BUICK Complaints

1. Instrument Panel Display Blackout (NHTSA Recall 23V744000)The Issue: A software bug in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) can cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.The Risk: Losing visibility of speed, fuel levels, and critical warning lights increases the risk of a crash.Affected Vehicles: Approximately 6,289 Buick Envista units are affected.The Remedy: GM is updating the VCU software free of charge. This update can be performed either over-the-air (OTA) or by taking the vehicle to a Buick Dealership. The GM reference number for this recall is A232424320.

The contact owns a 2014 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the vehicle failed to shift out of gear. The gear shifter was in drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to move as intended. After several attempts to shift into gear, the transmission was engaged shifted into gear, and the vehicle operated normally. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V092000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

The liftgate of my vehicle began opening on it's own at no apparent interval, but now occurs frequently while waiting for a repair part to come in. This has happened while parked - including in public parking lots (where someone malicious could have entered the vehicle and the closed the liftgate after entering the vehicle - I would have been unaware of their presence) as well as while driving, which presents multiple safety issues including belongings falling out of the vehicle or causing an accident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and repair and the part has been on backorder since April 20, 2026. Multiple user forums report a plethora of other individuals experiencing the same issue.

Yes, as I was driving down the highway doing the current speed limit my hood had a complete failure where the adhesive for the hood separated completely in the top layer flew off, obstructed my driving for more than 10 seconds then flew off and almost hit multiple cars behind me. Thank goodness this caused me to pull over off the road, but the safety of others and I were at very harms way due to a malfunction in the vehicles quality of built in the glue separation.

There are currently two items to report on this vehicle: 1) Failure of the gear shift. The replacement is not available for inspection. PCM found defective. The PCM was not seeing the transmission in park or neutral. The shifter assembly had to be replaced. The vehicle was not driveable and had to be towed for repair. No safety issues concerning this event. Repair confirmed failure of gear shifting mechanism. No inspection by others prior to this event occurring in April 2026. No messages of impending failure. 2) Failure of steering gear. Replaced parts not available for inspection. At highway speeds steering became unstable and unresponsive with various pavement conditions(almost a feeling of becoming airborne), Even at low speeds (over a speedbump) vibration occured. Dealer repair consisted of replacement steering gear with new motor and internal power steering control module. 4 wheel alignment performed after parts replacement and a test drive. This was a serious safety condition to us and others. No inspections were done by others prior to this event occuring in May of 2026. There were no messages of impending failure.

There is a problem with the 2017 Buick Encore turbocharger. From speaking with the auto shop I took it to for a check they have seen many Buick Encore’s with the same turbocharger problems. He spoke to me about it prior to me dropping off the vehicle and then confirming the issue after inspecting the vehicle. The turbocharger inspection revealed a distinct structural crack at the wastegate flange, resulting in boost pressure loss. There is already a recall associated with this problem in other VIN’s with the same year and type of vehicle, recall needs to be expanded because this is a known and ongoing problem.

The data screen for navigation has gone blank several times. A few times previously but 3 times in the past 2 days. The speedometer is viable but not the radio or navigation. Adaptive cruise control has occasionally alerted that it is not available & shuts off on its own. An alert yesterday stated power steering needs to be serviced but nothing is wrong. The car has turned off as I started to pull out into traffic & turned back on its self 3 times today. One time in the morning on my way to the gym at a stop light when it turned green when I went to proceed the car turned off and turn back on its self, leaving the gym pulling out of the parking lot pulling out into traffic it turned off & back on by itself & this evening after stoping at a store I stopped at the exit & when I went to pull out in traffic the car turned off & back on again by itself. Also the delay wipers do not come on themselves.

Passenger side seatbelt latch gets stuck so when trying to buckle it doesn’t go in, you have to try multiple times. Get a notification on dashboard every once in a while saying seatbelt or airbag issue contact dealer. Warning light (air bag and seatbelt system) lights up. My safety is put at risk as I am pregnant and not sure whether the seatbelt will buckle or not while I’m in the passenger seat. I have not taken this In to be looked at yet.

Right-side LED headlight assembly failed at under 3 years and ~55,000 miles. Dealer states the sealed LED unit is non-serviceable and must be replaced as a complete assembly, quoted at ~$1,450. LED headlights are rated for tens of thousands of hours and are marketed to last the life of the vehicle; this failed at a small fraction of rated life. Other 2023 Enclave owners report the same right-side failure at similar low age/mileage, suggesting a recurring defect.

Request for Goodwill Assistance – Turbocharger Failure (Special Coverage XXX) Dear General Motors Customer Assistance, I am writing to request a one-time goodwill repair for my 2018 Buick Encore (VIN: [XXX]). Approximately two months after purchasing this vehicle, the check engine light illuminated and diagnostic testing identified code P0299, indicating turbocharger failure. This issue appears to align with General Motors' Special Coverage Program XXX, issued in February 2024 for certain 2017–2018 Buick Encore vehicles equipped with the 1.4L engine due to known turbocharger failures. Unfortunately, my local GM dealership has informed me that they are unable to perform the repair under the special coverage because the vehicle carries a Pennsylvania reconstructed (R) title. While I understand the vehicle's title status, I respectfully ask GM to consider the unique circumstances. In Pennsylvania, reconstructed vehicles must undergo a rigorous Enhanced Vehicle Inspection process before they can be legally registered and operated on public roads. My vehicle successfully passed all required inspections and is legally certified for highway use. Because this special coverage was issued to address a defect that may lead to significant engine damage and, in some cases, a potential engine compartment fire, I am requesting a one-time goodwill repair or other assistance from General Motors. The concern involves a known condition affecting this vehicle platform and presents a potential safety risk during both local and highway driving. I have been a loyal GM customer and would greatly appreciate your review of this situation. Given that the vehicle has been properly repaired, inspected, and approved for road use under Pennsylvania law, I respectfully request that GM reconsider eligibility for assistance despite the reconstructed title designation. Thank you for your time, consideration, and any assistance you may be able to provide. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B