Table 1 shows one common service brakes related problems of the 2020 Buick Encore.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes problems |
I took my 2020 Buick Encore to an independent auto repair shop to have a brake inspection after I had contacted gm multiple times about the loss of acceleration, check engine light and stabilitrak light would come on with brake pedal stiffness and then almost needing to push it to the floor to stop. When I took it to the independent auto repair shop for the brake inspection they informed me of a po161 code recall so I contacted my local recall service center, only to get a phone call from one of their salesman to come in and see about getting a new car. I've had other issues with this car since buying it in September of 2022 but now it's a serious safety situation and all they can either say is it doesn't match my VIN so I'll have to pay out of pocket or go in debt for a new one. I don't know what to do at this point I feel at a loss.
I currently own a 2020 Buick Encore since new with only 18,389 miles on it. Recently, I noticed on the Buick Encore that it lacked stopping power. Upon checking the air in the tires for winter I noticed that the rear brake rotors were severely rusted. And then I decided to further inspect the rotor surfaces. I removed the left rear tire and noticed that the back side surface was severely corroded therefore inhibiting the brake pad to stop with it. I remove the right rear tire and found the same condition! as I am retired, and still a ase and michigan master mechanic (ase-2298-2747) I know this condition is abnormal for a vehicle with such low miles even in michigan. This is my wife’s vehicle, and she noticed that the stopping distance was severely decreased over the months. With driving is treacherous as it is today she needs all the stopping distance that she can get. With the way the rotors were rusted, the rear brakes had no stopping power, and the fronts were minimal at best for surface for the pads to stop with. I checked the front and found the same thing on the inner surfaces of both front rotors. I decided it was time that I replace all the rotors and the pads as the surfaces of all rotors were beyond the point of turning them. I would never expect this to occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. I replaced the rotors and pads with all ac delco components as I have faith in the design changes that are usually made to products in the same product family. For the rotors, I made sure that they were plated to stop any rust from occurring on the non-stopping surfaces. If anyone were to google this vehicle, or it’s cousin the trax, you can see there are replacements either with coding or different material that prevents corrosion. I am glad I caught this in time as my wife’s safety was in jeopardy. One can see there is a fix for this issue, but the manufacture neglected to take any action to correct it.