What are the most common Buick Envision problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Buick Envision has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV), Brake Vacuum Pump / Booster Pressure Sensor Failure Triggering 'Service Brake Assist' and Hard Pedal, Front Brake Hose Rupture Causing Sudden Pedal-to-Floor Brake Loss. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Envision reliable?
The 2018 Buick Envision has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV) and Brake Vacuum Pump / Booster Pressure Sensor Failure Triggering 'Service Brake Assist' and Hard Pedal and Front Brake Hose Rupture Causing Sudden Pedal-to-Floor Brake Loss and Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Buick Envision problems?
Repair costs for known Buick Envision issues range from $0 to $1,600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV), typically costs $180-$650 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Fuel Dilution of Engine Oil from Stuck PCV Valve (2.0T LTG / 2.5L LCV)?
On Gen1 Envisions the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve integrated into the cam cover sticks or fails, letting unburned fuel wash past the rings and accumulate in the crankcase. Owners find the oil level rising above the full mark, a strong gasoline smell in the oil, and a rich-r… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2020 Buick Envision Brake Vacuum Pump / Booster Pressure Sensor Failure Triggering 'Service Brake Assist' and Hard Pedal?
Owners report a 'Service Brake Assist' message appearing while driving, immediately followed by a brake pedal that is either rock-hard and requires extreme force, or that goes unresponsive and then sinks to the floor when pumped. Two NHTSA complaints on the 2019 describe this at… Repairs typically run $300-$950. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2018 Buick Envision Front Brake Hose Rupture Causing Sudden Pedal-to-Floor Brake Loss?
Gen1 Envisions have a cluster of NHTSA complaints describing a front flexible brake hose splitting or rupturing, dumping fluid and producing an instant loss of braking with the pedal falling to the floor. The left front hose is the most frequently reported location, with the righ… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Sudden Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist with DTC C056E-5A?
Envision owners report the steering going completely heavy or the wheel effectively locking, sometimes at highway speed during a merge and sometimes on the restart phase of the auto stop/start cycle. One NHTSA complaint describes total loss of assist lasting about five minutes th… Repairs typically run $200-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Instrument Cluster and Center Display Blackout While Driving?
A recurring Gen1 electrical failure: the instrument cluster, radio and shifter illumination go completely dark for 5-20 seconds while the vehicle is moving, then come back on their own. NHTSA reports for the 2017 describe the display going 'very dim and sometimes completely out'… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2018 Buick Envision Front Half-Shaft Shudder Causing Shake When Accelerating From a Stop?
Early Envisions develop a pronounced front-end shake or shimmy when pulling away from a stop, typically fading by about 15 mph. Owners report it from nearly new (some at delivery mileage) and dealers frequently misdiagnosed it as tires, alignment or the steering rack - one owner… Repairs typically run $700-$1,600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2022 Buick Envision Rear Lower Control Arm Bushing Fluid Leak and Suspension Squeak Over Bumps?
The Envision uses hydraulically damped (fluid-filled) rear lower control arm bushings. These bushings split and weep their fluid, showing as a discolored or wet bushing on inspection and producing a squeak or squawk noise over bumps plus a loose, unsettled feel from the rear end. Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2020 Buick Envision Charge Air Cooler Moisture Intrusion Causing Misfire and Turbo Underboost (2.0T LTG)?
The 2.0L LTG turbo's air-to-air charge air cooler collects condensate in its lower core. Under humid conditions or after short trips the accumulated water is slugged into the intake on a hard throttle application, causing a sudden multi-cylinder misfire, a stumble, and in some ca… Repairs typically run $450-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Buick Envision Auto Stop/Start Rough Restart and Harsh Transmission Re-Engagement?
Envisions equipped with GM's auto stop/start shut the engine off at lights and stop signs, then restart with a stumble that owners describe as feeling like a misfire. Moving from the brake to the accelerator during the stop cycle can produce a flare followed by the transmission s… Repairs typically run $0-$450. Severity: medium.
