2018 Buick Encore air bags problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the air bags on the 2018 Buick Encore — 14% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Feb 20, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 23, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Air Bags problems in other Encore years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Encore | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 Encore | 11 | 13% |
| 2017 Encore | 13 | 15% |
| 2016 Encore | 7 | 9% |
| 2015 Encore | 16 | 13% |
| 2014 Encore | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 Encore | 5 | 10% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Buick Encore
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.