Buick Envision problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The biggest Envision recalls are on second-generation models: 22V-903 for 2021–2023 daytime running lights that may not switch off with the headlights, and 21V-421 for a 2021 air bag warning light. First-generation 2016–2017 recalls were small, covering a high-pressure fuel pump, brake lines and labels.

CarWhere lists 8 documented Envision issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Envision generations at a glance

Second generation Envision problems (2021–present)

Daytime running lights may not turn off (recall 22V-903) (2021–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2021–present) – 2021–2023
Years:
2021–2023
Powertrain:
All

The daytime running lights may not deactivate when the headlights are on, so the vehicles do not meet FMVSS 108. The campaign covers 2021–2023 Envision and several Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models, about 740,108 vehicles. Body control module software is updated by a dealer or over the air.

Symptoms

  • DRLs that stay bright with the headlights on

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V903 (2022-12) · 740,108 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

Air bag warning light may not work correctly (recall 21V-421) (2021)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2021–present) – 2021
Years:
2021
Powertrain:
All

The communications gateway module may mishandle a loss of communication with the air bag sensing module, so the air bag warning light may not come on consistently. The campaign covers 2021 Envision and other GM models, about 285,622 vehicles. Software is updated by a dealer or over the air.

Symptoms

  • Air bag light that comes and goes

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 21V421 (2021-06) · 285,622 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][2]

All-weather floor mat can trap the accelerator (recall 24E-066) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2021–present) – 2024
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All

GM recalled Envision all-weather floor mats, part number 85647097, that may have been installed in 2024 Envisions, because the accelerator pedal can get trapped under the mat. About 27,793 mats are covered. Dealers modify the driver mat, and owners can be reimbursed for it.

Symptoms

  • Accelerator pedal that sticks or will not return

Check before buying

  • Check whether the vehicle has the driver-side all-weather mat
  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete

NHTSA recall: 24E066 (2024-08) · 27,793 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][2]

Tire and loading label may be missing (recall 24V-710) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2021–present) – 2024
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All

Some 2024 Envisions are missing the label that lists tire size, pressure and loading information. About 527 vehicles are covered, and dealers install the label.

Symptoms

  • No tire placard on the driver door jamb

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 24V710 (2024-09) · 527 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][2]

Electronic owner's manual may not download (recall 26V-114) (2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2021–present) – 2026
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2026 Envisions and many other GM models, the radio may not have been set to download the electronic owner's manual, so the vehicles do not meet FMVSS 208. About 5,861 vehicles are covered. Dealers reset the radio.

Symptoms

  • Owner's manual not available on the center screen

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V114 (2026-02) · 5,861 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6][2]

First generation Envision problems (2016–2020)

High-pressure fuel pump may detach (recall 18V-358) (2016–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2016–2020) – 2016–2017
Years:
2016–2017
Powertrain:
All

The high-pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange and damage the high-pressure fuel line. The campaign covers 2016–2017 Envision and other GM models, about 895 vehicles. Dealers replace the pump and the fuel pipe.

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell under the hood
  • Engine stalling

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V358 (2018-05) · 895 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][2]

Master cylinder brake lines may leak (recall 16V-922) (2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2016–2020) – 2016
Years:
2016
Powertrain:
All

On certain 2016 Envisions built January 19 to March 18, 2016, the master cylinder brake lines may crack and leak fluid. About 327 vehicles are covered, and dealers replace the lines.

Symptoms

  • Brake warning light
  • Soft brake pedal or fluid under the car

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 16V922 (2016-12) · 327 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][2]

Accessory tablet holder may stop head restraints locking (recall 17V-404) (2016–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2016–2020) – 2016–2017
Years:
2016–2017
Powertrain:
All

An accessory universal tablet holder may have been installed so the front head restraint posts do not fully engage. About 768 2016–2017 Envisions are covered. Dealers inspect and reinstall the head restraints and holders. Related small campaigns covered missing headliner foam (17V-412) and an incorrect tire label (16V-516).

Symptoms

  • Head restraint that lifts out without pressing the release

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 17V404 (2017-06) · 768 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9][10][11][2]

Related Envision research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Envision was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Buick build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Buick build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Buick Envision problems?

The documented issues are recalls: daytime running light software on 2021–2023 models (22V-903), the 2021 air bag warning light (21V-421) and a 2024 floor mat recall (24E-066). First-generation recalls were small.

Does the 2016–2020 Envision have recalls?

Yes, but they cover few vehicles: a high-pressure fuel pump (18V-358) and brake lines (16V-922), plus tablet holder, headliner and label campaigns. We found no 2018–2020 Envision campaigns in the DOT dataset.

Is there a 2024 Envision floor mat recall?

Yes. Recall 24E-066 covers about 27,793 all-weather floor mats (part 85647097) that can trap the accelerator pedal. Dealers modify the mat.

Do Envision software recalls need a dealer visit?

Not always. GM says the 22V-903 and 21V-421 software fixes can be done by a dealer or delivered over the air.

How do I check a used Envision for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or ask a Buick dealer, and ask for repair orders showing completed recall work.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 22V-903 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Envision — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  3. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 21V-421 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  4. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 24E-066 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  5. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 24V-710 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  6. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-114 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  7. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-358 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  8. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 16V-922 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  9. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 17V-404 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  10. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 17V-412 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  11. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 16V-516 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

More Buick tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Buick or General Motors. Buick, Avenir and the model names are trademarks of General Motors.