According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Buick Envision has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Fuel Pump Control Module Failure Causing Stalling and Intermittent No-Start (Gen2 LSY) ($500-$1,400 repair) and 9T50/9T65 Nine-Speed Automatic Valve Body Fault - Harsh Clunk, Slipping and 'Service Transmission' ($900-$4,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2021-2023 Buick Envision LSY 2.0L Turbo, second-generation Envisions have a repeating NHTSA pattern of the fuel pump control module failing, producing an engine that dies without warning while driving and a crank-no-start afterward, or that only fires on 7-8 of every 10 attempts. Owners report no warning lights and no stored codes in several cases. One especially dangerous report describes the vehicle stalling in a center freeway lane where the electronic shifter would not allow neutral with the engine off, stranding the car in traffic. Failures are documented from about 11,000 miles, and replacement modules have been back-ordered for extended periods.
Common Symptoms
Engine dies while driving with no warning
Cranks but will not start, intermittently
No check engine light or stored trouble codes at the time of failure
Vehicle stalls and cannot be shifted to neutral to be pushed
How to Fix
Check fuel pressure and fuel pump power/enable at the module before replacing the pump assembly. The repair is replacement of the fuel pump control module (typically mounted at the rear of the vehicle) followed by module programming. Check GM's open recall and field-action list against your VIN, and verify the vehicle's shift-to-neutral procedure with the engine off so you can move it if it strands you.
On the 2019-2022 Buick Envision, the nine-speed automatic in later Envisions produces a violent intermittent clunk when engaging or shifting in Drive - described by one owner as 'so violent, it shakes the entire car' - with a tendency to slip on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, appearing around 14,000-15,000 miles. On Gen2 cars the same family of complaints escalates to a 'Service Transmission Soon' message with a total loss of acceleration that feels like the car dropped into neutral. One documented repair required replacing BOTH valve bodies, where the dealer found a nicked O-ring seal during disassembly. GM TSB 21-NA-169 provides diagnostic procedures for 9T45/9T50/9T60 fault codes, and TSB 23-NA-153 documents which shift delays are considered normal.
Common Symptoms
Loud violent clunk when shifting or engaging Drive
Slipping between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd gears
'Service Transmission Soon' message
Loss of acceleration as if the car shifted into neutral
Jerking at 20-40 mph
How to Fix
Scan the TCM and follow GM TSB 21-NA-169 for 9T45/50/60 diagnostics rather than accepting a 'drive it until it fails' answer. Confirm fluid level and condition with the correct DEXRON HP fluid at the specified temperature, check for updated TCM calibrations, and inspect the valve body and its O-ring seals - replacement of the valve body assembly is the documented fix. After the repair the adaptive shift learning needs time to relearn, so some initial jerkiness is expected.
On the 2018-2022 Buick Envision, 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. GM issued TSB 22-NA-211 specifically directing replacement of the rear lower control arm bushings when found discolored or leaking, and TSB 20-NA-108 addresses the related squeak/squawk noise over bumps. Because the leak looks like an oily film, it is often mistaken for a shock absorber leak.
Common Symptoms
Squeak or squawk noise from the rear over bumps
Oily film or discoloration on the rear lower control arm bushing
Loose or wandering feel from the rear axle
Uneven rear tire wear
How to Fix
Inspect the rear lower control arm bushings for discoloration and fluid weeping - do not condemn the rear shocks first. Follow GM TSB 22-NA-211 to replace the bushings (or the control arm assembly where the bushing is not serviced separately), and address squeak complaints per TSB 20-NA-108. Perform a four-wheel alignment afterward, since rear toe changes when the arm is disturbed.
On the 2017-2022 Buick Envision, 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 slamming into gear. Complaints are filed as low as 2,000-2,600 miles and no diagnostic codes are set, so dealers routinely find nothing - one owner was told by a sales manager to simply shift into neutral when approaching a stop. Related NHTSA reports describe the auto stop failing to restart at all, and steering assist and radio dropping out during the restart, making this a driveability and safety concern rather than a comfort complaint.
Common Symptoms
Engine stumbles like a misfire when restarting from auto stop
Flare in RPM then a hard slam into gear when pulling away
Hesitation or delay before the car will move at a green light
Auto stop occasionally fails to restart the engine
Radio or steering assist drops out during the restart
How to Fix
Have the ECM and TCM reprogrammed to the latest calibrations - GM has issued multiple ECM software updates covering restart quality and cold start control (TSB 19-NA-044, TSB 21-NA-262). Load-test and, if marginal, replace the auxiliary/AGM battery, since a weak battery is the single most common cause of poor stop/start restarts. Clean the throttle body and verify the starter and accessory drive belt tensioner are in good condition. Owners who want it gone permanently use an aftermarket stop/start disable module, since the factory button does not remember its setting.
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."
Campaign #22V90300008/12/2022
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.
Campaign #21V42100010/06/2021
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Buick Envision has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel Pump Control Module Failure Causing Stalling and Intermittent No-Start (Gen2 LSY), 9T50/9T65 Nine-Speed Automatic Valve Body Fault - Harsh Clunk, Slipping and 'Service Transmission', Rear Lower Control Arm Bushing Fluid Leak and Suspension Squeak Over Bumps. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Buick Envision reliable?
The 2021 Buick Envision has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Fuel Pump Control Module Failure Causing Stalling and Intermittent No-Start (Gen2 LSY) and 9T50/9T65 Nine-Speed Automatic Valve Body Fault - Harsh Clunk, Slipping and 'Service Transmission'. 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 $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fuel Pump Control Module Failure Causing Stalling and Intermittent No-Start (Gen2 LSY), typically costs $500-$1,400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2021-2023 Buick Envision Fuel Pump Control Module Failure Causing Stalling and Intermittent No-Start (Gen2 LSY)?
Second-generation Envisions have a repeating NHTSA pattern of the fuel pump control module failing, producing an engine that dies without warning while driving and a crank-no-start afterward, or that only fires on 7-8 of every 10 attempts. Owners report no warning lights and no s… Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2022 Buick Envision 9T50/9T65 Nine-Speed Automatic Valve Body Fault - Harsh Clunk, Slipping and 'Service Transmission'?
The nine-speed automatic in later Envisions produces a violent intermittent clunk when engaging or shifting in Drive - described by one owner as 'so violent, it shakes the entire car' - with a tendency to slip on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, appearing around 14,000-15,000 miles. On Ge… Repairs typically run $900-$4,500. Severity: high.
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 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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
