Buick Encore: Rear Seats / Folding the Seatback

Buick Encore 2020-2026 Owner's Manual / Seats and Restraints / Rear Seats / Rear Seats / Folding the Seatback

Either side of the seatback can be folded down for more cargo space. Fold a seatback only when the vehicle is not moving.

Caution

Folding a rear seat with the seat belts still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the seat belts. Always unbuckle the seat belts and return them to their normal stowed position before folding a rear seat.

Caution

Folding the rear seatback prior to tilting the seat cushion forward may damage the rear seat. Always tilt the rear seat cushion forward before folding the seatback.

To fold a seatback down:

Make sure the floor area in front of the rear seats is clear.
Fully lower the head restraint. See Head Restraints.
Slide the front seats forward and place the front seatbacks in the upright position. See Seat Adjustment and Reclining Seatbacks.
Pull the strap on the front edge of the rear seat cushion to release the cushion. Tilt the seat cushion forward toward the front of the vehicle.
The seat cushion must be tilted forward before the seatback is folded down. Otherwise, the seatback will not fold down properly.

Rear Seat with Retainer Hook on the Seatback
Make sure the seat belt is in the retainer hook on top of the seatback, if equipped.

Warning

Do not allow the seat belt webbing to become caught under the retainer hook trim, as this may cause the seat belt to not be worn properly.
Reach under the belt and pull the lever on top of the seatback to unlock the seatback.
A tab near the seatback lever raises when the seatback is unlocked.
Fold the seatback forward and down.

Seat Belt Clip on Side Trim
Place the outboard seat belt in the seat belt clip (if equipped) on the side trim of the vehicle.
Repeat Steps 1–8 for the other seatback and seat cushion, if desired.

Rear Seat Reminder

If equipped, the message REAR SEAT REMINDER LOOK IN REAR SEAT displays under certain conditions indicating there may be an item or passenger in the rear seat...

Raising the Seatback

Warning If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there. Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked...

Other information:

Buick Encore 2020-2026 Owner's Manual: Ignition Positions

The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition with pushbutton start. The RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle for the system to operate. If the vehicle is not working, the vehicle may be near a strong antenna signal causing interference to the Keyless Access system...

Buick Encore 2020-2026 Owner's Manual: Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. It should go out when the engine is started. If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system...