Is the 2015 Buick Encore's steering system reliable?

NHTSA received 27 steering-related complaints for the 2015 Encore, which is 22% of all complaints logged for that model year, so it stands out compared to other Encore years in the data.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Buick Encore steering?

Yes. Recall 15V146000 covers certain 2015 Buick Encore and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles built between November 27, 2014 and February 24, 2015. GM dealers inspect and replace the steering column assembly free of charge.

At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2015 Encore?

The median mileage at failure across the 27 steering complaints is 54,500 miles, though individual reports in the sample range from under 6,000 to over 75,000 miles.

Did the 2015 Encore steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data for this steering complaint set lists 0 crashes and 0 injuries, though one complaint also reported a fire.

How does the 2015 Encore compare to other model years for steering complaints?

The 2015 model year has by far the most steering complaints among Encore years in this dataset, 27, versus single digits for every other year listed, including just 1 for 2013 and 2 for 2014.

2015 Buick Encore Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 27 steering complaints for the 2015 Buick Encore, 22% of all complaints filed for this model year, at a median 54,500 miles. GM issued recall 15V146000 to inspect and replace the steering column assembly on affected 2015 units.

Steering complaints: 27; 22% of 124
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 54,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving at various speeds, often with the power steering warning light and other dashboard indicators illuminating at once.
Steering wheel locking up or feeling stiff, sometimes paired with a stall, dead electrical display, or burning odor.
Power steering cutting out and returning after the vehicle slows below a certain speed, described as recovering once the car drops to around 40 mph.
A creaking or grinding sound when turning the steering wheel left or right that appeared suddenly.
Steering column or linkage reported as rusted or corroded on a vehicle originally sold in California.
Steering failures linked by owners to electrical faults, including a loose ground cable requiring the vehicle to be rewired at a dealer.

When 2015 Buick Encore steering complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 17, 2015, latest Jun 9, 2026.

27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2015 to Jun 2026; peak Dec 2021 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2015 Buick Encore

NHTSA 15V146000Mar 13, 2015Steering2,295 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Encore vehicles manufactured November 27, 2014, to February 24, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles manufactured November 18, 2014, to February 17, 2015. The steering column assembly housing may contact the power steering printed circuit board causing the circuit board to wear.
Risk: The circuit board wear may cause a sudden loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15168.

Steering complaints by Encore model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20131 (2%)
20142 (3%)
201527 (22%)
20165 (6%)
20174 (4%)
20186 (8%)
20192 (2%)
20201 (5%)
20210 (0%)
20220 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Buick Encore's steering system reliable?: NHTSA received 27 steering-related complaints for the 2015 Encore, which is 22% of all complaints logged for that model year, so it stands out compared to other Encore years in the data.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Buick Encore steering?: Yes. Recall 15V146000 covers certain 2015 Buick Encore and 2015 Chevrolet Trax vehicles built between November 27, 2014 and February 24, 2015. GM dealers inspect and replace the steering column assembly free of charge.
At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2015 Encore?: The median mileage at failure across the 27 steering complaints is 54,500 miles, though individual reports in the sample range from under 6,000 to over 75,000 miles.
Did the 2015 Encore steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data for this steering complaint set lists 0 crashes and 0 injuries, though one complaint also reported a fire.
How does the 2015 Encore compare to other model years for steering complaints?: The 2015 model year has by far the most steering complaints among Encore years in this dataset, 27, versus single digits for every other year listed, including just 1 for 2013 and 2 for 2014.