2021 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 2021 Buick Envision problems
The 2021 Buick Envision has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to in-car electronics, engine, fuel system, exhaust, electrical accessories, steering and suspension, and drive system.
One of the most widespread complaints is a squeaking noise while turning, which is often caused by inadequate lubrication on the steering gears.
Another problem found on some Buick Envision models within the first 5,000 miles is delayed gear changes. This issue can be addressed by installing software updates for the transmission control module, which most dealerships will install for free, while others charge around $100 for labor.
Excessive wind noise from the front windows is also a common issue on Envision models at around 10,000 miles. This problem is usually caused by loose weather stripping around the front windows. Most shops can fix weather stripping for under $20, but if it is torn and needs to be replaced, it’s around $200.
The 2021 Buick Envision has two recalls, which is similar to other small SUVs from the same year. The first recall covers the airbag light, and the second covers the running lights. Both of the issues can be fixed with software updates that Buick will install for free.
In terms of in-car electronics, some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, including difficulties connecting with CarPlay and the navigation screen not showing the map. These issues have been reported by Anonymous A., ON, who owns a 2021 Buick Envision with a 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo engine.
In addition to these common problems, the 2021 Buick Envision has also been reported to have issues with the engine, fuel system, exhaust, electrical accessories, steering and suspension, and drive system. However, the specific details of these issues have not been provided in the search results.
Does the 2021 Buick Envision have problems?
The 2021 Buick Envision lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average steering and transmission issues reported. At $24,075 to $37,550, it's a decent value for a compact SUV with a reasonably upscale cabin for the price.
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.
Is Buick Envision a good reliable car?
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.
How many miles will a Buick Envision last?
200,000 miles
How long Buicks last is an important barometer of their value and reliability. 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 the 2021 Buick Envision have problems?
The 2021 Buick Envision lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average steering and transmission issues reported. At $24,075 to $37,550, it's a decent value for a compact SUV with a reasonably upscale cabin for the price.
Do Buick Envisions 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.
Is Buick Envision a good reliable car?
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.
Is the Buick Envision made in China?
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.
2021 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:
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Buick Envision vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Buick Envision complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Buick Envision.
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-15
- VIN: LRBAZLR48MD
- Components: SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the front driver’s and passenger’s side ball joints, and control arms were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred, and the control arms were replaced a second time. Also, while driving the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle and the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injector and fuel sensor were faulty. The fuel injector and fuel sensor were replaced but the failure persisted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-03
- VIN: LRBAZLR46MD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Interior light keep coming on while driving when I turn it off it comes back on
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
- VIN: LRBFZPR4XMD
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Not safety, but GM recalled 2021Trailblazers to replace Evap Purge Pumps on vehicles showing check engine light resulting in bad purge pump diagnosis. Why only Trailblazers? I recently had to replace one on my 2021Envision at 37,588 miles after my check engine light came on. Fortunately I bought the extended insurance when I purchased my new vehicle and only paid the $100 deductible. Otherwise it would have cost me $404. If they knew of problems for that year, why not send out letters to other owners of GM vehicles? Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-14
- VIN: LRBFZNR45MD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: When I push on the accelerator the car hesitates and then surges forward. I took the vehicle to the dealership where they recreated the problem however it was not throwing any codes. After examination they determined that the problem was turbo lag. I was advised to continue driving the car as usual until it throws a code or turbo fails. I believe that the vehicle randomly hesitating could leave you stranded in an intersection with oncoming traffic, and when if surges puts you at risk for a rear end collision. When I asked the service rep what will happen if the turbo fails, she said pull over and call on-star. I'll be traveling through the mountains for the holidays, it worries me that if the turbo fails I could be stuck on the side of the road in winter weather.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-15
- VIN: LRBFZMR42MD
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 245/45 R 20 all four tires are pitting and delaminating and the rubber is falling off. These are Continental pro contact 99 h. Mold number s-908480 and mold number s-50879. With a DOT number of 1lf0fbbxy 4820.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-29
- VIN: LRBAZLR42MD
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Car shut off in middle of the highway. Couldn’t get it to start. Fortunately there was light traffic. Couldn’t get the car in neutral to push on side of road. Had it towed to a shop and it was a faulty fuel pump module. Manufacturer won’t honor warranty.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-04
- VIN: LRBFZMR44MD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My vehicle's motor stopped without any warning in the middle lane of a busy freeway. I put the emergency flashers on but when I tried to restart the motor it overrode the flashers, causing a semi truck to just miss hitting me. The transmission went into Park mode and since this car is electronic shifting it would not let me put it in to neutral when the motor is not running . People stopped to help me push the car off the road but we could not get it into neutral. Very DANGEROUS situation to be stuck in a center lane on a busy freeway. ODOT and state police that stopped to help me said that they have never seen anything like this. Towed the car to a Buick-GNC dealer where they have had it for over 2 weeks now. They say that the fuel pump control module failed and they are on back order. My car has 11,200 miles on it.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-04
- VIN: LRBAZLR45MD
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Driving at 45 mph the vehicle stopped running in traffic. Able to get off road and vehicle would not start. Engine turned over but did not fire. Waited about 10 min. while on phone with dealer and tried again. It started. Able to drive approx. 2 miles to dealer. Dealer says Fuel pump control module is bad. This is a dangerous situation.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: LRBFZNR4XMD
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The vehicle struck a dumpster before coming to a stop. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 11,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-27
- VIN: LRBFZRR44MD
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: As going down the road the tire blew out. The vehicle is new and only has 6389 miles on the vehicle. Feel there was a defect in the tire that caused this. No warning or anything came on to advise that it was low or needed attention. It blew out and damaged the wheel, fender and door The repair estimate total was $5484.66 and I had a $500 deductible. Also had a rental that ran out because the tire is now discontinued and they are trying to find one compatible. The vehicle seems to be too new for this problem. I am needing a rental now.
2021 Buick Envision recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 Buick Envision.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
- Consequence: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Negative 2021 Buick Envision car reviews
Positive 2021 Buick Envision car reviews
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New in 2021, this car has put on 54,000 miles in just 2 years and has had absolutely no problems. It runs, drives, and handles perfectly. I sold the car to my son and am currently looking to buy another Envision.
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If you're looking for a nice vehicle, I highly recommend the Envision. As a retired Ford Engineer, I can tell you that all vehicles have their issues, but this one is the nicest I have ever owned. Some customers have complained about a little wind noise, but it's an easy fix and most of the time it's just people wanting something to complain about. My Envision has every option available and I love every one of them. The engine is very smooth and quiet with loads of performance. I did have to have my Buick dealership replace my engine at about 4,000 miles, but it was no big deal and they fixed the wind noise free of charge while they had it. When someone broke into my car and drilled holes in the tires while it was at the dealership, I wasn't too bothered because I had run flat tires installed shortly after I purchased it. Although I was heartbroken when the glass roof cracked from a hail storm and hundreds of little dents, my insurance company purchased me a new one just like mine. Overall, the Envision is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I still love my beautiful Envision with all its options. By the way, I'm 79 now and the state wants me to turn in my license, but no way - not until I turn 80 or get one more new Buick. Life is too short to be concerned about little things, so let's just be thankful for what we have. Cheers to all and bless you!
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I really like the car and all the features it offers. However, I have a wind noise issue on the driver's side. If you check the Buick forum, you will see that a lot of owners have the same issue. I had it in once, and they replaced a window gasket, but it didn't solve the issue. I am taking it in on Monday, and they want to keep it for 3 days. I am not sure if GM knows what the issue is. I hope you have better luck.
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Hi there! I noticed that this is your third Buick, that's great! I hope you're enjoying it. I understand that you needed a smaller vehicle now that you're empty nesters. Let me know if there's anything I can help you with.
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Despite receiving a 5-star review, I do have one disappointment. Unfortunately, wind noise is very significant at all speeds. However, the dealer has been very receptive to trying to resolve the issue, although we haven't had any luck yet. They adjusted the sunroof despite being told the noise was coming from the driver's door. Wish me luck in getting this resolved!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Buick Envision problems:
2021 Buick Envision Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Engine Major · Fuel System/Emissions · Exhaust · Electrical Accessories · Steering And Suspension · Drive ...
2021 Envision Likes/Dislikes | Buick Envision Forum
Aug 6, 2021 ... First world problems I guess. Oh, the entertainment screen is huge. The dash is more of a cockpit wrap around...really nice...I hope when I go ...
2021 Buick Envision Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Dec 18, 2023 ... What Common Problems Does the 2021 Buick Envision Have? · A squeaking noise while turning is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Envision ...
Mud getting into inside bottom of all doors 2021 Buick Envision ...
Oct 14, 2022 ... I have to clean manually frequently. 2021 Buick Envision Essence 6700 mi. I feel Buick needs to provide a fix for this problem to prevent future ...
2021 Buick Envision Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Buick Envision? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Buick Envision
Are you having problems with your 2021 Buick Envision?
Johathan Rosenbaum 2024-11-17
I am confident in the look, comfort, technology, and handling of my 2021 Envision Avenir in Cinnabar colour. However, I have noticed that after 12,000 km, the 9-speed transmission does not shift into 9th gear, which results in a loss of fuel efficiency. Despite visiting local dealerships 5 times, no solution has been offered yet.
Derrick Langosh 2024-11-15
2021 envision aviar. White with whisper beige interior. I really like the looks, the size, the power and how it drives. Although it's not as quiet as I expected, it's still a great car. The whisper beige interior is beautiful, but it does show dirt and scuffs easily. Overall, I would give it a 5 star rating if these two minor issues were fixed.
Moses Gorczany 2024-06-08
The 2021 Buick Envision ST may experience a slight hesitation between the 4th and 5th gears during the first drive of the day, with a brief increase in engine RPM before shifting into gear. This is a normal characteristic of the vehicle and does not require any concern. The dealership has confirmed this to be the case.
Jairo Batz 2024-04-15
Buick is doing a great job of appealing to a younger audience, but some people might find the exterior styling a bit too neutral. It would be great if the car had a more sporty or aggressive look. While the 228 hp engine is decent, it's not particularly quick or fun. It feels like it's just enough to get the car moving. However, the interior is where the car really shines. It's nicely appointed and stands out from the crowd, which is really enjoyable.
Izaiah Koch 2024-04-03
I love the look and comfort of this vehicle! However, after 6 months, the 9-speed transmission is no longer shifting into 9th gear. Unfortunately, this has caused a decrease in gas mileage from 7.6 l per 100 km to 8.9 l per 100 km. As someone who does a lot of highway driving, I've noticed that the transmission is revving higher and using more fuel. Despite this issue, I still think it's a great vehicle. I've reached out to local dealerships for help, but they haven't been able to find a solution yet.