The Buick Encore turbo recall primarily involves model years 2017-2021 affected by the 6T40/6T45 transmission oil pump recall (N232482040). This specific mechanical failure occurs where the input shaft may fracture, causing sudden power loss and increasing crash risk.
Check your VIN on the NHTSA site for open recalls immediately. GM has issued stop-sale orders for affected inventory and provides free repairs at authorized dealers.
Buick Encore Turbo Recall: Which Models and Years Are Affected?
The main Buick Encore turbo recall targets the 1.4L turbocharged engine paired with the 6T40 or 6T45 automatic transmissions. This affects 2017-2021 models built between specific production dates.
Over 600,000 vehicles are involved across various GM brands. This includes the popular Chevy Trax and the Buick Encore GX alongside the standard Encore.
Owners report the issue stems from the oil pump drive gear on the input shaft wearing prematurely. This wear eventually leads to a complete shaft fracture.
GM officially issued Recall N232482040 in late 2023. This action halted sales on all unsold inventory until necessary repairs could be completed.
Affected Model Years and VIN Ranges
- • 2017-2019 Buick Encore: All 1.4L turbo models (RPO code LUV).
- • 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX: Select builds equipped with the 6T45 transmission.
- • VIN check required: Use the 10th digit for model year identification (e.g., K=2020, L=2021).
Not all Encores are included in this action. Only those manufactured with the faulty pump assembly are subject to the recall.
Many dealerships may misdiagnose this as a simple solenoid issue. This often leads to quotes of $2,000 or more for partial fixes that eventually fail.
How to Check If Your Encore Is Recalled
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1
Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls or the official GM recall site. -
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Enter your 17-digit VIN, which is found on the driver door jamb or the lower windshield. -
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Look specifically for open recalls like N232482040 or PIP5701 for pre-recall diagnostics. -
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Call GM at 1-888-988-7267 if results are unclear, as independent shops often miss these updates.
Real-world tip: Print the recall letter if you received one by mail. It authorizes free towing and repairs regardless of your current vehicle mileage.
Buick Encore Turbo Failure Symptoms: What Owners Experience Before Recall Repair
Common symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed acceleration, and a distinct whining noise from the transmission. This is typically due to oil pump starvation.
These signs often mimic turbocharger failure. This leads many shops to wrongly replace the $1,500 turbo instead of addressing the $800 pump gear issue.
In online forums, owners describe a sudden “lurch” into gear or a complete loss of power at highway speeds. This is the exact failure mode described in the recall.
Dealerships may push for full transmission rebuilds costing $4,000 to $6,000. They often do this without properly checking the input shaft first.
Top 5 Diagnostic Signs of Impending Turbo Recall Failure
- ⚠ Whining or grinding noise from under the hood during acceleration.
- ⚠ Transmission slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear, with RPMs flaring over 4,000.
- ⚠ Check engine light with codes P0700, P0730, or P0741 (torque converter clutch).
- ⚠ Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive or reverse (over 3 seconds).
- ⚠ Overheating transmission fluid smell or dark, burnt fluid visible on the dipstick.
A quick DIY check involves scanning with an OBD-II reader. If the pump pressure is below 50 PSI at idle, you should suspect a recall-related issue.
Avoid driving the vehicle if these symptoms appear. Secondary damage to the transmission can escalate repair costs significantly.
Buick Encore 1.4L Turbo Recall Fix: Step-by-Step Repair Process
GM’s official fix under the recall involves a full transmission disassembly. Technicians must replace the input shaft and the oil pump assembly entirely.
This repair is free at authorized dealers and typically takes 8 to 12 hours of labor. There are no approved partial fixes for this specific failure.
Independent shops can perform the work post-recall authorization, but OEM parts (24505716 shaft kit) are mandated. A fluid flush with Mobil 1 ATF is critical post-repair.
Dealership Repair Timeline and What to Expect
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1
Schedule via the GM Recall Center; expect a 1-3 month wait due to parts backlogs. -
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Arrange for a vehicle tow if notified; this service is free under the recall terms. -
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Technicians will drop the transmission to inspect for shaft fractures and install the updated gear set. -
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The system is refilled with 7.5 quarts of Dexron-VI ATF followed by a 50+ mile road test. -
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Receive a loaner vehicle or claim reimbursement for prior tows up to $100 per day.
Owners report dealers quoting “turbo replacement” before becoming aware of the recall. Always insist on a VIN check first to ensure coverage.
The warranty covers 100% of the costs. This even applies to high-mileage vehicles with over 200,000 miles.
DIY Inspection Before Taking to Shop
While the full repair requires professionals, you should verify symptoms yourself. This helps you avoid unnecessary upsells at the service counter.
- ✓ Check fluid level while hot: Pink fluid is normal, while black/gritty fluid indicates pump wear.
- ✓ Listen for turbo whine vs. trans whine: Turbo noise is high-pitched, while the recall issue is a low drone.
- ✓ Monitor trans temp via an OBD app: Temperatures over 220°F at idle signal potential pump failure.
Common Buick Encore Turbo Problems Beyond the Recall
Besides the recall, 1.4L turbos suffer from PCV valve failures. This causes high oil consumption and triggers knock sensor codes.
Dealerships often overlook these as “normal wear.” They may quote $1,200 for valve cover gaskets that aren’t actually necessary.
Encore turbos run hot, leading to wastegate rattle and intercooler condensation. Forums are full of 100k-mile failures due to neglected maintenance.
Non-Recall Turbo Failures and Model-Specific Fixes
2014-2016 Encore: PCV and Wastegate Issues
- Replace PCV valve (ACDelco 12644242): Simply pull the hose and twist out the old unit to reset oil consumption.
- Wastegate actuator: Test with a vacuum pump; if it doesn’t hold 5 PSI, replace it with a $150 kit.
2017-2021 Encore: Intercooler and Boost Leak Fixes
- Inspect boots for cracks: Pressurize with a Mityvac and use soapy water to find bubbles.
- Clean throttle body: Remove and soak in carb cleaner to fix persistent limp mode issues.
- EGR cooler bypass: Consider a delete plate kit if codes persist after the recall repair.
Transmission Cooler Upgrade for Recall Vehicles
Post-recall, adding an external cooler like the Hayden 679 is highly recommended. This can drop operating temperatures by as much as 30°F.
Routing lines ahead of the radiator helps prevent repeat shaft wear. This is a common preventive measure seen in early successful fixes.
How Dealerships and Shops Misdiagnose Buick Encore Turbo Issues
Dealers blame the turbocharger roughly 70% of the time while ignoring transmission codes. The real fix is actually $0 under the official recall.
Independent shops may pressure test turbos for a fee but miss the shaft play. This usually happens because they avoid a full teardown.
Overquotes are common, such as $3,500 for a “valve body relearn.” Always insist on the GM PIP5701 diagnostic procedure before approving any work.
Red Flags in Shop Quotes
| Misdiagnosis | Quoted Cost | Real Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Turbo replacement | $1,800 | Recall shaft ($0) |
| Full trans rebuild | $5,000 | Pump gear swap |
| Valve body solenoid pack | $1,200 | Input shaft inspection |
Pro tip: Record baseline codes with your own scanner and present them to the technician. This prevents “no code, no problem” dismissals from the service advisor.
Preventive Maintenance for Buick Encore 1.4L Turbo After Recall
Change your ATF every 30,000 miles with Dexron-VI synthetic fluid. Dealers often skip this, which contributes to nearly 80% of preventable failures.
Monitor your boost levels via a gauge; 0-20 PSI is considered normal. Logging this data helps you catch potential issues before they become catastrophic.
Essential DIY Service Schedule
- 01. Every 5k miles: Inspect the air filter and clean the intercooler fins.
- 02. Every 30k miles: Replace transmission fluid and filter (Wix 58961).
- 03. Every 60k miles: Replace the PCV and spark plugs (ACDelco 41-110).
- 04. Every 100k miles: Check the turbo oil feed line and timing chain tensioner.
Owners who extend their engine life to 250,000 miles swear by this schedule. It far exceeds the OEM’s maintenance recommendations.
FAQ
Will the Buick Encore turbo recall fix my slipping transmission?
Yes, if the slipping is due to the oil pump shaft fracture. Post-repair symptoms resolve in 95% of cases; retest after 500 miles.
Can I drive my recalled Encore safely until repair?
No—the risk of sudden power loss is high. It is safer to park the vehicle and arrange a tow, which GM reimburses.
What if my Encore is out of warranty but has the recall?
Safety recalls are free for the lifetime of the vehicle. No mileage caps or warranty expiration dates apply to this repair.
Is the Buick Encore GX turbo recall the same as Encore?
They are similar, but you must check your VIN. The GX uses a 6T45 transmission variant, though both are covered under N232482040.
How long does the turbo recall repair take at a dealer?
The repair typically takes 2-3 days once parts are available. Loaner vehicles are usually provided during this time.
In summary, the Buick Encore turbo recall addresses a critical transmission flaw. Act fast on your VIN check, document everything, and maintain the vehicle rigorously post-fix to ensure long-term reliability.
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