Component: Parking Assist / Driver Assistance Sensors / Object Detection Incident Description: While operating my Buick Encore GX, I executed a controlled, low-speed right turn and struck a stationary structural column within the vehicle’s path. The column was a fixed, solid object located in close proximity to the vehicle—precisely within the range the vehicle’s parking assist and object detection systems are intended to detect. No audible or visual warning was provided at any time prior to impact. According to the owner’s handbook, these systems are designed to detect nearby obstacles and provide alerts during low-speed maneuvers, including turning and parking. The conditions of this incident fall directly within those operating parameters. The system’s failure to detect and warn of a clearly present obstacle constitutes a safety defect. Safety Risk: The driver assistance system failed to perform as represented, creating a heightened risk of collisions with stationary objects in low-speed maneuvers. Drivers relying on these systems cannot reasonably expect alerts to avoid collisions in confined spaces such as parking structures or tight turns.

My 2025 Buick Encore GX has experienced an ongoing failure of the rear backup camera system. The issue began intermittently in February 2026, and earlier this month (March) it has progressively worsened. The camera now does not function at all. When shifting into reverse, the display often shows a black screen with a “camera unavailable” warning message. On some occasions, the camera briefly functions but displays severe distortion, including abnormal colors, flickering, and warning symbols overlaid on the image. The issue continues to occur intermittently and unpredictably. This failure creates a safety concern because the backup camera is a required safety feature intended to assist with rear visibility while reversing. The malfunction reduces visibility and increases the risk of not seeing objects, vehicles, or pedestrians behind the vehicle. The problem has not yet been inspected by the dealership due to limited appointment availability. I have documented the issue with photos and video showing the malfunction, including distortion and loss of image. Approximately 8 weeks after purchasing this vehicle in March 2025 (5/3/25) the Digital Instrument Cluster (driver information center) and infotainment display went completely black while driving, leaving no visible speed, fuel level, or other critical vehicle information visible to the driver. This raises concern about the reliability of the vehicle’s electronic systems, particularly as the backup camera— another critical safety feature— is now also malfunctioning. This issue has progressed from intermittent to consistent failure.

nStar remote diagnostic system returned five false-negative results across two confirmed mechanical failures. January 2, 2026: two diagnostics at 5:50 PM and 5:53 PM returned "No Error Code Found" while the transmission was actively failing. At 8:39 PM, the system identified P0700 and P2714 (Transmission System Failure, "Service within 1 day"). March 14, 2026: two diagnostics at 11:14 AM and 11:17 AM returned "No Error Code Found" while the vehicle could not exceed 20 mph on a highway. OnStar agent instructed a permanently disabled driver with a [XXX] passenger to continue driving during the first failure. GM issued a September 2025 TSB for "Loss of OnStar Connectivity" affecting all makes. FTC entered a 20-year consent order against GM/OnStar in January 2026. The Muhammad v. General Motors class action (E.D. Mich.) documents identical OnStar false negatives before engine seizures on the 6.2L platform. OnStar's diagnostic system appears unable to detect powertrain failures in sealed components across multiple engine platforms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When I go 63 miles an hour the car starts chugging and my dealership changed the transmission fluid. I drove it home today and it still chugging. They called me and said they took a 2026 Buick encore and did the same thing but will not help me. They told me it’s a daily occurrence in the vehicle. It shouldn’t be chugging going up hills at 63 miles an hour.

In my car there is an electrical issue with the radio. Sometimes when I’m backing up and using the camera the lane assistance doesn’t work properly which can cause someone to back into things if they are using it. Also another issue it has is when I’m driving the entire radio and dashboard flicks and the screen goes out which is dangerous when driving because now I’m not sure what my speed level is checking gas levels if your on phone calls it isn’t consistent. I think this is a major safety issue not sure if it’s electrical but the dashboard and screen goes out together randomly and it affects reverse driving and just driving in general.