Wrench.Pro

2017 Buick Envision Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Buick Envision carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering equipment and fuel pump. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Inadequate headlight illumination.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V404000 · Jun 27, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. An accessory NSV Universal Tablet Holder may have been installed incorrectly onto the front seat head restraints, preventing the head restraint posts from fully engaging in the seat back. If so, the head restraints would fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."

Risk: If the head restraint posts are not fully engaging in the seat back, the head restraint may loosen or dislodge, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints and tablet holders for the correct installation, reinstalling them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17239/17258.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #18V358000 · May 31, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. 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 18188.

STRUCTURE

Campaign #17V412000 · Jun 29, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement headliner as part of a repair. These service parts might not have had impact energy-absorbing foam blocks attached. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact."

Risk: If the service parts do not have energy-absorbing foam blocks, there may be an increased risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headliner assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 17275.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #16V516000 · Jul 7, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured February 4, 2016, to April 25, 2016. The Tire and Loading Information label may display the incorrect maximum weight information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: Incorrect weight information may cause an owner to overload the vehicle. Overloading may reduce vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label as necessary, free of charge. The began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 56340.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Buick Envision.

Reported to NHTSA

Inadequate headlight illumination

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2021-08

“THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE MOSTLY INADEQUATE. THEY FAIL TO PROVIDE DECENT LIGHTING BEYOND A SHORT DISTANCE IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FOG LIGHTS IMPROVE THE SITUATION, BUT WHEN USING HIGH BEAMS YOU'D HAVE BETTER LUCK SEEING AHEAD BY PUTTING A FLASHLIGHT OUT THE WINDOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062635
“THE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE 2017 BUICK ENVISION OR INADEQUATE. THEY ARE DIM AND LACK DISTANCE PROJECTION EVEN ON BRIGHT. WE CAN BARELY SEE TO GET UP AND DOWN THE HILL OF OUR DRIVEWAY. WE DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT UNLESS WE KNOW THE ROAD WELL. THE HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE RECALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11039543
“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated while driving 45-50 mph, a week after purchasing the vehicle, she noticed that the headlights were significantly dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428438

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vibration during acceleration and turning

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2024-06

“When I am accelerating at a faster pace, always at 40 mph, my vehicle will start to shake. I have tested it several times now getting onto the interstate, it becomes an issue on the "on ramp" because I have to release the acceleration pedal and then very slowly get up to speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592175
“1 MONTH OLD IT DEVELOPED A VIBRATION/SHIMMY IN THE STEERING AND FELT ON THE FLOOR OF THE CARE THAT COULD BE FELT BY DRIVER AND PASSENGER. SHIMMY STARTED WHEN ACCELERATING AND TURNING AND PROGRESSED TO ALSO WHEN ACCELERATION WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD. IT IS NOW 9 MONTHS OLD AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130260
“THE VEHICLE SHAKES ON EXCELERATION IT IS WORSE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT BUT ALSO DOES THE SHAKING GOING STRAIGHT,THE DEALER CALLED GM ENGINEERING AND SO FAR THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING IT HAS BEEN A MONTH NOW AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM THIS CAR IS AN ALL WHEEL DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11045087

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure to shift with fault codes

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-01

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated that after the vehicle had reached 10,000 miles driven, the transmission failed to immediately shift into drive(D) or 2nd gear while accelerating from being stationary. The check engine, speed sensor, pressure sensor”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643307
“WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO SHIFT. THE RPM'S WILL LITERALLY REDLINE, IF I DO NOT LIFT MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS QUICKLY, AND REPLACE IT BACK ON THE GAS - THIS REMINDS ME OF A MANUAL SHIFT, BUT THIS IS NOT A MANUAL TRANSMISSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11342281
“2017 Buick envision failed an annual smog check with OBD trouble codes: P0700; P2535; and U0100. P0700 is related to a transmission issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714262

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line and hose failure with fluid loss

SERVICE BRAKES

17 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to use the terrain-driving system to continue driving. The local dealer was not”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734580
“BRAKES FAILED. BRAKE FLUID LEAK OUT OF A SPLIT BRAKE LINE. I WAS DRIVING CAR FOR MULTIPLE STOPS. NO PROBLEMS. CAME TO A STOP LIGHT PUSH DOWN ON BRAKE. FOUND PRESSURE AND THEN IT RELEASE AND THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. ADDED BRAKE FLUID. IT IMMEDIATELY LEAKED OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398881
“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced intermittent brake failure with the brake warning light illuminated. The driver was able to slow down, pull into a gas station, and stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11454501

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and dashboard display blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2020-02

“COMPUTER SCREEN DISPLAY FREQUENTLY GOES VERY DIM AND SOMETIMES COMPLETELY OUT SEVERAL TIMES THERE HAS BEEN NO DISPLAY SHOWING WHEN WE WERE BACKING UP PLUS THE WARNING BEEPER DIDN'T COME ON. WE HAVE HAD 2 MINOR ACCIDENTS WHEN WE WERE BACKING UP BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11165120
“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT FULL SPEED WHEN THE CAR ABRUPTLY SHUT OFF. I HAD NO POWER AND ALL DASH LIGHTS WENT BLACK. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT I MANAGED TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11255105
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATES AND HIGHWAYS, THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. THE RADIO, METERS, DASH DISPLAY, ETC. ALL GO DARK AND TURN OFF FOR A SPAN OF 5-20 SECONDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE COUPLE YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS GOING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11311729

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Auto Stop failure with steering lockup

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-07

“When I stop at traffic lights, my car does not immediately turn back on (it has the auto stop feature). It flashes "parking brake released" on the dashboard. Then, it starts back up. Sometimes, it has not started back up right away & the steering wheel seizes. It has also said”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752143
“When the car is in auto engine shut off mode, when the brake is released the steering power assist message displays, the steering wheel locks up, the doors unlock and the interior and exterior lights flash. The car will start back up but it takes a second to start. The car is”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446993
“ON AT LEAST 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS AND INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM HAVE WENT COMPLETELY BLACK THIS IS AT VARYING SPEEDS FROM 25 MILES TO 60 MILES AND EVEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT THIS HAS HAPPENED. WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN ITS ONLY FOR COUPLE SECONDS. THIS HAS ALSO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366520

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dash panel display dims in shaded areas

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2018-10

“THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FOR THE DASH/RADIO/BACKUP CAMERA/NAV SCREEN ARE ALL DIMMED PREMATURELY IN THE EVENING. YOU'LL ENTER A SHADY AREA AND WHILE STILL VERY BRIGHT OUTSIDE, THE SCREEN DIMS AND ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS DIM TO THE POINT OF BEING UNUSABLE - ALMOST NON-EXISTENT. SAFETY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062634
“DASH LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN YOU ARE IN A SHADY AREA. STAY OUT WAY TO LONG. NO WAY TO ADJUST TO MAKE THEM BRIGHT. COLLISION ALERT GOES OFF WHEN YOU ARE NOT NEAR HITTING ANYTHING. CLOCK WENT FROM EST TO WEST COAST TIME. CAR MAKES A KNOCKING SOUND IN THE REAR END. ALSO MAKES A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141596
“THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER AND INTEGRATED CENTER STACK DISPLAY DETAILS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH AND DIFFICULT TO SEE DURING THE DAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072021

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat belt fraying and release failure

SEAT BELTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2023-06

“This is the second time its happened but today while I was already out my driver side seat belt will not release. No matter what I do, the seat belt will not release. Therefore I had to drive home without a seat belt, which is scary. This same exact thing happened before and I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528743
“Owner of a 2017 Buick Envision that the front driver’s side seat belt strap has started to fray along the seat belt which could fail in a crash. It seems that the male seat belt connector maybe causing the fraying. The current mileage on the 2017 Envision is 41,497 miles. The”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519836
“The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt strap had started to fray at the seat belt connection point. The contact indicated that the fraying became progressively worse over time. The cause of the failure was not yet”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482263

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

29 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Buick Envision reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →