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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-BUICK-ENVISIONNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Buick
2021 Buick Envision problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 23 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2021 Buick Envision has 23 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 5 complaints, typically surfacing around 53,000 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Envision?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2021 Buick Envision? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 53,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 34,950 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 34,950 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2021 Envision· electrical
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.
When I push on the accelerator the car hesitates and then surges forward. I took the vehicle to the dealership where they recreated the problem however it was not throwing any codes. After examination they determined that the problem was turbo lag. I was advised to continue…
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…
Had a problem with your 2021 Buick Envision?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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 air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Buick Envision reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Buick Envision is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2021 Buick Envision?
On the NHTSA data, the 2021 Buick Envision does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Buick Envision?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 5 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2021 Buick Envision a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 23 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 53,000 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Buick Envision?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 5 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 53,000 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 53,000 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Buick Envision has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Buick Envision?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 23 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Buick/Envision.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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