2018 Buick Envision problems
The Buick Envision is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed under the Buick brand since 2014. It is exclusively manufactured in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture, supplying the Chinese and North American markets.
Concept
The Envision was first introduced in 2011 as a design concept. It was a small crossover with two large scissor doors opening upward. The concept was a plug-in hybrid with advanced technology such as a solar roof and head-up display. The waterfall grille made it to the production version of the Envision.
First generation (2014)
The Envision was first introduced in China in August 2014, also known by its Chinese name, “Ang Ke Wei” (昂科威). It went on sale in China on October 20.
The Envision debuted in the U.S. at the North American International Auto Show on January 11, 2016, sharing the segment with a second generation GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox. It went on sale in the United States in the summer of 2016, making it the first Chinese-built GM vehicle to be sold in America. It was initially offered with all-wheel drive, and subsequently with optional front-wheel drive for model year 2017.
The North American version of the Envision features two powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 197 hp (147 kW) and 192 lb⋅ft (260 N⋅m) torque, and a turbo-charged 2-liter four-cylinder engine SAE certified at 252 hp (188 kW) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) torque. Both were initially paired with a third-generation six-speed transmission. For the 2016 model year, the Envision was only available in Premium I and Premium II trim levels, with the 2.0L turbo engine, seven active safety technologies, and OnStar/Intellilink connectivity. The trim levels expanded to five for the 2017 model year.
In addition to the larger engines offered in North America, Chinese buyers also have the option of a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit.
Trim levels for the first generation Envision were known as the 20T and 28T.
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Common 2018 Buick Envision problems
The 2018 Buick Envision is a midsize crossover SUV that has received some complaints from owners regarding its performance and features. Here are some of the most common problems with the 2018 Buick Envision based on the search results:
- Poor forward visibility: Another common complaint about the 2018 Buick Envision is the poor forward visibility. The Envision's thick A-pillars and small rear window can make it difficult to see other vehicles or obstacles on the road, which can be a safety concern. This issue is particularly noticeable when changing lanes or merging onto highways.
- Heating and air conditioning issues: Some owners of the 2018 Buick Envision have reported issues with the heating and air conditioning system. These problems can range from the system not blowing hot or cold air to the system not working at all. In some cases, the issue may be due to a faulty blower motor or a malfunctioning thermostat.
- Powertrain issues: The 2018 Buick Envision has received some complaints about powertrain issues, including problems with the transmission and engine. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission shifting roughly or not shifting at all. In some cases, the issue may be due to a faulty transmission control module or a malfunctioning solenoid. The Envision's engine has also been reported to have issues, including coolant hose ruptures and fuel sensor failures.
- Steering system issues: Some owners of the 2018 Buick Envision have reported issues with the steering system, including the steering locking up while driving. This issue can be particularly dangerous, as it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. In some cases, the issue may be due to a faulty steering column lock or a malfunctioning steering angle sensor.
- Suspension issues: The 2018 Buick Envision has also received some complaints about suspension issues, including vibrations while driving. These vibrations can be particularly noticeable in the steering wheel and can be caused by a variety of issues, including worn-out suspension components or unbalanced tires.
Overall, while the 2018 Buick Envision has received some complaints from owners, it is still considered a reliable vehicle with few recalls to date. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider them when making their purchase decision.
How many miles will a 2018 Buick Envision last?
Buicks and Longevity
In fact, they generally last 200,000 miles, or about 13 years, which placed them third overall (and first among luxury brands) in J.D. Power's 2020 vehicle dependability survey.
Does Buick Envision have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely and consistently change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Buick Envision transmission will swiftly slip.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Buick Encore?
The most frequently reported problem with the 2018 Buick Encore is also a serious safety concern. Multiple owners have reported through the NHTSA that while driving at speeds of about 45 miles an hour and then applying the brakes, the engine would attempt to accelerate.
Is Buick Envision a reliable vehicle?
Generally, though, the Buick Envision is a reliable compact SUV; any issues you encounter should not be life-threatening or severe (though they may require significant maintenance work). According to iseecars.com, the Buick Envision is the 14th most reliable luxury and small compact SUV overall.
Does Buick Envision have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely and consistently change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Buick Envision transmission will swiftly slip.
How many miles will a 2018 Buick Envision last?
Buicks and Longevity
In fact, they generally last 200,000 miles, or about 13 years, which placed them third overall (and first among luxury brands) in J.D. Power's 2020 vehicle dependability survey.
Is the Buick Envision a reliable vehicle?
Generally, though, the Buick Envision is a reliable compact SUV; any issues you encounter should not be life-threatening or severe (though they may require significant maintenance work). According to iseecars.com, the Buick Envision is the 14th most reliable luxury and small compact SUV overall.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Buick Encore?
The most frequently reported problem with the 2018 Buick Encore is also a serious safety concern. Multiple owners have reported through the NHTSA that while driving at speeds of about 45 miles an hour and then applying the brakes, the engine would attempt to accelerate.
2018 Buick Envision car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Buick Envision problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Buick Envision vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Buick Envision complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Buick Envision.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-30
- VIN: LRBFX3SX3JD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The Instrument Panel Cluster failed and is completely gone black. Due to the failure, there is no speedometer, or other safety notifications being delivered to the driver. The lack of knowing your current speed, the speed cruise control is set at, along with zero safety notifications is a huge safety issue for the driver and passengers, other vehicles on the road and pedestrians, etc. All of the alert features failed, including the forward collision warning, parking collision warning, lane keeping assistance, etc. The component was inspected by the GMC dealer's shop the vehicle was purchased through, along with another GMC certified shop. There were zero warning lamps, message or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. After reading numerous on-line Buick/GMC forums, it appears this same issue has been prolonged and on-going across multiple Buick years, makes and models.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-12
- VIN: LRBFX1SA3JD
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Every time the car auto stops and turns back on the steering locks. So when the car starts you can’t turn the wheel. Also, while driving the car will lock and radio will shut off/ turn on. This happens like 1 to 2x a week. It is available for inspection. It could be very dangerous for me and others for needing to turning into places or even turning down the road. It hasn’t been confirmed or inspected, yet. There is only one warning lamp that flashes on for a split second, it’s no t/c. It just started flashing 3/26/23 not prior to incidents.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-20
- VIN: LRBFX3SX8JD
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: While driving my vehicle at 55mph on a country road, I went to brake, and then realized that I had no brakes. I had to coast to a near stop and put everything I had into pushing the little bit of brake pedal clearance left to the floor to come to a complete stop. I had NO warning signs or dash lights before this happened. Once I turned my car off and then back on, the service brake assist light came on, followed by the engine light. Had any cars been in front of me to stop, I surely would not have been able to stop with what little brakes I had left. My brake assist vacuum pump was removed, and inside there were many pieces of the part in there. This part is available for inspection. Again, had this happened in traffic or with anybody stopped in front of me, this would have had a completely different outcome. I had to have my vehicle towed 70 miles for repair. When the part was removed, there were no visible signs of any of the seals leaking.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-18
- VIN: LRBFX3SX6JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: On June 4, 2022 the radio bar showed a line in the middle of it and the volume of it would not increase. I could not hear anything. I tried everything even going into systems on the radio. Later that day it corrected itself and went back to normal. On June 18, 2022 the front passenger side window I put down approximately 1-1 1/4” and drove for maybe a half mile then decided to put it back up, it won’t move. I tried from both the drivers door control and passenger door, nothing. I looked in the manual and did what it stated to do, nothing, I got home turned off the car waited, turned the car back on and tried again, nothing. I called the dealership where I purchased the car and to my disappointment no service on Saturday. I have less than 35000 miles on this car no reason why I should be having issues.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-12
- VIN: LRBFX1SA4JD
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE
- Summary: My Buick Envision started to occasionally create notable vibration in the front and traveling into the steering column. I brought the car to a GMC Buick dealership in Amite, LA(4/13/21) it was there for 3 days. The problem couldn't be duplicated. Next the car was brought to Royal Buick, Baton Rouge, LA(10/26-11/6/21.Having trouble controlling the car on each occurs.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-19
- VIN: LRBFX4SX1JD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: While we were merging onto the highway, the steering wheel locked! I was going 50 MPH and I couldn't move the steering wheel left or right. We almost got into an accident, but I pulled my hardest on the wheel and was able to pull over. I shut off the car and turned it back on and it was OK, but under the wrong circumstances, this could've ended up real bad. Are there similar complaints on this vehicle?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-05
- VIN: LRBFX1SA8JD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: We bought our used buick envision essence in Feb 2021 from Scott Robinson Honda, Torrance, CA with 6,489 miles and 3 month warranty. The night we drove it off the lot the floor behind the driver's seat was wet and we thought it was from the prep (including shampooing the carpet) they said they had to do before we drove it off the lot at 9:00 p.m. The next day found that the matts in front were saturated in gasoline so threw them away. Since then whenever it rains floor becomes soaked each time. This causes windows to always be fogged up because of constant moisture in vehicle creating dangerous very poor visibilty and mildew we have to breath in causing breathing problems. We took the vehicle to our regular auto repair, Encinitas Foreign Auto who checked the moon roof, door windows, windshild and AC system and after hundreds of dollars still don't know where wet floors are coming from. Should not be happening with less than 7,000 miles on it. Buick is now feeling and smelling damp all the time and fogging up windows making it difficult to see. We feel the manufacturer needs to correct this defect on our vehicle as soon as possible. Thank you.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-17
- VIN: LRBFX2SA5JD
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE HAVE BEEN 2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS OF THE COOLANT HOSE RUPTURING DUE TO THERMOSTAT FAILURE AND FUEL SENSOR WAS BAD CAUSING NOT BEING ABLE TO TO FILL TANK. DEALER SAID NOT UNDER WARRANTY TOOK TO SEPARATE SHOP WHEN IN FACT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY SO THEN TOOK TO DEALER THEY DO NOT WANT TO EXTEND WARRANTY ON MOTOR FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. OVERHEATED TWICE WHILE DRIVING
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-14
- VIN: LRBFX3SX6JD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: LOSS OF POWER STEERING FOR @ 5 MINUTES UNTIL STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND TURNED IT BACK ON, IT WAS WORKING. HOWEVER, JUST DROVE 2 MINUTES TO EMPLOYMENT PARKING LOT. NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SEE IF IT MALFUNCTIONING, WILL NOTICE DRIVING BACK HOME.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-01
- VIN: LRBFXBSA1JD
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BUICK ENVISION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN DRIVING AT 36 TO 40 MPH AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE SPEED WAS INCREASED TO 41 MPH, THE VIBRATION STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAUL MASSE BUICK GMC SOUTH (2909 TOWER HILL ROAD, SAUNDERSTOWN, RI 02874, PHONE (401) 515-3737). THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOT A FIX FOR THE VIBRATING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.
Negative 2018 Buick Envision car reviews
Positive 2018 Buick Envision car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with your car! It's great to hear that you've been getting such good fuel economy, with 32-34 miles per gallon on the highway and 26-30 miles per gallon in the city. The 2.5 L front wheel drive sounds like a great choice, and it's wonderful to hear that the car is both quiet and comfortable. It's great to hear that you're so satisfied with your current car, and I'm sure that when the time comes to replace it, you'll make another great choice!
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Overall, I'm really happy with my Buick Envision. It's just the right size - not too small, but not so large that it affects the mileage. However, I have noticed that the Apple Car Play system can be a bit inconsistent in its operation. Some applications take a long time to load, and when you turn them off, they don't always stay off. When you try to launch them, they either don't launch or take an excessive amount of time to do so. While this is not Buick's fault, it would be great if any technology they install could be thoroughly tested. The performance is adequate for my needs, although the 2.5 4 cylinder engine does result in slower acceleration. Additionally, I would prefer the interior to be less
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Firstly, I want to share my positive experience with the Envision SUV. Initially, I was hesitant to purchase it due to uncertainty about the final assembly country. However, after test driving it at my dealer's, my wife and I were immediately impressed with the ride quality and decided to purchase it. As retirees who enjoy travelling, we have put 33,000 miles on it in the past 16 months, and have only incurred costs for oil changes and gas. We even drove through the mountains with the A/C on and still managed to average an impressive 33.2 MPG. I am so satisfied with the Envision that I plan to replace it next year with another one, this time with the driver assist features. I highly recommend taking a test drive of this great mid-size SUV before making a purchase.
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I absolutely fell in love with this vehicle after renting the standard model for a week on a business trip. It's hard to drive any other midsize SUV after experiencing the Envision's smooth ride and handling. One of the things that sets it apart is that the engine is not directly mounted to the frame, resulting in very little vibration and a quiet ride. We leased the Premium 1 with the Turbo and were impressed with the lineal torque curve and smooth 6-speed transmission. The interior fit and finish is excellent, and we were pleased to get 26 mpg on our first highway trip. If the start-stop feature bothers you, simply shift it into 'L' and click it to 6 to cancel it out. Overall, we are very happy with this selection.
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I have been a Honda owner since 2001, and I recently took a look at the Buick Envision. I was blown away! I absolutely love everything about it, especially the visual views from inside the car. It's important to me to be able to see all around me, and this car has got it covered with its blind spot indicators and backup camera. The premier package, which has even more safety sensors, would be a great addition to this car. Overall, I am really enjoying driving this Buick.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Buick Envision problems:
2018 Buick Envision Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Buick Envision? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
The Most Common 2018 Buick Envision Problems | GetJerry.com
Nov 17, 2022 ... The most common 2018 Buick Envision problems · Poor trunk and storage space · Poor forward visibility · Heating and air conditioning issues.
2018 Buick Envision Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 2018 Buick Envision repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Buick mechanics near you.
Rear A/C Blowing Only Hot Air? | Page 4 | Buick Envision Forum
This seems like a common problem. Our Buick is off warranty, of course. To repair it, looks like we are facing a bill of around $3,000.00. Crazy. Could this ...
Other years of Buick Envision
Are you having problems with your 2018 Buick Envision?
Sammy Ziemann 2025-10-19
UPDATE. Hi there! I've been experiencing a bad smell from the AC every time I start the car. I went to the dealer and they suggested spraying AC fresh into the intake duct. Unfortunately, it didn't work and I'm a bit disappointed. We've only driven 8000 miles and this is the first time I've had an issue like this. I'm a bit frustrated, but I'm hopeful that we can find a solution. Overall, I really like the car and would give it 5 stars if it weren't for one issue. Every time I come to a stop, the engine stalls and dies. I know it's not a problem with the engine itself, but rather a feature that shuts it down every time you come to a stop. It can be a bit annoying, but I've found that if you test drive the car when it's very hot, the AC will keep the engine running when you stop. On some GM cars, they've added a button to deactivate this feature, and I really think that would be a great addition to this car. If I had known about this before I bought the car, I might have reconsidered, but overall I'm still happy with my purchase. Thanks for listening!
Francisco Oberbrunner 2025-10-13
We have had the car for four months. Unfortunately, we have experienced some issues with it. The car shakes quite badly when taking off, especially when turning left or right from a stop. Additionally, we have found that the back-up monitor is not very effective, particularly at dusk or dawn. We have also noticed a rattle in the exhaust and a strange noise coming from the heater motor. We have brought these issues to the attention of the dealer, Thompson of Springfield Mo, but unfortunately, they have not been able to fix them yet.
Ruben Jerde 2025-08-03
The 2017 Buick Envision has some features that may not be for everyone. However, it's important to note that every driver has different preferences and priorities when it comes to their vehicle. While the auto stop feature may not be ideal for some, it's worth considering the other benefits that the car has to offer. It's also worth noting that the car is made in China, which may be a concern for some buyers. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide what features and qualities are most important to them in a car. We hope this review helps you make an informed decision.
Mckenzie Fritsch 2025-05-19
This and this alone is causing me to get out of this otherwise fine vehicle. It's the worst feature ever on a vehicle. Goodbye Buick!!! You missed an opportunity by not making this an option.
Keenan Price 2025-05-09
We purchased the vehicle in late November of 2016 and it looked great. However, since then, we have had to take it in and out of the dealership for various issues, including a noise near the gas tank that has been unsuccessfully addressed three times, and a failed operating system. It's worth noting that it can take 7-10 days to get a part for the car. If given the chance to do it over, we would not choose to buy this car again. For the same amount of money, we would recommend purchasing a Mercedes instead.