Some units of the Buick Encore equipped with the turbocharged 1.4L I4 LUV gasoline engine may exhibit performance issues in extremely cold weather. Luckily, a few possible causes for these issues have been identified, as well as related fixes to be performed by dealer technicians.
According to a recent post from GM TechLink, some units of the 2013 through 2021 Buick Encore may exhibit a power loss in cold weather, as well as several other performance-related issues. These issues may occur in conjunction with a Check Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). The issues may also subside after driving. An oil leak may be observed from seals and gaskets as the result of an increase in crankcase pressure.
Additionally, vehicles which exhibit these issues may throw one or several of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
- P2261 (Turbocharger Bypass Valve Stuck)
- P2227 (Barometric Pressure (BARO) Sensor Performance)
- P0299 (Engine Underboost)
- P0234 (Engine Overboost)
- P0236 (Turbocharger Boost Sensor Performance),
- P00C7 (Intake Air Pressure Measurement System – Multiple Sensors Not Plausible)
Per GM TechLink, these issues could be the result of ice blockage in the engine bay. Specifically, GM TechLink recommends that technicians check for blockage around the crankcase vent tube and on the intake manifold, with ice possibly blocking the PCV passage in the cylinder head. Ice may also block air in the charge air cooler, restricting flow to the throttle body, while the charge air bypass valve could be contaminated as well.
To fix these issues, GM recommends that a technician disassemble and clean the charge air bypass valve if it’s contaminated, and replace the intake manifold. The charge air bypass valve may also need to be replaced.
If the Buick Encore engine is not producing adequate boost, but the turbo wastegate actuator and turbocharger are both functioning properly, GM says that the turbo does not necessarily need to be replaced. Instead, the charge air bypass valve may need to be cleared of water or oil accumulation on the vacuum side port, while the intake manifold should be replaced. The intake manifold may also need to be replaced if contamination from the cylinder head, cam cover, or PCV pipes is found.
To note, similar issues and fixes have been identified for the 2011 through 2016 Chevy Cruze and 2012 through 2020 Chevy Sonic.
The Buick Encore’s turbocharged 1.4L I4 LUV engine was replaced during the 2021 model year by the turbocharged 1.4L I4 LE2 motor, which is also standard in the 2022 Buick Encore.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Encore news, Buick news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Do these issues NOT apply to the Chevy Trax, the Encore’s twin?
Not going to take my encore back to Buick hall in Tyler TX..they are incompetent and unsure of what they are doing in collision department ..will not recommend them !!
Sister in law 2018 trax had performance issues during the Christmas holidays and the Chevy dealership in St.Charles IL screwed up the fix. Had to get it corrected in Rockford IL on her way out to Seattle, once again it was screwed up and she had to buy another vehicle to get back. Thousands of dollars spent yet same issue. GM is horrible at supporting their vehicles warranty corrections. I personally Just bought my first non GM vehicle, a Mazda CX30, I will see how this works for me. I may not continue bleeding GM blue in the future. Was not my issue but was disappointed on how they handled the situation.
I’ve to replace turbo once,manifold cover intake twice on my 2018 encore. This car is horrible. I’ll never buy a Buick again
I don’t understand why my 2018 Buick Encore AC condenser needs replaced so soon and can’t get a part for it. All dealers within 100 miles in 2 states can’t get them or holding for someone. If there is so many going bad there should be a Recall and not charge over $700. Been looking for 3 months.
My issue now after just spending so much recently for valve covers now to have to spend more money on turbo boost which does not grow on trees
Dealing with this issue as well. Had the intake manifold replaced. Check engine light still on. I’ve had to have my Encore “fixed” too many times. I will never buy another one.
Do all these turbo charged cars have performance problems? I have a 22 Trax with the new le2 engine and it’s so sluggish. Says it’s rated at about I think 177 torque and 155 hp but I don’t see it. The spark I had seemed more powerful than this.
My wife bought a 2016 Buick encore boot 2 years ago, and haven’t had nothing but trouble out of it . From the engine to the transmission. I’ve had the purge valve changed out and the map sensor, now the transmission is messing
Sounds like a serious, expensive and VERY common issue for which a recall should be issued. My friend’s 2017 Encore is 6K miles out of the power train warranty and is having all these same issues. They did $1800 of work, under warranty, a few months back and now there telling her it’s another $4000 and unrelated to the warranty work, which sounds like complete BS since the symptoms are exactly the same, but worse now. Buick should fix this because their reputation is going down the tubes. Pretty sure they’ll still post MASSIVE profits while screwing consumers with their lemon cars.