Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2018 Buick Encore pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2018 Buick Encore
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2018 Buick Encore
Preferred / Essence / Sport Touring / Premium (1st gen, 2013-2022)
Watchful

The Encore is Buick's entry-level crossover — the smallest and most fuel-efficient. The 1.4T Ecotec is a known commodity: reliable when maintained, but the turbo requires synthetic oil and regular changes. Oil consumption is reported on high-mileage examples. The premium Buick interior quality is the main selling point. Strong value when oil changes are documented.

Items to check
12
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
175
Top concern
1.4T oil consumption / timing chain

Powertrain

1.4T Ecotec oil consumption and timing

High Attention
The 1.4T can consume oil above 80k miles. Timing chain noise on cold start is common with extended intervals.
Cold-start check for chain rattle + dipstick check.
Est. cost: $600–$1,400 timing chain / $4,500–$6,500 engine if severe Source: 1.4T Ecotec documented pattern

Turbo wastegate rattle

Monitor
The 1.4T turbo wastegate rattles at idle on some builds — common and inexpensive to fix.
Listen for a high-frequency rattle at idle on a warm engine.
Est. cost: $150–$400 wastegate repair Source: 1.4T turbo rattle pattern

Transmission

Automatic transmission fluid

Monitor
Shudder at 25–40 mph = fluid contamination.
Test light-throttle acceleration for shudder.
Est. cost: $250–$400 fluid flush Source: GM service pattern

Electrical

IntelliLink infotainment

Low Risk
IntelliLink on Encore has known Bluetooth and CarPlay issues.
Test all infotainment functions.
Est. cost: $0 update Source: Buick campaigns

Suspension

Front strut bearing noise

Low Risk
Strut bearing clunk over bumps at 80k+ miles.
Drive over rough pavement at low speed.
Est. cost: $200–$400 per side Source: Common wear

Documentation

Oil service history + recall check

High Attention
Oil change history on a 1.4T is the key document. Three recalls possible.
Request all maintenance records. Run nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: Walk away from 1.4T without service history Source: NHTSA

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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