general problems of the 2018 Buick Encore

Six problems related to air bag have been reported for the 2018 Buick Encore. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Buick Encore based on all problems reported for the 2018 Encore.

1 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/08/2026

The front passenger air bag sensor turns off either before we begin driving or while the vehicle is in motion. The manual says that if you have a seat cushion or are not in the position for the sensor to "see" you, it may turn off. I have a bad back, and I need my 2-inch seat cushion for long trips, or I will be in pain. But when I use my seat cushion, the sensor turns the air bag off. So, if I use my seat cushion (or the sensor otherwise decides to turn the air bag off), I am not protected in the case of an accident. If I don't use my seat cushion, I am in pain from my back. The front passenger air bag should have a manual switch and have the ability to be kept on all of the time, that decision being made by the passenger and not a sensor that is not Smart enough to adjust to an additional cushion or other situation.

2 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2025

When crossing through an intersection at approximately 45mph, I was struck by another vehicle, speed unknown, who failed to stop at a stop sign. My vehicle was struck on the front passenger corner. My vehicle continued in a forward motion for several hundred feet. Both driver and front passenger wore seat belts, however the driver struck her head on steering wheel, loosing consciousness for several minutes. Side airbags deployed, however front air bags did not.

3 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 03/16/2025

A deer came out of nowhere and I hit it head on. It totaled the car. The airbag did not go off.

4 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2023

My airbag light is on and malfunctioning. It will cost $200 for the diagnostic and no repair. To repair it will cost $873. 19. I see there are more complaints in regarding this issue. To me this is a safety issue and concerns me as I drive my grandchildren in this car. I am told it is an actual sensor in the cushion of the seat. My vehicle is under 5 years old. Something has to be done.

5 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2022

Previous airbag recall, but not including my VIN. However, my airbag light is on and malfunctioning. It will cost $200 to just diagnose the repair and no idea what the cost to fix this saftey issue on a car that is only 5 years old. Please help!.

6 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she depressed the brake pedal but it failed to stop the vehicle, causing her to rear-end a truck. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a collision center and had the front bumper repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.


Other Air Bag related problems of the 2018 Buick Encore



Encore Service Bulletins
Encore Defect Investigations