VehicleVerdict

2021 Buick Envision problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Buick Envision sits mid-pack among Envision years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 27, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (7), electrical system (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

33

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Envision years?

Envision NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted113 complaints2016: 27 complaints2017: 113 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 33 complaints2020: 19 complaints2021: 33 complaints2022: 42 complaints2023: 37 complaints2024: 18 complaints2025: 8 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Envision NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Envision years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Buick Envision problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System721%
Electrical System515%
Transmission515%
Other412%
Engine26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Suspension13%
Airbags13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Brakes13%
Driver Assistance13%
Lighting13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2021 Buick Envision have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V903000LightingDecember 8, 2022 · 740,108 units

Defect

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.

21V421000AirbagsJune 10, 2021 · 285,622 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Driving at 45 mph the vehicle stopped running in traffic. Able to get off road and vehicle would not start. Engine turned over but did not fire. Waited about 10 min. while on phone with dealer and tried again. It started. Able to drive approx. 2 miles to dealer. Dealer says Fuel pump control module…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 4, 2023

“11/25/25 DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THE TRANSMISION WAS IN DRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND CONTINUED TO THE FINAL DESTINATION. 3 DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. TRANSMITION WENT FROM DRIVE TO 1 ST GEAR. I STOPPED THE CAR. I PUT THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 29, 2025 · crash

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 5, 2024

“got a check engine light on, took to dealer was a code 1098, the part is on back order told that it would not be available until middle of may, this happened to me at the end of march, now am learning that GM issued a recall on that part for their diesel Duramax engine, I think it is a GM wide…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 24, 2026

“Fuel pump and fuel control module failed. Car will not stay running. Currently at GM dealership. Confirmed and repair cost about $500. No warning lights.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 12, 2025

2021 Buick Envision — common questions

Is the 2021 Buick Envision reliable?

It is close to typical for the Envision: 33 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2021 Envision problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (7 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2021 Buick Envision have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Buick Envision. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Buick Envision years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Envision years to avoid are 2017, 2022. The cleanest record among Envision years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Buick Envision?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Buick Envision earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.