Buick Encore GX GEM

1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder with 137 hp and CVT transmission. Class action lawsuit filed against GM for connecting rod failure. GM extended turbocharger special coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles. Engine not yet mature — oil consumption and turbo failures too frequent for its age.

• !! Turbocharger Failure from 50,000 km

  The 1.2L three-cylinder turbocharger can fail prematurely. GM extended special coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles.

  Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced power message, cold start rattle, DTC P0299
  1,200–2,500 $
  Ad turbocharger 1.2 LIHturbo Encore GX
• !! Connecting Rod Failure from 12,000 km

  Connecting rod can break and pierce the engine block. Class action lawsuit filed against GM. Replacement engines are backordered.

  Symptoms: Loud knocking, reduced engine power message, engine stalls, fluid leaks
  6,000–15,000 $
  Ad replacement engine 1.2 LIHconnecting rod 1.2 turbo GM
• !! Oil Starvation Due to Lubrication Defect from 40,000 km

  Lubrication passage failures and engine block porosity issues can cause oil starvation at turbo bearings and connecting rod bearings.

  Symptoms: High oil consumption, knocking noises, check engine light
  3,000–8,000 $
  Ad oil pan 1.2 LIHoil pump 1.2 turbo GM

1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder with 155 hp and 9-speed automatic. Noticeably smoother and more powerful than the 1.2L sibling. Early engine failures and fuel rail defects reported in new units, but significantly less problematic than the LIH.

• !! Catastrophic engine failure (L3T)

  2024–2025 NHTSA complaints: connecting rod failure and total loss documented. Too new for final verdict but warning sign.

  Symptoms: Loud bang, smoke, complete engine failure
  6,000–15,000 $
  Ad L3T 1.3 engine replacement
• !! Fuel rail failure (L3T)

  Fuel rail replacement required on some early units. Parts were backordered.

  Symptoms: Check engine light, rough running, power loss
  500–1,500 $
  Ad fuel rail L3T 1.3
• ! Squeaking and ticking from engine bay (L3T)

  Squeaking and ticking noises on early units. GM TSB exists, dealers call it normal.

  Symptoms: Squeak on cold start, ticking at idle
  0–500 $
  Ad L3T ECU update