NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Buick Encore Safety Ratings
The 2019 Buick Encore scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 78 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Buick Encore achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, earning a "Strong" rating. This performance is largely supported by its high crash-test results published by NHTSA. While its overall safety profile is robust, the presence of two active recall campaigns and a moderate score in avoidance technology prevent it from reaching the highest safety tier. This model presents as a sound choice for a used SUV, based on its safety data.
The 2019 Buick Encore AWD SUV received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Buick Encore ranks 32 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 78 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 32 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Buick Encore?
The 2019 Buick Encore AWD SUV presents a notable divergence between its crash protection and its standard safety technology, earning a Safety Index of 84 out of 100 in the Strong band. Its robust crash-test performance is evident in the 66 of 70 possible points awarded for occupant protection. This figure is anchored by the 5 out of 5-star ratings from NHTSA in overall, frontal, and side impact categories. However, the vehicle's safety profile is weakened by its approach to avoidance technology. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are optional, rather than standard, features. This decision yields only 6 out of 10 points in the avoidance category, indicating that base trim purchasers without these options operate with a diminished safety margin compared to what the vehicle's available technology could provide. The defect record further informs the Safety Index, contributing 12 of 20 points. This reflects two recall campaigns, one of which directly impacts occupant safety: a November 2018 recall for the air bag Sensing Diagnostic Module. The 2019 Encore also has 78 owner complaints on file, with the most recent complaint lodged in May 2026, demonstrating continued reporting activity to NHTSA during its used-market lifespan.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Buick Encore perform in crash tests?
For the 2019 model year, the Buick Encore AWD SUV achieved a 4 out of 5-star rating in rollover protection, with a probability of 18 percent and a "No Tip" result from the dynamic test. This stands as the single exception to an otherwise perfect performance in NHTSA's crashworthiness evaluations; the vehicle earned 5 out of 5 stars overall, including top 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13019
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Buick Encore have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Buick Encore. The first targets the Sensing Diagnostic Module in the air bag system, a safety-critical component affecting restraint deployment. The second is a broader GM powertrain campaign covering automatic transmissions across several GM models. Neither has been flagged as a do-not-drive order, but both warrant VIN verification for remedy completion.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca
Reported 2020-10-29
AIR BAGS18V774000
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18365.
Reported 2018-11-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Buick Encore?
Owners have filed 78 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Engine, cited in 30 reports, followed by Air Bags and the Fuel/Propulsion System at 11 each, and the Electrical System at 10. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
78 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Buick Encore?
The 2019 Buick Encore presents a notable safety concern in its recall history. Shoppers of this model year should verify that two critical safety recalls have been addressed: one pertaining to the air bag module, and another concerning the powertrain. An unresolved air bag recall, specifically, renders any vehicle an unacceptable safety risk.
- The 2019 Buick Encore carries an air bag recall specifically covering the Sensing Diagnostic Module, a component that directly controls restraint deployment in a crash, making VIN remedy verification a mandatory step for used buyers.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning trim level determines whether this vehicle's avoidance-tech profile matches the tested configuration.
- The rollover star rating of 4 out of 5, with an 18 percent risk probability, is the only NHTSA crash-test category where the 2019 Encore falls below a perfect score, relevant context for buyers in rollover-prone driving environments.
- With 78 unverified NHTSA complaints on file and the Engine category accounting for 30 of them, prospective used buyers should review the full complaint database by component before committing to this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Buick Encore places
The 2019 Buick Encore qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Buick Encore safety questions
Was the 2019 Buick Encore crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Buick Encore, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Buick Encore crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Buick Encore earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Buick Encore have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Buick Encore. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Buick Encore?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 78 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Buick Encore. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Encore years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13019), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Buick Encore 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 32 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.