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2019 Buick Envision Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Buick Envision has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Suspension shuddering over bumps and pavement irregularities.” 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.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Buick Envision.

Reported to NHTSA

Suspension shuddering over bumps and pavement irregularities

SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-02

“I bought this vehicle used to take on a trip with my family. Drove it for a week and seemed to be fine. Got on the other side of Chicago, on interstate 80 (70mph) and the engine started shaking like an earthquake”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721060
“The problem started in the past year (2024-2025) with severe shuddering while driving over 35-40 mph and going over a patched pothole or other irregularity in the road. The shuddering would continue until I slowed to stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695619
“Severe shuddering while driving. Sometimes on a smooth roadway and sometimes when crossing over a patched pothole. Shuddering continued until slowed to stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646844

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Premature tire tread wear and blowout

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2023-10

“I'm recalling an incident I reported last year. GM refused to honor the service bulletin, and Palmen Buick GMC Cadillac in Kenosha, WI refused to work with Michelin”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548887
“Tires are measuring low tread (4/32in) under 27,000. At under 25,000 miles on 6/17/2022, my vehicle experienced a blowout at low speed (approx 20mph), minutes after it had been parked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11490883
“All 4 Michelin Premier LTX 225 / 60 R 18 tires are worn down to (on 2 tires) and below (on 2 tires) the unsafe level, where the vehicle cannot even pass an insnspection, due to safety concerns”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425999

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake assist warning light with reduced or lost braking

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-07

“Driving home from work and I seen the "service brake assist" light popped on. I did not know what that meant, until I tried to slow down around a curve. The brake pedal was extremely firm and mad stopping in time almost impossible”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750713
“I have a warning on my dash, "Service Brake Assist" that comes on and off, but will not stay on. The dealer says they can't identify the problem unless it stays on and then bring it in”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742967
“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE "BRAKE ASSIST" LIGHT CAME ON. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND HAD NO BRAKES, THEN HAD LIMITED BRAKES WHEN SLOWLY PUMPING THEN PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THAT WARNING WENT OFF AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CAME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156406

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of engine power and turbo failure

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2026-06

“The turbo failed by reducing speed all a sudden when I was driving on the freeway. Got the problem repaired and not even a month later same thing is happening again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745860
“The envision started losing power, the engine would not gain speed or if it did it was very slow, had the booster vacuum sensor changed, Sudden loss of power or sluggish acceleration, In the beginning the noise/whining was not loud however increased from the engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745260
“WHILE DRIVING IN CRUISE CONTROL BETWEEN 35 TO 40 MPH, GOING UP A SMALL INCLINE, THE ENGINE BOGS DOWN AND THE VEHICLE RATTLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11302175

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)

13 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

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues 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 2019 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.

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