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2013 Buick Encore

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

Buick Encore
Pictured: 2017 Buick Encore 'Preferred' 1.4L front 6.16.19. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD168.1 in69.7 in65 in100.8 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,254 lb
4dr SUV FWD168.1 in69.7 in65 in100.8 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,047 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Encore1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+22%$2,400320
Encore AWD1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+17%$2,700351
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23 MPG2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Buick Encore (this car)28 MPGNot rated6
2013 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated3
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan23 MPGNot rated3
2013 Kia Sportage25 MPGNot rated3
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser18 MPGNot rated4
2013 Jeep Compass25 MPGNot rated1
2013 Subaru Crosstrek28 MPGNot rated1

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

34Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine16
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Air Bags4
Power Train4
Tires2
Unknown Or Other2
Steering1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/01: 215/02: 115/03: 215/04: 216/05: 116/08: 216/10: 216/12: 117/02: 117/03: 117/04: 217/06: 218/01: 118/02: 218/04: 118/11: 319/03: 119/05: 219/07: 119/09: 121/08: 123/07: 123/12: 115/0115/0416/1017/0318/0118/1119/0723/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Buick Encore buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. 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.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control — 4 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Encore30171.3 inNot rated14
2025 Encore30171.3 inNot rated115
2024 Encore30168.1 inNot rated233
2023 Encore30168.1 inNot rated028
2022 Encore30168.1 in★★★★★142
2021 Encore31168.1 in★★★★★262
2020 Encore31168.1 in★★★★★489
2019 Encore28168.1 in★★★★★288
2018 Encore30168.1 in★★★★★074
2017 Encore30168.1 in★★★★★290
2016 Encore30168.1 in★★★★★280
2015 Encore28168.1 in★★★★★4124

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →