Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Every consumer’s worst nightmare when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle is discovering that it contains defects. Many consumers who experience this nightmare situation will report the defect they discovered and the symptoms it came with so that manufacturers can address the problem and other consumers can be informed.
In this article, we will summarize some of the most commonly reported problems so that you can be better informed about the problems most frequently encountered by 2018 Buick Encore owners.
Commonly Reported 2018 Buick Encore Problems
- Engine Problems: Loss of power, broken turbocharger, stalling, stuttering, car refusing to start
- Brake Problems: Brakes lock while driving, brake failure
- Electrical System: Infotainment system glitches, water sensitivity, faulty sensors, false warning reports
- Airbag Issues: Passenger airbag improperly off, failure to deploy, airbag warning light falsely on
2018 Buick Encore Engine Problems
One of the most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Buick Encore is engine problems. Engine problems encompass a wide variety of actual issues because there are so many moving parts within an engine, but the symptoms are typically similar.
Engine stalling, loss of power, stuttering acceleration, and the vehicle refusing to start were some of the common problems reported by 2018 Buick Encore owners.
A broken turbocharger was also reported by multiple consumers, which is a more specific problem that consumers should be on the lookout for.
If you identify an engine problem in your 2018 Buick Encore, you should take it to a mechanic to be examined and repaired, if necessary, as soon as possible. Engine issues can be very dangerous if left alone and addressing them is in your best interest as a consumer for safety reasons.
2018 Buick Encore Electrical Problems
With how many electronics are present in modern vehicles, it should be no surprise that these systems can sometimes malfunction or be defective from manufacturing.
Like engine issues, electrical problems can cover a huge number of actual issues. However, unlike engine issues, the symptoms for these problems can be highly variable as well.
For the 2018 Buick Encore, consumers reported glitches with the infotainment system like a flashing screen or a lack of responsiveness and faulty sensors which in turn produce false reports.
A smaller number of consumers also mentioned their vehicle being highly susceptible to water damage, damaging and interfering with the electronics.
2018 Buick Encore Airbag Issues
In comparison to engine and electronics issues, airbag issues are far less commonly reported by consumers in general across all makes and models of cars.
However, it was one of the more common issues with respect to the 2018 Buick Encore, so consumers should definitely be aware of it. Airbags are a part of a vehicle that a consumer hopes to never have to use but are extremely important when they are needed.
Unfortunately, some consumers reported that their airbags did not deploy when they were in a collision that should have triggered them. Others mention that while the airbags themselves seemed fine, the warning light regarding them would frequently be illuminated.
Airbag defects should be taken extremely seriously by consumers and the impacted vehicle taken to a mechanic as soon as a problem is discovered or suspected.
Buick Encore Owner Concerns
“Turbo has gone out four times in less than a year. Car is unable to accelerate and goes way below speed limit on highway which puts me and my passengers in an unsafe position traveling on a high limit road. No. Only inspected by the auto repair places I have been. No warnings prior to the Turbo going out. Turbo goes out while going up hills or going at higher rates of speed.”
“Airbags did not deploy upon auto accident. Impact area was front corner fender on passenger side. Possible gas released into passenger side of cabin smelled ‘electrical’ and ‘smoke’ filled passenger footboard area. No loss of coolant from car to explain smoke. Airbag warning light remains on dashboard display. Car was traveling at normal highway speed 30-35mph, brakes applied, then crashed into a turning car in front – turning from passenger to driver direction.”
“I bought a Buick Encore, because I needed dependable transportation when taking my husband for frequent cancer treatments. Shortly after purchasing the car, it broke down en route to U of M for treatment. Another problem we encountered was mold or mildew growing in the ventilation system. No complete fix for that one. Hubby has lung problems, so we need the best air we can get. Power break booster just went out and battery died. Car lost value, even though I paid $3,000.00 down, so difficult to trade it in.”
Lemon Law Help for Your Unreliable 2018 Buick Encore
California’s lemon law provides robust protection for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. This law ensures that if a new or used vehicle under warranty turns out to be a lemon, the consumer is entitled to a refund or replacement.
To qualify as a lemon under California law, the vehicle must meet specific criteria. The first is that the vehicle must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty when the first repair attempt takes place.
Those defects must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Lastly, the vehicle must undergo a reasonable number of repair attempts by an authorized manufacturer dealership.
This typically means at least two repair attempts for serious safety issues or four attempts for less critical problems. Additionally, if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 cumulative days due to repairs, it will likely be considered a lemon.
Documentation is crucial for a successful lemon law claim. Consumers planning on bringing a lemon law claim should document all repairs that take place as well as communications between themselves and the authorized manufacturer dealership. The more documentation a consumer has, the more evidence they have of their vehicle being deemed a lemon.
If the defect fails to be addressed after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer should consider moving forward with a lemon law claim. With a valid claim, the consumer may be offered a repurchase or replacement vehicle.
If the consumer receives a refund, it will include the full purchase price, or monthly payments and down payment made and taxes and interest on those payments. Incidental expenses can also be part of the refund and include things like rental car costs and registration renewal fees.
If the consumer receives a replacement vehicle, it will be a comparable new vehicle of similar make and model. The consumer will be responsible for any difference in price.
In both scenarios, i.e. with the repurchase or replacement, the manufacturer will take something called a usage fee which represents the amount of time the vehicle was driven without problems before the first repair for which it is being deemed a lemon.
Navigating a lemon law claim can be complex, and manufacturers often have experienced legal teams to protect their interests. Hiring an experienced lemon law attorney can significantly increase your chances of a successful claim.
Additionally, California lemon law covers the consumer’s attorney fees and costs if the claim is successful, so the claim comes at no personal cost to the consumer.
Your attorney will also help you manage your lemon lawsuit, which involves filing a complaint in court and possibly going to trial. Many lemon law cases are settled out of court, but being prepared for litigation is essential.
Let the Lemon Law Experts Turn Your Frown into a Fair Resolution
Using the lemon law as a consumer allows you to turn your nightmare car experience back into a dream with a new vehicle or refund on the defective one. However, without strong legal representation, the integrity of your claim could be jeopardized or destroyed altogether. That’s why you need the Lemon Law Experts!
Thousands of satisfied clients have made the choice to work with us, allowing us to get them compensated for their defective vehicles. If you would like to join them, contact us by calling today for a free case evaluation at (877) 885-5366 or fill out a form online!
