The 2021 Buick Envision has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Buick Envision. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (5), Electrical System (5), Unknown Or Other (3).
Envision reliability snapshot
74/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$573
Avg annual repair cost
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Buick Envision before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Power Train5
Electrical System5
Unknown Or Other3
Tires2
Fuel Propulsion System2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Buick Envision
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Test for transmission slipping or hesitation during acceleration
☐Check for any check engine lights or starting issues
☐Inspect tires for pitting or delaminating, especially Continental Pro Contact
☐Verify fuel pump control module functionality and check for related recalls
☐Test interior lights to ensure they turn off properly
What owners reported
2021 Buick Envision owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 2 crashes to NHTSA for the 2021 Buick Envision. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints5
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Buick Envision frequently report issues with the transmission, particularly involving slipping and unexpected gear changes. Common symptoms include the transmission slipping out of gear while driving, hesitation or lurching when accelerating from a stop, and difficulty in maintaining power to the wheels. These issues are noted across various mileages, with one report specifying around 17,500 miles and another at approximately 34,950 miles. A crash is reported in one instance where the transmission slipped from drive to neutral at low speed, highlighting potential safety implications. These complaints suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of potential transmission issues, especially when test driving or considering vehicles with similar mileage ranges.
Owners report issues with the electrical system of the 2021 Buick Envision, primarily involving malfunctioning interior lights and fuel pump module failures. Multiple complaints describe interior lights that activate unexpectedly while driving and do not turn off, even when the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, there are reports of the fuel pump and fuel control module failing, causing the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly, including one instance on a highway. These issues appear at varying mileages, with one owner noting problems around 53,000 miles. Safety implications include potential vehicle shutdowns in traffic, which could pose a hazard.
Owner complaints3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Buick Envision report issues primarily related to check engine lights and starting problems. Common symptoms include the illumination of the check engine light, with one owner specifically mentioning a code 1098, and another describing an issue with the Evap Purge Pump at around 37,588 miles. Additionally, there is a recurring problem where the vehicle fails to start consistently, posing a potential safety risk, especially at night. This starting issue is reported to occur frequently, with no warning lights, and has persisted beyond the vehicle's warranty period. No crashes, fires, or loss of control have been reported in the complaints.
Owner complaints2
TIRES
Owners of the 2021 Buick Envision report issues with tire integrity, specifically with Continental Pro Contact tires. Complaints frequently mention pitting, delaminating, and rubber detachment on all four tires, as well as a blowout incident. One owner describes a blowout occurring at approximately 6,389 miles, resulting in damage to the wheel, fender, and door, with repair costs reaching $5,484.66. Safety implications are evident in the blowout that caused vehicle damage, though no crashes or injuries are reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these tire-related issues, especially considering the relatively low mileage at which they occur.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Buick Envision report issues with the fuel pump control module that cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stop running while in motion. Symptoms include the engine shutting down without warning, preventing the vehicle from restarting immediately, and making it difficult to shift into neutral due to electronic shifting limitations. These problems occur at relatively low mileage, with one owner mentioning 11,200 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one owner describes being stranded in a busy freeway lane, unable to move the vehicle, while another reports the vehicle stopping in traffic at 45 mph. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, particularly in high-traffic situations.
2021 Envision recalls (2)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Envision. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V903000Dec 8, 2022
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.
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V421000Jun 10, 2021
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.
2021 Buick Envision on the road
46,450 2021 Buick Envision units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Buick Envision stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2021 Buick Envision achieves a reliability score that is slightly above the segment average, indicating a moderate reliability profile. With only two recalls, the recall count is limited, suggesting that major systemic issues are not prevalent. However, the distribution of complaints across categories such as power train and electrical system suggests that issues are somewhat dispersed rather than isolated to a single area.
The presence of complaints in critical systems like the power train and electrical system, albeit in modest numbers, highlights potential areas of concern for buyers. As the first year of a new generation, some teething problems are not unexpected. Overall, the 2021 Buick Envision presents a moderate reliability risk, with a reliability profile that aligns closely with segment expectations.
What you get in a 2021 Buick Envision report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2021 Buick Envision now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2021 Buick Envision — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Buick Envision reliable?
The 2021 Buick Envision achieves a reliability score that is slightly above the segment average, indicating a moderate reliability profile. With only two recalls, the recall count is limited, suggesting that major systemic issues are not prevalent. However, the distribution of complaints across categories such as power train and electrical system suggests that issues are somewhat dispersed rather than isolated to a single area.
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Envision have?
2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Buick Envision. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Buick Envision problems?
The most-reported 2021 Buick Envision problem areas are: Power Train (5), Electrical System (5), Unknown Or Other (3).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Buick Envision?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Buick Envision, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
