Most common 2021 Buick Envision problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Buick Envision complaints by model year
Best Envision years: 2018, 2020. Years to avoid: 2023, 2021, 2022, 2019. Compare all years →
2021 Buick Envision recalls (2)
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.
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.
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…
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.
What 2021 Buick Envision owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
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. …
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. …
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. …
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.
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
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.
2021 Buick Envision engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 9-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Buick Envision a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Envision rates use caution: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Envision at the same age. It is one of the Envision years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Buick Envision?
The fuel & propulsion system — 7 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and transmission & drivetrain (5).
How many recalls does the 2021 Buick Envision have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2021 Buick Envision, the most recent from December 8, 2022 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Buick Envision?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2021, 2022 and 2019. See the full Buick Envision years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Buick Envision problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.