- 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 · Jun 6, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V298000 · 61 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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 · Mar 28, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V105000 · 144 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the steering wheel separates from the steering column while driving, the ability to steer could be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2013 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Buick Encore buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 4 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Buick Encore. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Encore years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2025 Encore | 30 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2024 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2023 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 28 |
| 2022 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 42 |
| 2021 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 62 |
| 2020 Encore | 31 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 89 |
| 2019 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 88 |
| 2018 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 74 |
| 2017 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 90 |
| 2016 Encore | 30 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 80 |
| 2015 Encore | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 124 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →