Owners have filed 33 complaints
about the 2021 Buick Envision with NHTSA between 2022 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Buick Envision. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Buick Envision
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
721.2%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Electrical System
515.2%
Median failure at 53,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
515.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 34,950 mi
Other & Unspecified
39.1%
Tires
26.1%
Engine & Cooling
26.1%
Equipment & Accessories
13.0%
Median failure at 36,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
13.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 11,000 mi
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.0%
Lights
13.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.0%
Median failure at 36,000 miles
Suspension
13.0%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Body & Structure
13.0%
Median failure at 53,000 miles
Brakes
13.0%
Median failure at 36,000 miles
Airbags
13.0%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
330.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
440.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
220.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
110.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2022peak 4Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2021 Buick Envision
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
22V903000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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."
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
21V421000
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
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.
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024060273,306 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the lower beam headlamps not to turn on as it becomes dark outside if the multi-function switch is in the "OFF" or "PARKING LAMP" position. This could also cause the daytime running lamps (DRLs) to turn off when the vehicle is moving. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: Headlamps and/or DRLs that don't turn on could reduce visibility, make the vehicle less visible to others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the body control module (BCM)software.
Recall 202270085,685 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the daytime running lamps (DRLs) may stay on when the headlamps are on. Canadian regulations require the DRLs to turn off when the headlamps are on. Safety Risk: Daytime running lamps that stay on could cause glare for oncoming drivers and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the body control module (BCM) software.
Recall 202134816,400 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the airbag warning light not to turn on when there is a fault in the airbag system. As a result, a driver might not be alerted of the problem and the airbags may not work properly in a crash. Safety Risk: An airbag system that does not work properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and send a wireless over-the-air software update to each vehicle. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed by a dealer.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lake Station, INCrash
POWER TRAIN
11/25/25 DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISION WAS IN DRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND CONTINUED TO THE FINAL DESTINATION. 3 DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. TRANSMITION WENT FROM DRIVE TO 1 ST GEAR. I STOPPED THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. i CONTINUED TO FINAL DESTINATION. I FEEL VERY LUCKY THIS ALL HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS GOING 5-10 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #11702035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesYoungstown, OHCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: AUTOMATIC SYSTEM BRAKING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11495280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oxford, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
got a check engine light on, took to dealer was a code 1098, the part is on back order told that it would not be available until middle of may, this happened to me at the end of march, now am learning that GM issued a recall on that part for their diesel Duramax engine, I think it is a GM wide problem.
NHTSA complaint #11733545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesMinerva, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated around a corner, with the floor mat stuck under the pedal. The driver depressed the brake pedal for an extended time, but the vehicle continued accelerating. The driver pressed the park button, which slowed the vehicle, and the driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the owner was informed about a possible recall. The dealer determined the failure was due to a stuck floor mat and sudden unintended acceleration. The front and rear brakes were replaced along with the floor mat. The floor mat was PN: 84734211. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11719389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesMinerva, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated around a corner, with the floor mat stuck under the pedal. The driver depressed the brake pedal for an extended time, but the vehicle continued accelerating. The driver pressed the park button, which slowed the vehicle, and the driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the owner was informed about a possible recall. The dealer determined the failure was due to a stuck floor mat and sudden unintended acceleration. The front and rear brakes were replaced along with the floor mat. The floor mat was PN: 84734211. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11719389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesMinerva, OH
EQUIPMENT:ACCESSORY:FLOOR MAT
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed on the freeway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated around a corner, with the floor mat stuck under the pedal. The driver depressed the brake pedal for an extended time, but the vehicle continued accelerating. The driver pressed the park button, which slowed the vehicle, and the driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the owner was informed about a possible recall. The dealer determined the failure was due to a stuck floor mat and sudden unintended acceleration. The front and rear brakes were replaced along with the floor mat. The floor mat was PN: 84734211. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11719389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Charleston, SC
POWER TRAIN
When I start at a low speed it's like it does not know which gear to go in. You push on the gas and it does not move much and then launches forward. It has done this since I purchased it in April 2025 used.When in auto stop and the engine starts up with my foot still on the brake, sometimes it will lurch and buck. Buick dealer did do a transmission fluid flush and it still does the same thing daily.
NHTSA complaint #11708450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Station, INCrash
POWER TRAIN
11/25/25 DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISION WAS IN DRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND CONTINUED TO THE FINAL DESTINATION. 3 DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. TRANSMITION WENT FROM DRIVE TO 1 ST GEAR. I STOPPED THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. i CONTINUED TO FINAL DESTINATION. I FEEL VERY LUCKY THIS ALL HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS GOING 5-10 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #11702035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mounds, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel pump and fuel control module failed. Car will not stay running. Currently at GM dealership. Confirmed and repair cost about $500. No warning lights.
NHTSA complaint #11701652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mounds, OK
ENGINE
Fuel pump and fuel control module failed. Car will not stay running. Currently at GM dealership. Confirmed and repair cost about $500. No warning lights.
NHTSA complaint #11701652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mounds, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel pump and fuel control module failed. Car will not stay running. Currently at GM dealership. Confirmed and repair cost about $500. No warning lights.
NHTSA complaint #11701652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesMaple Grove, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert malfunctioned. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side-view mirror illuminated erroneously while driving near a guard rail. Additionally, the contact stated that the side-view mirror had failed to illuminate while there was a vehicle in the blind spot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact inspected underneath the vehicle and noticed that the bracket in the rear passenger's side bumper fascia had detached and was hanging by the wires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the bracket detachment was related to the failure. The dealer determined that the entire rear bumper fascia, the mounting brackets, and the clips needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer needed to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and was informed that 10 percent of the repair cost would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11692364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesMaple Grove, MN
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert malfunctioned. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side-view mirror illuminated erroneously while driving near a guard rail. Additionally, the contact stated that the side-view mirror had failed to illuminate while there was a vehicle in the blind spot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact inspected underneath the vehicle and noticed that the bracket in the rear passenger's side bumper fascia had detached and was hanging by the wires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the bracket detachment was related to the failure. The dealer determined that the entire rear bumper fascia, the mounting brackets, and the clips needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dealer needed to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and was informed that 10 percent of the repair cost would be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11692364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBuffalo, NY
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Clair Shores, MI
POWER TRAIN
This has happened about 4-5 times now, car has approximately 17.5k miles. While accelerating attempting to reach speed limit, transmission has slipped out of gear and power to wheels is not happening. Have learned to switch into neutral and then drive and transmission will reorient and grab the appropriate gear and reengage the power to the wheels. This occurrence does not throw off any codes so it appears random. Took it to the dealer and they said it would be two weeks before their transmission guy could take a look at it and try to recreate. Since it is not throwing codes, elected to continue driving since it usually occurs in the 25 - 35 mph range.
NHTSA complaint #11668858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,950 milesChicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while stopped in traffic on the highway, while accelerating, the transmission started slipping and the vehicle jerked abnormally before starting to drive normally. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that additional diagnostic testing was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,950.
NHTSA complaint #11649112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ira Township, MI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
When driving 2021 Buick Envision, the windshield and side windows do not defrost with HVAC set to defrost mode. Service Climate system is displayed on dash. Vehicle was inspected by dealer finding replacement of HVAC case half housing required on 1/22/24 ( a year ago). GM (OEM) has been in contact but has failed to provide a solution after 1 year of trying to obtain a part from their system. This condition results in immediate fogging condition of all windows without warning presenting a visibility safety hazard for the driver and surrounding vehicles. Sorry GM, but a rag to wipe the window is not a good solution. It has been a year with no urgency from GM to remedy the issue. This is deemed a critical function for safety and GM does not take it seriously.
NHTSA complaint #11634337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I think it may be either fuel propulsion system or it maybe something electrical. I don’t really know. It is available for inspection at this time as it has been at the car dealer repair shop for about a month. My safety is put at risk because about seven or eight out of 10 times that I attempt to start the vehicle, it will turn over by pushing the button, but will not start. I work until past dark many nights and my vehicle not starting is a big safety issue. The dealer said they reproduced it, but they have not been able to reproduce it again. Again, when I have it, it happens more than half the time. The dealer tells me they are communicating with the Buick engineers as the computer does not show any issues. They have so far not being able to determine the problem. there were no warning lamps or anything like that. It started happening occasionally when it was under warranty, I took it in twice to the dealer repair shop and they both said they could not reproduce the issue at that time. This is the third time I have brought it in and it is just past the end of my warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11633507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I think it may be either fuel propulsion system or it maybe something electrical. I don’t really know. It is available for inspection at this time as it has been at the car dealer repair shop for about a month. My safety is put at risk because about seven or eight out of 10 times that I attempt to start the vehicle, it will turn over by pushing the button, but will not start. I work until past dark many nights and my vehicle not starting is a big safety issue. The dealer said they reproduced it, but they have not been able to reproduce it again. Again, when I have it, it happens more than half the time. The dealer tells me they are communicating with the Buick engineers as the computer does not show any issues. They have so far not being able to determine the problem. there were no warning lamps or anything like that. It started happening occasionally when it was under warranty, I took it in twice to the dealer repair shop and they both said they could not reproduce the issue at that time. This is the third time I have brought it in and it is just past the end of my warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11633507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dumfries, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electircal System, Interior Lighting: Purchased car used 11/05/24. Interior rear lights come on while driving, once started they will not automatically turn off, and remain on when the vehicle is turned off. This incident is the same as NHTSA ID Number: 11607181, dated: 08/03/24.
NHTSA complaint #11633461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iva, SC
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle engine died in the middle of the road. Would turn over but not start. Seemed like fuel system stopped working
NHTSA complaint #11628760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iva, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle engine died in the middle of the road. Would turn over but not start. Seemed like fuel system stopped working
NHTSA complaint #11628760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesMemphis, TN
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11615453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesMemphis, TN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11615453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Interior light keep coming on while driving when I turn it off it comes back on
NHTSA complaint #11607181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Interior light keep coming on while driving when I turn it off it comes back on
NHTSA complaint #11607181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
NHTSA complaint #11593096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.