For more info regarding Encore 1.4L reliability........

[vadonkey]

The Encore doesn't sell a ton of vehicles, so I looked for other GM models that uses the same drivetrain to get a feel for reliability longterm and higher volume. The Cruze sells a ton more than Trax/Encore so I think it's a good guide to use

just google GM 1.4 Ecotec engine. Click the links that relate to the Chevy Cruze for a lot more info regarding the reliability of the 1.4L Ecotec engine

There appears to be 2 glaring issues that plague the the 1.4L engine (not the sport model, that uses a different engine)

1) PCV failure- A check valve in the PCV system fails requiring the intake or valve cover gasket to be replaced...You will get a check engine light when it has failed and your car will run rough-Mine has been replaced.

2) Water pump failures- A chirp/squeak under the hood and coolant loss..... I have this going on right now, but my dealer is just tops off the coolant saying "it's evaporating". Coolant doesn't evaporate!- I'll go to a different dealer


Everything else seems pretty well put together. My Encore is a 2014 with 43K miles. Bumper to Bumper ends in May

 

[adamcar]

but my dealer is just tops off the coolant saying "it's evaporating"

So ask them if they top off every vehicle that comes in. They should all "evaporate" right? 😛

 

[Jackrt1117]

I've got a '14 encore with symptoms of bad heater core. I.e. heater blowing cold air at times, foggy windows, low coolant etc. Took it to dealer and they said bad radiator cap! Charged me 100 bucks (deductible on warranty) without my consent to replace. I should have pushed harder to have them remove it so I could buy my own for 17 bucks. However, my fault. Next day driving to work, car starts smoking... pull over to find antifreeze dripping from bottom hose of reservoir. Take it to different dealership (it was closer at this time) find my reservoir is cracked... currently in shop being replaced. Anything else I should be asking them to check? It has 74,500 miles.

 

[vadonkey]

When your windows fog up, does it have that sweet antifeeze smell? If it does, that is definately not a radiator cap. Wait for them to replace your expansion tank and top off the coolant. If it continues to drop, there is another issue.

It's hard to find a dealership that actually cares about its customers.....I wish you well!

 

[ldog2003]

1) PCV failure- A check valve in the PCV system fails to require the intake or valve cover gasket to be replaced...You will get a check engine light when it has failed and your car will run rough-Mine has been replaced.

Sorry to resurrect this thread but I thought it was worth chiming in

I have had the PCV failure issue on my 2013.
The dealership attempted to sell me a full engine rebuild because of it.
They claimed that the PCV valve failed because of excessive crankcase pressure caused by failing piston rings.

I called them on the PS and pressure tested the engine myself, there is nothing wrong with the rings.

PCV hose and valve cover were replaced by a local shop and the car has run fine since

 

[TheAirman]

Don't ya just love it?

I stay away from dealerships unless it's free warranty service. Unscheduled maintenance has become an auto dealers bread and butter. And the ones who try to scam you, like yours did, are really making a killing.

Could you imagine the poor people that actually fell for some of their scams? The old "you need a new engine" but it turned out to be only a bad PCV, routine.

It's not only GM, but it seems they are are doing it now. After your warranty is up, find yourself a good independent.