Engine Oil Consumption (1.4L Turbo)
high- Typically appears
- 30–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $800
2016 Buick
EncoreSUV
1.4L I4 Turbo · SUV
The 2016 Buick Encore is a subcompact luxury crossover built on GM's Gamma II platform, shared with the Chevrolet Trax. It slots into Buick's lineup as the entry point, targeting buyers who want a premium badge, a comfortable ride, and easy city maneuverability without stepping up to a larger vehicle. The Encore was already in its fourth model year by 2016 and carried over mostly unchanged, benefiting from early production kinks being worked out. Under the hood sits a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic. Power is modest — this is a commuter, not a canyon carver — but the turbocharged engine gives it enough low-end pull for everyday driving. All-wheel drive is available but most sold were front-wheel drive. Interior refinement is the Encore's strongest card: quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system for its class. At around 80,000–120,000 miles, owners start seeing turbo and VVT system wear, oil consumption, and some electronics gremlins. It's not a 250k-mile workhorse, but a well-maintained example will give many years of reliable daily transportation. Parts are affordable since it shares so much with the Chevy Trax.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Encore — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
27 city / 33 hwy / 30 combined
Seats
5
Doors
4
Body
SUV
MSRP
$24,065
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2016 Buick Encore is a subcompact luxury crossover built on GM's Gamma II platform, shared with the Chevrolet Trax. It slots into Buick's lineup as the entry point, targeting buyers who want a premium badge, a comfortable ride, and easy city maneuverability without stepping up to a larger vehicle. The Encore was already in its fourth model year by 2016 and carried over mostly unchanged, benefiting from early production kinks being worked out. Under the hood sits a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic. Power is modest — this is a commuter, not a canyon carver — but the turbocharged engine gives it enough low-end pull for everyday driving. All-wheel drive is available but most sold were front-wheel drive. Interior refinement is the Encore's strongest card: quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system for its class. At around 80,000–120,000 miles, owners start seeing turbo and VVT system wear, oil consumption, and some electronics gremlins. It's not a 250k-mile workhorse, but a well-maintained example will give many years of reliable daily transportation. Parts are affordable since it shares so much with the Chevy Trax.
Known for
- Quiet, refined cabin for its class
- Turbocharged 1.4L with decent city torque
- Compact footprint — easy to park and maneuver
- Strong resale value among subcompact luxury crossovers
- Shared GM platform keeps parts costs reasonable
Best for
- Solo commuters or couples who want luxury feel without a large SUV
- City and suburban drivers prioritizing comfort over cargo
- Buyers who want a premium badge at a lower entry price
- Mild Wisconsin winters with the AWD model
Watch for
- Oil consumption on the 1.4L turbo engine — check at every fill-up
- VVT/camshaft timing system issues at higher mileage
- Turbo bypass valve failures that can affect boost and driveability
- Limited cargo and rear passenger space vs. larger crossovers
- Electrical/module communication faults on higher-mileage examples
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVVT / Camshaft Timing System Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $1,200
Turbo Bypass Valve Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 50–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $500
Oxygen Sensor / Heater Circuit Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 70–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Module Communication / CAN Bus Faults
low- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $1,500
ABS / Stability Control Sensor Faults
low- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $600
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months — do NOT stretch to GM's OLM 7,500-mile suggestion on this engine Engine oil and filter change
The 1.4L turbo is prone to oil sludge and consumption. Fresh oil is the single best thing you can do to keep VVT solenoids clean and avoid premature engine wear.
- 2 Every 1,000–1,500 miles between oil changes Check engine oil level
Oil consumption is a known trait. Running even a quart low on a turbocharged engine accelerates wear on bearings, the turbocharger, and timing components.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles Spark plug replacement
Turbocharged engines are harder on plugs than naturally aspirated ones. Worn plugs cause misfires, reduced efficiency, and added stress on the ignition coil.
- 4 Every 45,000–50,000 miles Transmission fluid change
GM markets this as 'lifetime' fluid, but in real-world use — especially with Wisconsin cold starts — fresh fluid at 45–50k intervals keeps the 6-speed shifting cleanly and extends clutch pack life.
- 5 Every 5 years / 100,000 miles Coolant system inspection and flush
Dexcool degrades over time and can become acidic, attacking gaskets and the heater core. Don't mix coolant types.
- 6 Every 20,000–25,000 miles Air filter replacement
A restricted air filter hurts turbo response and fuel economy. Inspect annually — Wisconsin road dust and debris can clog it faster.
- 7 Every 2–3 years Brake fluid flush
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point. In a vehicle with ABS and stability control, clean fluid also protects ABS module internals.
- 8 Every 60,000 miles or when timing codes appear Inspect and clean VVT oil control solenoids
Sludge in the solenoid screens is the leading cause of P0012/P0015-type codes on this engine. Cleaning or replacing solenoids early is far cheaper than timing system repairs.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,200
Fuel
At 30 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,500–$1,800/year at $3.00–$3.60/gallon. Premium fuel is not required — regular 87 octane is fine.
Insurance
Typically $1,000–$1,500/year for a 2016 Encore in Wisconsin for a driver with a clean record, depending on coverage level and location.
The Encore is a reasonably affordable vehicle to maintain when kept up properly. Annual maintenance runs $600–$1,200 under normal circumstances. The big financial risk is deferred maintenance — skip oil changes and you're looking at $1,500–$4,000 in VVT or engine repair. Turbo and O2 sensor work are the most common mid-range expenses. Parts costs are kept in check by the shared Chevy Trax platform.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Test the battery before November — the 1.4L turbo needs strong cranking power in sub-zero temps; replace any battery testing below 400 CCA or showing 3+ years of age
- Switch to a full-synthetic 0W-30 or 0W-20 oil if not already used — critical for cold-start turbo lubrication before oil pressure builds
- Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid rated to -20°F or lower; the Encore's washer nozzles can ice up quickly on Wisconsin roads
- Install winter wiper blades — standard blades ice up in the hinge and skip, leaving blind spots
- Rinse the undercarriage every 1–2 weeks during salt season; the wheel speed sensor wiring and brake line brackets are rust-prone
- If equipped with AWD, confirm the system engages properly before winter — a transfer case fault in a snow event is dangerous
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — tires can gain 3–5 PSI as temps rise, causing uneven wear and handling changes
- Inspect the A/C system at the start of the season; the Encore's cabin is small but the compressor works hard on humid Wisconsin summer days
- Check coolant level and condition — heat soak after highway driving stresses the Dexcool system, especially if it's overdue for a flush
- Inspect the turbo intercooler intake for debris or bugs — a restricted intake reduces boost efficiency in hot weather
- Check brake pad thickness before summer road trips; heat accelerates pad wear and the Encore's lighter weight means brakes are often neglected longer than they should be
Comparable vehicles
2016 Chevrolet
Trax
Essentially the same vehicle under the skin — same platform, same engine, same transmission. Cheaper to buy used, but you give up the Buick interior refinement and quieter cabin.
2016 Honda
HR-V
Similar footprint and price point. Better reliability reputation and more usable interior space, but no turbo punch and a less premium feel.
2016 Mazda
CX-3
Strong reliability, sharper handling, and upscale interior quality. AWD available. Slightly smaller cargo area but a more satisfying drive.
2016 Jeep
Renegade
Comparable price and size with genuine 4WD capability on Trailhawk trim — better for true winter or off-road use. Less refined cabin and lower fuel economy.