2024 BUICK ENCORE GX

STEERING

The contact leased a 2024 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel was pulling to the left and to the right. The contact was able to remain in the middle lane. The contact had to use both hands while driving the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. After two months, the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,620.

SERVICE BRAKES

Noticed around 7000 miles that the brakes are squealing and grabbing at slow speeds

ENGINE

The issue has happened three times and has been "repaired" three times. While driving, the vehicle starts to shake violently. Then the check engine light comes on and the vehicle shuts off. It has happened on extremely busy roads and almost caused major accidents. It has been a problem with fuel pump and sensor. Again, it has happened three times.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The issue has happened three times and has been "repaired" three times. While driving, the vehicle starts to shake violently. Then the check engine light comes on and the vehicle shuts off. It has happened on extremely busy roads and almost caused major accidents. It has been a problem with fuel pump and sensor. Again, it has happened three times.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On [XXX], I was driving on the [XXX] in San Diego, a rather busy freeway, and the instrument panel went black with no interference from me. I could not see speedometer or any other information about the car, like check engine light. I drove the 17 miles home. At my home, I restarted the car several times and the screen was still black. A separate screen with the radio, etc. was still working though. I made sure that a button to dim the screen hadn't accidentally been touched, and it hadn't as I turned it back and forth with no response. There was no error message, etc. I was at risk of not knowing how fast I was going, not having the safety feature of knowing how close I was to other vehicles, and not knowing if there was a check engine indicator. There was no symptoms prior to the incident. The car has about 1,246 miles on it. I just purchased in bout 7 weeks ago brand new. I contacted OnStar as they have a help feature and they instructed me I had to bring the car in to the dealer. I have been ill the last few days but will have to take in there to be inspected. I have not started the car today on 7/11/2025 to see if the screen will come on, but a black instrument panel seems to be an ongoing problem the Buick Encore GX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated there was an abnormally strong foul odor inside the vehicle, and there was mildew and mold inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the failure had occurred due to the design of the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that water and debris were entering the vehicle through the gap between the windshield and the cowl. The dealer was currently cleaning the vehicle with mold removal products; however, no assistance was provided to correct the gap between the windshield and the cowl. The dealer advised the contact to park the vehicle in a garage. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that her daughter was asthmatic and was taken to the hospital because her asthma might have been triggered by the mold and mildew inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.