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Buick · Compact SUV · 2016–2020 Custom Search

Buick Envision 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Buick Envision 1 is available with 2 engine variants — from 200 to 256 hp.

2.5L Ecotec I4 · Petrol· 197 PS
2017 2020

2.5L Ecotec with port and direct injection, 197 hp. Fundamentally reliable engine with few complaints. Brake vacuum pump is the only notable weakness. Adequate for city driving, struggles on the highway.

  • !! Brake Vacuum Pump Failure from 100,000 km

    The brake vacuum pump can fail and damage the exhaust camshaft during failure. Affects braking performance. The 2.5L is otherwise very reliable — this is its main known weakness.

    Symptoms: Spongy brake pedal, longer braking distances, camshaft noise
    500–1,200 $
    Ad brake vacuum pump 2.5 LCV
Envision Premium · Petrol· 252 PS
2016 2020

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 252 hp and 260 lb-ft. Modern direct injection with dual VVT. Mechanically more solid than the 1.5 turbo of the same platform. Watch for carbon buildup on intake valves past 100k miles.

No known weaknesses documented.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Dashboard Complete Blackout While Driving

All dashboard lights and instruments shut down completely for 5-20 seconds while driving at highway speeds. Major safety hazard.

Symptoms: All instruments go black, radio and display shut off simultaneously, brake failure possible
from 18,000 km
Ad Envision instrument clusterBCM Envision
 High
!Auto Start-Stop Failure

Start-stop system works unreliably or fails to restart engine. Battery voltage and control module identified as causes.

Symptoms: Engine won't restart after stop, delayed restart, error message
Ad start-stop battery EnvisionBCM Envision
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
138 complaints · 2016–2020
  1. 01 Electrical
    34 ⚠ 2
  2. 02 Brakes
    32 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Other
    22
  4. 04 Engine
    18
  5. 05 Powertrain
    15

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (34 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (32 complaints)
⚠ Other (22 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 6 weaknesses have been documented for the Buick Envision 1 (2016–2020) — 1 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, HVAC, Brakes, Body. Considered reliable: LCV (2.5L Ecotec I4).

What to watch out for with the Buick Envision? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Buick Envision 1 have? +
The Buick Envision 1 has 1 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Buick Envision 1? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: LCV (2.5L Ecotec I4). The most reliable engine is the LCV (2.5L Ecotec I4) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the LTG (2.0L Turbo I4).
Which Buick Envision 1 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Buick Envision 1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 1 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Buick Envision 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Buick Envision 1 — rated: "Decent". {description} 252 hp turbo is adequate for the weight. Direct injection needs premium fuel, keep an eye on carbon buildup.
Is the Buick Envision 1 worth buying used? +
The Buick Envision 1 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Buick Envision 1? +
The Buick Envision 1 is available with engine variants from 200 to 256 hp. Petrol: LCV (2.5L Ecotec I4), LTG (2.0L Turbo I4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee