Makes›Buick›Encore›2014

2014 Buick Encore

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 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
3,190–3,309 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2014 small SUV (23.1 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 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 3,309 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 21% better than the 2014 small SUV average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2014

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Encore →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD168.1 in69.7 in65 in100.8 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,309 lb60/40
4dr SUV FWD168.1 in69.7 in65 in100.8 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,190 lb60/40

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+21%$2,400320
Encore AWD1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+15%$2,700351
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.1 MPG2014 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2014 Buick Encore SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2014 Buick Encore SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★19.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2014 Buick Encore SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2014 Buick Encore SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2014 Buick Encore SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2014 Buick Encore SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2014 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Buick Encore (this car)28 MPG★★★★★4
2014 Hyundai Tucson25 MPG★★★★★2
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan23 MPG★★★★★3
2014 Kia Sportage23 MPG★★★★★3
2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser18 MPGNot rated5
2014 Jeep Compass25 MPG★★★★★2
2014 Subaru Crosstrek30 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (4)

Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Buick Encore is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

56Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
61,009 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine25
Electrical System10
Power Train9
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Unknown Or Other6
Air Bags5
Service Brakes4
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/12: 120/01: 120/04: 120/07: 120/08: 220/09: 320/12: 121/03: 121/06: 121/12: 122/02: 122/03: 223/01: 223/03: 123/06: 123/07: 123/08: 223/10: 124/01: 124/06: 124/12: 125/06: 325/09: 125/10: 119/1220/0720/1221/1223/0123/0724/0125/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Buick Encore buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 25 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,009 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 2014 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 →