Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving ~72 MPH on the interstate and my car suddenly downshifted and the dash read "Speed limited to 62 MPH". I took the nearest off ramp and the brakes completely failed. The dash initially read "service transmission" and "service breaks". After restarting the Buick Envision, the MyBuick App diagnostics stated "service breaks" only. The car was towed to the dealership this date. I have not heard from them on what has caused the brake failure yet.
While driving for approximately 2 1/2 hours with cruise set at 78. I did need to brake on occasion and then resume speed. For no apparent reason the car suddenly braked. Speed dropped to about 50 and then immediately resumed speed. No one was hurt. Things in the back seat pushed forward. I don't know if it has anything to do with that incident but from them until I returned home, about 1 hour later my windows were fogging, I turned on the defrost about 3 times.
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle started rolling backwards and independently stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where an employee suggested disabling the parking brake. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
After coming to a stop, I then put onto another road and several warning lights chimes came on in my car, including brake system failure. This is the second time this has happened in less than two weeks. A dealership said they fix the problem and then it did it again today I was traveling on a road with several other vehicles. Due to the braking issue, it took me a longer distance than should've taken to get my vehicle to come to a complete stop. My speed limit is limited in my car, which could also cause a danger due to the roads that I travel frequently.
The contact owns a 2023 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed to immediately activate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle to prevent crashing into the vehicle in front and became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard for the vehicle to come to a stop. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake module had failed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the steering failure. The contact stated that the brake module had been replaced. …
The contact owns a 2023 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the part for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Envision. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The message "No Lane Assist - Caution" was displayed. The contact pumped the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was related to the brake system computer chip. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the same repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the messages indicating transmission and steering failures were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the body control module (BCM). The vehicle was being diagnosed. …
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and coming to a red light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact shifted to neutral before the vehicle came to a complete stop. The engine continued to rev abnormally as if the vehicle was accelerating. After several minutes, the engine stopped revving excessively, and the contact was able to continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to March 18, 2016. The the master cylinder brake lines may crack and leak brake fluid.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the master cylinder brake lines, free of charge. The recall began on January 18, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300.
NHTSA investigations
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a "Brake System Failure" message at start up or while driving.
Frequently asked questions
Which Buick Envision years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (22), 2019 (6) and 2023 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Buick Envision brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-922 (service brakes, hydraulic, Dec 21, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Buick Envision brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (3 mentions).
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.