AI Damage2017 Buick Envision: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Buick Envision filed 81 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and service brakes. The maker issued 723 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 81
- involving a crash
- 2
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 723
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 31% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 27% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 14% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 12% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 10% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 9% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 4% of all complaints
- 8 Seat belts 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 25 complaints (31% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 151.
- Service brakes: 22 complaints (27% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 15.
- Engine: 11 complaints (14% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 69.
- Powertrain: 10 complaints (12% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 54.
- Steering: 8 complaints (10% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 20.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: AWD, FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 81 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 25 | 2 | 151 |
| Service brakes | 22 | 1 | 15 |
| Engine | 11 | 0 | 69 |
| Powertrain | 10 | 0 | 54 |
| Steering | 8 | 0 | 20 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 29 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 19 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 17 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 286 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Brakes failed while coming to a stop causing me to crash into the back of someone. Also all dash and radio and shifter lights went out and came back on at the same time brakes failed. Brake issue still not fixed by GM Buick.
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 computer screen and warning beeper.
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, "Assisted Steering Reduced" & "Stabilitrack Not Engaged (or something to that effect)." When the issue started, I tried to start my car & it…
There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to use the terrain-driving system to continue driving. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the sensor for the catalytic converter. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Check engine light is on Turbo is failing, underboost code. Very unsafe on roadway due to unpredictable loss of power. The issue has been diagnosed through my local service center. I have not taken it to a dealership yet but will be next week. The issue occurred three weeks ago I believe
There was no warning light illuminated. The contact forcefully depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the message "Service Brake Assist" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated.
Oil change next day noted oil leak on differential due to gasket. Mechanic tried to obtain gasket but system told him because my VIN was below a certain number I would need a new differential. Additionally, gasket could not be obtained.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 654 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 31% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Envision has 23 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 81, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have…
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions…
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle…
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have…
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may…
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000…
This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
NHTSA lists 723 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Buick Envision?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, service brakes, engine. Total complaints: 81. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (21%), infotainment or screen glitches (11%), brake failure (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Buick Envision?
NHTSA lists 723 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Buick Envision from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.