Envision (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LCV -SIDI: Spark ignited Direct Injection, VVT: Variable Valve Timing, E85 MAX, E0-E100, ALUM, DCVCP
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LTG - SIDI, ALUM DOHC, VVT, DCVCP TURBO, E0-E100, ALUM
2.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Buick Envision Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Buick Envision, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2016-2020 Buick Envision
On a used 2016-2020 Buick Envision, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (40), the brakes (36) and the engine (23). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 40 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Buick Envision about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Buick Envision about the brakes.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Buick Envision about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Buick Envision about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on the 2016-2020 Buick Envision about the exterior lighting.
Recalls (5)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement headliner as part of a repair. These service parts might not have had impact energy-absorbing foam blocks attached. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. An accessory NSV Universal Tablet Holder may have been installed incorrectly onto the front seat head restraints, preventing the head restraint posts from fully engaging in the seat back. If so, the head restraints would fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to March 18, 2016. The the master cylinder brake lines may crack and leak brake fluid.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured February 4, 2016, to April 25, 2016. The Tire and Loading Information label may display the incorrect maximum weight information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2020 Buick Envision complaints?
Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2020 Buick Envision. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the brakes and the engine.
Is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2020 Buick Envision. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2020 Buick Envision have?
NHTSA has 148 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2020 Buick Envision as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2016-2020 Buick Envision?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2016-2020 Buick Envision vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Buick Envision?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the brakes and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Envision?
The 2020 Buick Envision received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 148 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.